Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “And we said, ‘If they ever say this to us, or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the LORD’s altar, which our ancestors built, not for burnt offerings and sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ New Living Translation “If they say this, our descendants can reply, ‘Look at this copy of the LORD’s altar that our ancestors made. It is not for burnt offerings or sacrifices; it is a reminder of the relationship both of us have with the LORD.’ English Standard Version And we thought, ‘If this should be said to us or to our descendants in time to come, we should say, “Behold, the copy of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifice, but to be a witness between us and you.”’ Berean Standard Bible Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ Berean Literal Bible And we said, ‘And it will come to pass, when they say this to us or to our generations hereafter, that we may say: Here is the replica of the altar of YHWH, which our fathers made, though not for burnt offerings nor for sacrifices, but a witness it is between us and between you⁺.’ King James Bible Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you. New King James Version Therefore we said that it will be, when they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say, ‘Here is the replica of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, though not for burnt offerings nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between you and us.’ New American Standard Bible Therefore we said, ‘It shall also come about if they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, then we shall say, “See the copy of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; rather, it is a witness between us and you.”’ NASB 1995 “Therefore we said, ‘It shall also come about if they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, then we shall say, “See the copy of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; rather it is a witness between us and you."’ NASB 1977 “Therefore we said, ‘It shall also come about if they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, then we shall say, “See the copy of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; rather it is a witness between us and you.”’ Legacy Standard Bible Therefore we said, ‘It will also be that if they say this to us or to our generations in time to come, then we shall say, “See the copy of the altar of Yahweh which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice; rather it is a witness between us and you.”’ Amplified Bible So we said, ‘If your descendants should say this to us or to our descendants in time to come, then we can reply, “See the copy of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice, but rather it is a witness between us and you.”’ Berean Annotated Bible Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD {YHWH} that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you⁺. Christian Standard Bible We thought that if they said this to us or to our generations in the future, we would reply: Look at the replica of the LORD’s altar that our ancestors made, not for burnt offering or sacrifice, but as a witness between us and you. Holman Christian Standard Bible We thought that if they said this to us or to our generations in the future, we would reply: Look at the replica of the LORD’s altar that our fathers made, not for burnt offering or sacrifice, but as a witness between us and you. American Standard Version Therefore said we, It shall be, when they so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we shall say, Behold the pattern of the altar of Jehovah, which our fathers made, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you. English Revised Version Therefore said we, It shall be, when they so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we shall say, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you. GOD'S WORD® Translation So we thought, if this statement is made to us or to our descendants in the future, we will answer, 'Look at the model of the LORD's altar our ancestors made. They didn't make it for burnt offerings or sacrifices but to stand as a witness between us.' Good News Translation It was our idea that, if this should ever happen, our descendants could say, 'Look! Our ancestors made an altar just like the LORD's altar. It was not for burning offerings or for sacrifice, but as a sign for our people and yours.' International Standard Version "That's also why we said, 'It may be if they say these things to us and to our descendants in the future, so we will respond, "Look at this replica of the altar of the LORD that our ancestors made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifice, but rather as a reminder between us and you. NET Bible We said, 'If in the future they say such a thing to us or to our descendants, we will reply, "See the model of the LORD's altar that our ancestors made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a reminder to us and you."' New Heart English Bible Therefore we said, 'It shall be, when they tell us or our generations this in time to come, that we shall say, "Look the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you."' Webster's Bible Translation Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they shall so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt-offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ World English Bible “Therefore we said, ‘It shall be, when they tell us or our generations this in time to come, that we shall say, “Behold the pattern of Yahweh’s altar, which our fathers made, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you.”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd we say, And it has been, when they say [so] to us, and to our generations hereafter, that we have said, See the pattern of the altar of YHWH, which our fathers made—not for burnt-offering nor for sacrifice—but it [is] a witness between us and you. Berean Literal Bible And we said, ‘And it will come to pass, when they say this to us or to our generations hereafter, that we may say: Here is the replica of the altar of YHWH, which our fathers made, though not for burnt offerings nor for sacrifices, but a witness it is between us and between you⁺.’ Young's Literal Translation And we say, And it hath been, when they say so unto us, and unto our generations hereafter, that we have said, See the pattern of the altar of Jehovah, which our fathers made -- not for burnt-offering nor for sacrifice -- but a witness it is between us and you. Smith's Literal Translation And we shall say, and it was that they shall say to us and to our generations to-morrow, and we said, See the model of the altar of Jehovah which our fathers made, not for burnt-offering and not for sacrifice; but this a witness between us and between you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if they will say so, they shall answer them: Behold the altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for holocausts, nor for sacrifice, but for a testimony between us and you. Catholic Public Domain Version And if they decide to say this, they shall respond to them: ‘Behold, the altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for holocausts, and not for sacrifice, but instead as a testimony between us and you.’ New American Bible Our thought was that, if in the future they should speak thus to us or to our descendants, we could answer: ‘Look at the copy of the altar of the LORD which our ancestors made, not for burnt offerings or for sacrifices, but to witness between you and us.’ New Revised Standard Version And we thought, If this should be said to us or to our descendants in time to come, we could say, ‘Look at this copy of the altar of the LORD, which our ancestors made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifice, but to be a witness between us and you.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore we said that it shall be, if they should ever speak to us or to our generations in time to come, then we may say to them, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD which our fathers made not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but to be a witness between us and you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And we said, “Whenever they have spoken to us and to our generations of tomorrow, they will say to them: ‘See the likeness of the altar of LORD JEHOVAH that our fathers have made, not for burnt offerings peace and not for sacrifices, but that there will be a witness between us and you’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore said we: It shall be, when they so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we shall say: Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt-offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you. Brenton Septuagint Translation And we said, If ever it should come to pass that they should speak so to us, or to our posterity hereafter; then shall they say, Behold the likeness of the altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for the sake of burnt-offerings, nor for the sake of meat-offerings, but it is a witness between you and us, and between our sons. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Offensive Altar…27Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’ 28Therefore we said, ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ 29Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.”… Cross References Therefore we said, Exodus 12:26-27 When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. Psalm 78:3-4 that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. / We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, Exodus 13:14-15 In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. / And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. / The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.” we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD Exodus 24:4-8 And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. / Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. / Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splattered on the altar. … Joshua 4:6-7 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ / you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” that our fathers made, Genesis 12:7-8 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. / From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to the LORD, and he called on the name of the LORD. Genesis 26:25 So Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there. His servants also dug a well there. Genesis 35:7 There Jacob built an altar, and he called that place El-bethel, because it was there that God had revealed Himself to Jacob as he fled from his brother. not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, 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. 1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. but as a witness between us and you.’ Genesis 31:48-52 Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. / It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. / If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.” … 1 Samuel 20:42 And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city. Joshua 24:27 And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” Deuteronomy 12:5-7 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. / There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. Treasury of Scripture Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you. Behold Exodus 25:40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount. 2 Kings 16:10 And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof. Ezekiel 43:10,11 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern… Jump to Previous Altar Burnt Burnt-Offerings Offering Offerings Pattern Sacrifice Sacrifices Thought Time WitnessJump to Next Altar Burnt Burnt-Offerings Offering Offerings Pattern Sacrifice Sacrifices Thought Time WitnessJoshua 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 Therefore we said, This phrase indicates a decision or conclusion reached by the speakers, reflecting a collective agreement or understanding. It suggests a response to a potential future challenge or accusation, emphasizing foresight and planning. ‘If they ever say this to us or to our descendants, we will answer: Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or sacrifices, but as a witness between us and you.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. The Eastern Tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh)These tribes settled on the east side of the Jordan River and built an altar as a witness. 2. The Altar A replica of the LORD’s altar, constructed not for sacrifices but as a symbol of unity and witness between the tribes on both sides of the Jordan. 3. The Jordan River A significant geographical boundary that separated the eastern tribes from the rest of Israel, leading to potential misunderstandings. 4. Phinehas, son of Eleazar the priest Sent by the Israelites to investigate the intentions behind the altar, representing the concern for maintaining covenant faithfulness. 5. The Assembly of Israel The collective body of the remaining tribes who were initially concerned that the altar signified rebellion against God. Teaching Points Unity in DiversityThe altar served as a reminder that physical separation should not lead to spiritual division. In the body of Christ, we must strive for unity despite differences. Symbolic Reminders Just as the altar was a witness, Christians can use symbols like the cross to remind us of our shared faith and commitment to God. Communication and Understanding The initial misunderstanding about the altar highlights the importance of clear communication and seeking understanding before jumping to conclusions. Faithfulness to God’s Commands The tribes’ concern for faithfulness to God’s commands reflects the importance of adhering to biblical principles in our lives. Witness to Future Generations The altar was intended as a witness to future generations, reminding us of the importance of passing down our faith and values. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 22:28?2. How does Joshua 22:28 emphasize the importance of a witness for future generations? 3. What role does the altar play in maintaining unity among the tribes? 4. How can Joshua 22:28 inspire us to uphold our faith traditions today? 5. Connect Joshua 22:28 with other biblical examples of memorials or witnesses. 6. How can we ensure our actions today positively impact future believers? 7. What is the significance of the altar mentioned in Joshua 22:28? 8. How does Joshua 22:28 address the theme of unity among the tribes of Israel? 9. What historical context led to the events in Joshua 22:28? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 22? 11. How do we reconcile the building of a separate altar in Joshua 22:10 with earlier commands to worship at one central sanctuary? 12. Why does Joshua 22:12 describe such a swift and violent response if the tribes' intentions were innocent, yet no physical confrontation ultimately ensued? 13. 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? 14. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence of this altar mentioned in Joshua 22:10, considering its significance to the nation's unity? What Does Joshua 22:28 Mean Therefore we said• The eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh) speak for themselves, explaining the motive behind their recent action (Joshua 22:10–12). • By beginning with “Therefore,” they show a conscious, deliberate response to potential misunderstanding—an intentional act to preserve covenant unity (cf. Proverbs 15:1; Romans 14:19). • Their words underscore responsible foresight, modeling how God’s people should anticipate threats to fellowship before division takes root (Ephesians 4:3). If they ever say this to us or to our descendants • The tribes look beyond their own generation, recognizing that faithfulness must be safeguarded long-term (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 78:5-7). • Covenant identity is communal and generational; what one era misunderstands, the next might reject unless protected. • This anticipatory stance echoes Job’s concern for his children (Job 1:5) and highlights the biblical call to transmit truth accurately. we will answer • Preparedness to give an answer reveals a commitment to clear testimony (1 Peter 3:15). • The eastern tribes intend to speak, not with hostility, but with explanation that preserves unity—showing that reconciliation starts with open communication (Matthew 5:23-24; Colossians 4:6). Look at the replica of the altar of the LORD that our fathers made • “Replica” signals that the altar on the Jordan’s bank is intentionally patterned after the true altar at Shiloh, not in competition with it (Exodus 27:1-2; Joshua 18:1). • By invoking “our fathers,” they root the structure in shared heritage, stressing common worship rather than schism (Joshua 4:20-24). • The visible, tangible monument serves as a teaching tool, like the stones from the Jordan crossing—present reminders of God’s works (Deuteronomy 27:2-7). not for burnt offerings or sacrifices • The tribes clarify function: this altar is never to usurp the appointed place of sacrifice (Leviticus 17:8-9; Deuteronomy 12:13-14). • They submit to God’s ordained worship pattern, illustrating obedience to revealed boundaries (1 Samuel 15:22). • This humility averts idolatry, a sin repeatedly warned against in Israel’s story (Exodus 20:3-5; 2 Kings 17:12). but as a witness between us and you. • The altar’s chief role is testimonial—a covenant witness echoing other memorials (Genesis 31:48; Joshua 24:27). • It affirms that the eastern tribes share in the LORD’s inheritance, despite geographical distance (Ephesians 2:13-14). • Such witnesses reinforce accountability: future generations will recall this visual pledge and stay loyal to the one true God (Hebrews 12:1). summary Joshua 22:28 reveals the eastern tribes’ thoughtful plan to preserve unity and orthodoxy. Their replica altar is not for rival worship but a perpetual reminder that all Israel shares one covenant, one altar, one Lord. By acting proactively, they instruct every generation to uphold God’s prescribed worship, communicate truth clearly, and guard the fellowship of believers with visible, faithful testimony. (28) The altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices.--The words suggest the reflection that there are many other "altars" so called in the present day, also an occasion of dispute; and it would tend greatly to peace and acquiescence in their existence if we could be assured that, like this altar, they are "not for sacrifice" but for a witness to that common worship of Christ as God which is an essential feature of Christianity.Verse 28. - Behold the pattern. Rather, Look at this facsimile. The Hebrew is even stronger than our version. The existence of an exact reproduction of the altar in Shiloh, erected on Canaanitish ground by the two and a half tribes before their departure across Jordan, was an incontestible proof of their original connection with Israel. And the fact that they had erected it, not on their own territory, but on that of their brethren, was, though they do not use the argument, proof positive that it was not intended to be used in contravention of the precepts of the law. The nature of the facsimile is explained by Exodus 20:24, where the precise form of altar seems to have been presented as a contrast to the stone altars employed by the heathen.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Therefore we said,וַנֹּ֕אמֶר (wan·nō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘If they ever כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction say [this] יֹאמְר֥וּ (yō·mə·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say to us אֵלֵ֛ינוּ (’ê·lê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to or וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to to our descendants, דֹּרֹתֵ֖ינוּ (dō·rō·ṯê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling we will answer: וְאָמַ֡רְנוּ (wə·’ā·mar·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say Here is רְא֣וּ (rə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see the copy תַּבְנִית֩ (taḇ·nîṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8403: Structure, a model, resemblance of the altar מִזְבַּ֨ח (miz·baḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4196: An altar of the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that our fathers אֲבוֹתֵ֗ינוּ (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 1: Father made, עָשׂ֣וּ (‘ā·śū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6213: To do, make not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no for burnt offerings לְעוֹלָה֙ (lə·‘ō·w·lāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering or sacrifices, לְזֶ֔בַח (lə·ze·ḇaḥ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice but כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction as a witness עֵ֣ד (‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince between us בֵּינֵ֖ינוּ (bê·nê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 996: An interval, space between and you.’ וּבֵינֵיכֶֽם׃ (ū·ḇê·nê·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 996: An interval, space between Links Joshua 22:28 NIVJoshua 22:28 NLT Joshua 22:28 ESV Joshua 22:28 NASB Joshua 22:28 KJV Joshua 22:28 BibleApps.com Joshua 22:28 Biblia Paralela Joshua 22:28 Chinese Bible Joshua 22:28 French Bible Joshua 22:28 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 22:28 Therefore we said 'It shall be when (Josh. 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