Old Testament

Joshua 22:27

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh explain their intention to build an altar.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
Written
Around 1400-1370 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites entering Canaan
CBTClear Bible Translation

but as a witness between us and you, and our future generations, that we may serve the LORD before Him with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings. This way, your children will not say to our children in the future, 'You have no part in the LORD.'

KJVKing James Version

But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh explain their intention to build an altar. They want it to serve as a reminder for future generations that they are part of God's people and that they worship Him through offerings. The concern is that their children might feel disconnected from the worship practices of the Israelites if they live far away. By establishing this altar, they aim to ensure that their descendants understand their shared faith and heritage, preventing any division or misunderstanding about their relationship with God. This act symbolizes unity and the importance of maintaining a collective identity in worship, emphasizing that all tribes are equally part of God's covenant community.

Key themes

Related topics

unity, worship, legacy

How to apply Joshua 22:27 to your life

This verse encourages us to think about how we can foster a sense of belonging and shared faith within our families and communities. We should create reminders of our spiritual heritage and ensure that future generations understand their connection to God and the importance of worship.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joshua 22:27 mean?

Joshua 22:27 explains that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar as a symbol of their shared faith with the other Israelites. They wanted to ensure that future generations would recognize their connection to God and not feel excluded from the worship practices of the community.

What is the meaning of the altar in Joshua 22:27?

The altar in Joshua 22:27 serves as a physical reminder of the unity among the tribes of Israel and their commitment to worshiping God together. It symbolizes the importance of maintaining a collective identity in faith and ensuring that future generations understand their role in God's covenant.

How does Joshua 22:27 relate to generational faith?

Joshua 22:27 emphasizes the significance of passing down faith and worship practices to future generations. The altar was intended to remind descendants of their connection to God and the importance of participating in the community's worship.

What themes are present in Joshua 22:27?

Key themes in Joshua 22:27 include unity among God's people, the importance of worship, the preservation of spiritual heritage, and the need for a shared identity in faith across generations.

The Book of Joshua
Book Summary

The Book of Joshua

1: God Commissions Joshua

After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.

Premium

Unlock the full Joshua summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.