King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:
Complete Jewish Bible:
So we said, 'Let us now make preparations and build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices,
Berean Standard Bible:
That is why we said, ‘Let us take action and build an altar for ourselves, but not for burnt offerings or sacrifices.
American Standard Version:
Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Therefore we said{H559}, Let us now prepare{H6213} to build{H1129} us an altar{H4196}, not for burnt offering{H5930}, nor for sacrifice{H2077}:
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Joshua 22:26
Joshua 22:26 is a verse that captures a moment in the history of the Israelites after they have taken possession of the Promised Land. The context is the return of the Transjordan tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—who had been given land east of the Jordan River. Before crossing the river to join their fellow Israelites in the conquest, they had made a pact with Moses to help the other tribes secure their inheritance first. Having fulfilled their obligation, they return to their families and lands.
Upon their return, the other tribes fear that the Transjordan tribes have built an altar in rebellion against God, potentially leading to idolatry and division within Israel. However, in Joshua 22:26, the Transjordan tribes explain their actions, stating that the altar they have prepared is not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, which were to be made only at the tabernacle, the central place of worship that God had established. Instead, they clarify that the altar is intended as a replica, a witness to future generations that they, though dwelling apart, are still part of the same covenant people and worship the same God.
The themes present in this verse include unity and faithfulness to God's commands. It highlights the importance of communication and understanding within the community of believers, as well as the need to maintain the integrity of worship practices as prescribed by God. The verse also reflects the delicate balance between geographical separation and religious unity among the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the need for visible symbols that affirm common identity and commitment to the covenant with God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - Strong's Number: H1129
There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּנָה
Transliteration: bânâh
Pronunciation: baw-naw'
Description: a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. - Strong's Number: H4196
There are 338 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִזְבֵּחַ
Transliteration: mizbêach
Pronunciation: miz-bay'-akh
Description: from זָבַח; an altar; altar. - Strong's Number: H5930
There are 262 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֹלָה
Transliteration: ʻôlâh
Pronunciation: o-law'
Description: or עוֹלָה; feminine active participle of עָלָה; a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke); ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also עֶוֶל. - Strong's Number: H2077
There are 153 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זֶבַח
Transliteration: zebach
Pronunciation: zeh'-bakh
Description: from זָבַח; properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act); offer(-ing), sacrifice.