Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “The whole assembly of the LORD says: ‘How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the LORD and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now? New Living Translation “The whole community of the LORD demands to know why you are betraying the God of Israel. How could you turn away from the LORD and build an altar for yourselves in rebellion against him? English Standard Version “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What is this breach of faith that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away this day from following the LORD by building yourselves an altar this day in rebellion against the LORD? Berean Standard Bible “This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day? Berean Literal Bible “Thus says the whole congregation of YHWH: ‘What is this treachery that you⁺ have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following YHWH, in that you⁺ have built for yourselves an altar, that you⁺ might rebel this day against YHWH? King James Bible Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD? New King James Version “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD: ‘What treachery is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that you have built for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel this day against the LORD? New American Standard Bible “This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this unfaithful act which you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following the LORD this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the LORD this day? NASB 1995 “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What is this unfaithful act which you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following the LORD this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the LORD this day? NASB 1977 “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What is this unfaithful act which you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following the LORD this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the LORD this day? Legacy Standard Bible “Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh, ‘What is this unfaithful act which you have committed against the God of Israel, turning away from following Yahweh this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against Yahweh this day? Amplified Bible “This is what the entire congregation of the LORD says, ‘What is this disloyal and unfaithful act which you have committed against the God of Israel, so as to turn away from following the LORD this day, by building yourselves an altar, to rebel against the LORD this day? Berean Annotated Bible “This is what the whole congregation of the LORD {YHWH} says: ‘What is this breach of faith you⁺ have committed today against the God {Elohim} of Israel (he wrestles with God) by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you⁺ might rebel against the LORD this day? Christian Standard Bible “This is what the LORD’s entire community says: ‘What is this treachery you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building an altar for yourselves, so that you are in rebellion against the LORD today? Holman Christian Standard Bible This is what the LORD’s entire community says: ‘What is this treachery you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building an altar for yourselves, so that you are in rebellion against the LORD today? American Standard Version Thus saith the whole congregation of Jehovah, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following Jehovah, in that ye have builded you an altar, to rebel this day against Jehovah? Contemporary English Version All of the LORD's people have gathered together and have sent us to find out why you are unfaithful to our God. You have turned your backs on the LORD by building that altar. Why are you rebelling against him? English Revised Version Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, to rebel this day against the LORD? GOD'S WORD® Translation "All of the LORD's congregation is asking, 'What is this faithless act you have committed against the God of Israel?' Today you have turned away from following the LORD by building an altar for yourselves. Today you have rebelled against the LORD! Good News Translation and speaking for the whole community of the LORD, they said to them, "Why have you done this evil thing against the God of Israel? You have rebelled against the LORD by building this altar for yourselves! You are no longer following him! International Standard Version "This is what the entire community of the LORD has to say: 'What is this treacherous act by which you have acted deceitfully against the God of Israel by turning away from following the LORD today, and by building yourselves an altar today, so you can rebel against the LORD? NET Bible "The entire community of the LORD says, 'Why have you disobeyed the God of Israel by turning back today from following the LORD? You built an altar for yourselves and have rebelled today against the LORD. New Heart English Bible "Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, 'What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that you have built you an altar, to rebel this day against the LORD? Webster's Bible Translation Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have built you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day? World English Bible “The whole congregation of Yahweh says, ‘What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away today from following Yahweh, in that you have built yourselves an altar, to rebel today against Yahweh? Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Thus said all the congregation of YHWH: What [is] this trespass which you have trespassed against the God of Israel, to turn back today from after YHWH, by your building an altar for yourselves, for your rebelling today against YHWH? Berean Literal Bible “Thus says the whole congregation of YHWH: ‘What is this treachery that you⁺ have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following YHWH, in that you⁺ have built for yourselves an altar, that you⁺ might rebel this day against YHWH? Young's Literal Translation Thus said all the company of Jehovah, What is this trespass which ye have trespassed against the God of Israel, to turn back to-day from after Jehovah, by your building for you an altar, for your rebelling to-day against Jehovah? Smith's Literal Translation Thus said all the assembly of Jehovah, What transgression this which ye transgressed against the God of Israel to turn back this day from after Jehovah, in your building to you an altar for your rebellion this day against Jehovah? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThus saith all the people of the Lord: What meaneth this transgression? Why have you forsaken the Lord the God of Israel, building a sacrilegious altar, and revolting from the worship of him? Catholic Public Domain Version “All the people of the Lord declare this: What is this transgression? Why have you forsaken the Lord, the God of Israel, by building a sacrilegious altar, and by withdrawing from the worship of him? New American Bible “Thus says the whole community of the LORD: What act of treachery is this you have committed against the God of Israel? This day you have turned from following the LORD; by building an altar of your own you have rebelled against the LORD this day. New Revised Standard Version “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What is this treachery that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away today from following the LORD, by building yourselves an altar today in rebellion against the LORD? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus says the whole congregation of the LORD, What treachery is this which you have committed against the God of Israel, in turning away from following the LORD, in that you have builded yourselves an altar, that you might abandon the worship of the LORD? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Thus says all of the assembly of LORD JEHOVAH: ‘What is this treachery that you have committed against the God of Israel and you have turned away from LORD JEHOVAH and you have built for yourselves an altar that you would separate from the worship of LORD JEHOVAH?’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD: What treachery is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, to rebel this day against the LORD? Brenton Septuagint Translation Thus says the whole congregation of the Lord, What is this transgression that ye have transgressed before the God of Israel, to turn away today from the Lord, in that ye have built for yourselves an alter, so that ye should be apostates from the Lord? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Offensive Altar…15They went to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the land of Gilead and said to them, 16“This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day? 17Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD.… Cross References This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: Exodus 24:3 When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” Exodus 19:8 And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD. Numbers 14:2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel Joshua 7:1 The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites. 1 Chronicles 10:13 So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, Ezra 10:2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, an Elamite, said to Ezra: “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the people of the land, yet in spite of this, there is hope for Israel. by turning away from the LORD 1 Kings 9:6 But if indeed you or your sons turn away from following Me and do not keep the commandments and statutes I have set before you, and if you go off to serve and worship other gods, 1 Samuel 12:20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Deuteronomy 11:16 But be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods, and building for yourselves an altar, 1 Kings 12:31-33 Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites. / And Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar; he made this offering in Bethel to sacrifice to the calves he had set up, and he installed priests in Bethel for the high places he had set up. / On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel. So he ordained a feast for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense. Deuteronomy 12:13-14 Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; / you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you. Leviticus 17:8-9 Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice / but does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD, that man must be cut off from his people. that you might rebel against the LORD this day? Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” 1 Samuel 12:15 But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers. Deuteronomy 9:7 Remember this, and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD. Numbers 32:6-15 But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? / Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them? / This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land. … Treasury of Scripture Thus said the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that you have built you an altar, that you might rebel this day against the LORD? Jump to Previous Altar Builded Building Built Committed Congregation Israel Rebel Trespass Turn Unfaithful WholeJump to Next Altar Builded Building Built Committed Congregation Israel Rebel Trespass Turn Unfaithful WholeJoshua 22 1. The two tribes and a half with a blessing are sent home,10. They build the altar of testimony in their journey 11. The Israelites are offended thereat 21. They vindicate their conduct, and give them good satisfaction This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: The phrase indicates a unified message from the Israelites, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The "whole congregation" refers to the collective tribes of Israel, highlighting the communal nature of their covenant with God. This reflects the importance of unity in worship and obedience, as seen in other instances where the community acts together, such as in the assembly at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19). What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel: by turning away from the LORD: and building for yourselves an altar: that you might rebel against the LORD this day?: Persons / Places / Events 1. The Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the Half-Tribe of ManassehThese tribes had settled on the east side of the Jordan River and were accused of building an altar in rebellion against God. 2. The Whole Congregation of Israel Represented by the leaders and elders, they confronted the eastern tribes about their actions, fearing it was a breach of faith. 3. Phinehas, Son of Eleazar the Priest He was sent with ten chiefs to address the potential rebellion, showing the seriousness of the situation. 4. The Altar Built by the eastern tribes, it was perceived as a potential rival to the altar of the LORD, which could lead to idolatry or division. 5. Shiloh The central place of worship at the time, where the tabernacle was located, representing the unity of worship for Israel. Teaching Points Unity in WorshipThe importance of maintaining unity in worship and doctrine is crucial. Just as Israel was concerned about a breach of faith, Christians today must guard against divisions that can arise from differing practices or beliefs. Zeal for God's Honor Phinehas' involvement highlights the need for zeal in protecting God's honor. Believers should be vigilant in upholding the truth and purity of worship. Communication and Understanding The situation was resolved through dialogue and understanding. This teaches the importance of addressing misunderstandings directly and seeking clarity before jumping to conclusions. Faithfulness to God's Commands The fear of rebellion underscores the need for faithfulness to God's commands. Christians are called to adhere to biblical teachings and avoid practices that could lead to spiritual compromise. Community Accountability The involvement of the whole congregation shows the role of community in holding each other accountable. Believers should support and correct one another in love to maintain spiritual integrity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 22:16?2. Why did the Israelites question the tribes about "rebelling against the God of Israel"? 3. How can we ensure our actions align with God's commands in Joshua 22:16? 4. What similar biblical instances show concern for faithfulness to God’s covenant? 5. How does Joshua 22:16 encourage accountability within the Christian community today? 6. What steps can we take to avoid "turning away from following the LORD"? 7. Why did the Israelites accuse the eastern tribes of rebellion in Joshua 22:16? 8. How does Joshua 22:16 reflect the importance of unity among God's people? 9. What historical context led to the events in Joshua 22:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 22? 11. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence of this altar mentioned in Joshua 22:10, considering its significance to the nation's unity? 12. If the eastern tribes truly risked idolatry, as it appears in Joshua 22:16-18, why does the narrative not record any divine punishment or sign to confirm the seriousness of the offense? 13. How do we reconcile the building of a separate altar in Joshua 22:10 with earlier commands to worship at one central sanctuary? 14. How does Joshua 22 align with other passages that mandate a single place of worship (e.g., Deuteronomy 12), and why is there no mention of God's direct intervention here? What Does Joshua 22:16 Mean This is what the whole congregation of the LORD saysThe spokesman for the western tribes (likely Phinehas, v. 13) begins by stressing unanimity: every tribe west of the Jordan stands behind the coming rebuke. • Unity matters. Israel had just finished conquering Canaan “as one man” (Joshua 9:2; 10:42). To preserve that unity, the whole assembly addresses the issue, echoing Numbers 32:20-27 where Moses required collective accountability before the eastern tribes received their land. • Mentioning “the LORD” reminds them they are bound not merely to one another, but to the covenant God who led them across the Jordan (Joshua 3:17). What is this breach of faith you have committed today The charge is covenant treachery, not a minor misunderstanding. • “Breach of faith” translates the same idea used for Achan’s sin in Joshua 7:1, a willful violation that endangered the nation. • By saying “today,” the leaders emphasize urgency; sin tolerated even for a day can bring judgment, as seen in Numbers 25:1-9 when idolatry at Peor triggered a plague. Against the God of Israel The sin is personal—directed at God Himself. • Psalm 78:56 later warns, “They rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep His testimonies,” echoing this language. • Exodus 20:3-5 grounds the accusation: building unauthorized worship sites attacks God’s exclusive right to define how He is approached. By turning away from the LORD To build their own altar implied spiritual defection. • Deuteronomy 11:16, “Take care that your hearts are not deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods,” links turning away with idolatry. • The western tribes interpret the act as the first step toward abandoning covenant worship at Shiloh, where God placed His name (Joshua 18:1). And building for yourselves an altar An unauthorized altar violates explicit commands. • Leviticus 17:8-9 requires sacrifices to be brought to “the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” • Deuteronomy 12:5-14 restricts local altars once Israel is settled, anticipating exactly this scenario. • The phrase “for yourselves” highlights self-made religion, contrasting with God-appointed worship. That you might rebel against the LORD this day? The leaders interpret the altar as open rebellion, threatening divine wrath on the nation. • Joshua 22:17 reminds them of the lingering guilt from Peor; one tribe’s rebellion risks corporate punishment. • Hebrews 3:12 later warns believers, “Take care… that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God,” applying the same principle. summary Joshua 22:16 captures the western tribes’ alarm that the altar by the Jordan signals collective covenant violation. They appeal to national unity under the LORD, underscore the seriousness of any deviation from His prescribed worship, and recall past judgments to press the eastern tribes toward immediate clarification and repentance. The verse teaches that God’s people must guard against self-styled worship, confront potential sin quickly, and remember that faithfulness or faithlessness affects the whole community. Verse 16. - Trespass. The Hebrew word signifies to act deceitfully or faithlessly. It was an act of ingratitude towards the God who had established them in the good land in which they now found themselves. Such ingratitude and desertion of God was equivalent to rebellion, the term used immediately afterwards. The embassy clearly assumed that the fault had been committed, and that it would be necessary to proceed to extremities. Yet, deeply moved as they were, they did not refuse to listen to reason, and rejoiced that it was not necessary to inflict the fearful vengeance which otherwise would have been their duty. How great a contrast is this to the readiness, nay, even the eagerness, which many owning the Christian name have displayed to destroy the body, and the soul also, if that were possible, of their brethren in Christ, who have been overtaken, or have been supposed to be overtaken, in a similar fault!Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “This is whatכֹּ֣ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the whole כֹּ֣ל ׀ (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every congregation עֲדַ֣ת (‘ă·ḏaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage of the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמְר֞וּ (’ā·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘What מָֽה־ (māh-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what is this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that breach of faith מְעַלְתֶּם֙ (mə·‘al·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 4603: To cover up, to act covertly, treacherously you have committed הַמַּ֤עַל (ham·ma·‘al) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4603: To cover up, to act covertly, treacherously today הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day against the God בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י (bê·lō·hê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc by turning away לָשׁ֣וּב (lā·šūḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again from מֵאַחֲרֵ֖י (mê·’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition-m Strong's 310: The hind or following part the LORD יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and building בִּבְנֽוֹתְכֶ֤ם (biḇ·nō·wṯ·ḵem) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1129: To build for yourselves לָכֶם֙ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew an altar, מִזְבֵּ֔חַ (miz·bê·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar that you might rebel לִמְרָדְכֶ֥ם (lim·rā·ḏə·ḵem) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 4775: To rebel against the LORD בַּיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel this day? הַיּ֖וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day Links Joshua 22:16 NIVJoshua 22:16 NLT Joshua 22:16 ESV Joshua 22:16 NASB Joshua 22:16 KJV Joshua 22:16 BibleApps.com Joshua 22:16 Biblia Paralela Joshua 22:16 Chinese Bible Joshua 22:16 French Bible Joshua 22:16 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 22:16 Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh (Josh. 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