Joshua 22:34
New International Version
And the Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us—that the LORD is God.

New Living Translation
The people of Reuben and Gad named the altar “Witness,” for they said, “It is a witness between us and them that the LORD is our God, too.”

English Standard Version
The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

Berean Standard Bible
So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, for they said, “It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

King James Bible
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

New King James Version
The children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar, Witness, “For it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

New American Standard Bible
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

NASB 1995
The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

NASB 1977
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that Yahweh is God.”

Amplified Bible
The sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar Witness; “For it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

Christian Standard Bible
So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar: It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar: It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.

American Standard Version
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: For, said they, it is a witness between us that Jehovah is God.

Contemporary English Version
The people of Reuben and Gad named the altar "A Reminder to Us All That the LORD Is Our God."

English Revised Version
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: For, said they, it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The tribes of Reuben and Gad gave the altar a name: Witness Between Us That the LORD Is [the Only True] God.

Good News Translation
The people of Reuben and Gad said, "This altar is a witness to all of us that the LORD is God." And so they named it "Witness."

International Standard Version
The descendants of Reuben and the descendants of Gad named the altar "Witness," because they claimed, "It stands as a witness between us that the LORD is God."

Majority Standard Bible
So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, for they said, “It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

NET Bible
The Reubenites and Gadites named the altar, "Surely it is a Reminder to us that the LORD is God."

New Heart English Bible
The people of Reuben and the people of Gad proclaimed regarding the altar, that it was a witness between us that the LORD is God.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

World English Bible
The children of Reuben and the children of Gad named the altar “A Witness Between Us that Yahweh is God.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad proclaim concerning the altar, that, “[It is] a witness between us that YHWH [is] God.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad proclaim concerning the altar, that 'it is a witness between us that Jehovah is God.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad will call to the altar: for it is a witness between us that Jehovah is their God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Ruben, and the children of Cad called the altar which they had built, Our testimony, that the Lord is God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar that they had built: Our testimony that the Lord himself is God.

New American Bible
The Reubenites and the Gadites gave the altar its name as a witness among them that the LORD is God.

New Revised Standard Version
The Reubenites and the Gadites called the altar Witness; “For,” said they, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the Reubenites and the Gadites and the Manashites called the altar which they had made, The Altar of Testimony, for it is a witness between us that the LORD is the only God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the children of Rubil and the children of Gad and the children of Manasheh called the altar that they had made the Altar of the Testimony, because the Testimony was among them, and LORD JEHOVAH is The Only God
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar--: 'for it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joshua gave a name to the altar of the children of Ruben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasse; and said, It is a testimony in the midst of them, that the Lord is their God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Offensive Altar
33The Israelites were satisfied with the report, and they blessed God and spoke no more about going to war against them to destroy the land where the Reubenites and Gadites lived. 34So the Reubenites and Gadites named the altar Witness, for they said, “It is a witness between us that the LORD is God.”

Cross References
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.

Numbers 32:1-5
Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. / So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, / “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, ...

Numbers 32:16-18
Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. / But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. / We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance.

Deuteronomy 13:12-18
If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said / that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), / then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, ...

Joshua 4:20-24
And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. / Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ / you are to tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ ...

Joshua 22:10-12
And when they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. / Then the Israelites received the report: “Behold, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar on the border of the land of Canaan, at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side.” / And when they heard this, the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.

1 Kings 8:41-43
And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— / for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

2 Chronicles 6:32-33
And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your great name and Your mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, / then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

Psalm 78:4-7
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. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children ...

Psalm 145:4-7
One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— / the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works. / They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness. ...

Isaiah 19:19-21
In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the center of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD near her border. / It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. / The LORD will make Himself known to Egypt, and on that day Egypt will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and fulfill them.

Isaiah 56:6-7
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”

John 4:20-24
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

Ed.

Joshua 22:27
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.

Joshua 24:27
And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

1 Kings 18:39
And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

the Lord is God.

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Joshua 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














And the Reubenites and Gadites
The Reubenites and Gadites were two of the tribes of Israel who had chosen to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Historically, these tribes were known for their pastoral lifestyle, and their decision to settle outside the Promised Land proper was initially met with suspicion by the other tribes. This context highlights the importance of unity and understanding within the body of believers, as these tribes sought to maintain their connection to the rest of Israel despite geographical separation.

named the altar
Naming in the Hebrew tradition often signifies authority, purpose, or a significant event. By naming the altar, the Reubenites and Gadites were asserting its purpose and significance. In biblical times, altars were not only places of sacrifice but also served as memorials or testimonies to significant events or covenants. This act of naming underscores the importance of intentionality in worship and remembrance.

Witness
The Hebrew word for "witness" is "עֵד" (ed), which implies a testimony or evidence. In this context, the altar served as a physical reminder and testimony of the unity and shared faith of the tribes, despite their physical separation. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of having tangible reminders of our faith and commitments, serving as a testament to future generations of the truths we hold dear.

For they said
This phrase indicates a declaration or proclamation. It emphasizes the intentionality behind the actions of the Reubenites and Gadites. Their statement was not just for their own reassurance but was meant to communicate to all of Israel their continued allegiance to the LORD. It reflects the importance of clear communication and the public declaration of faith within the community of believers.

It is a witness between us
The phrase underscores the communal aspect of faith. The altar was not just a personal or tribal symbol but a shared witness between the tribes. This highlights the biblical principle of accountability and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ. It serves as a reminder that our faith is not lived out in isolation but in community with others.

that the LORD is God
This declaration affirms the central tenet of Israel's faith: the acknowledgment of the LORD (Yahweh) as the one true God. In a world filled with polytheism and idolatry, this statement was a bold affirmation of monotheism and covenant loyalty. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of maintaining the purity of our faith and the centrality of God in our lives. This declaration is a call to steadfastness and fidelity to the God who has revealed Himself to His people.

(34) That the Lord (i.e., Jehovah) is God (of all the twelve tribes alike).

Verse 34. - Ed. This word is not in the original. It is found in some late MSS. and in the Syriac and Arabic versions, but not in the LXX. or Chaldee. Even in the MSS. which have it, the word is found sometimes before and sometimes after the Hebrew word signifying "altar." This may either be because, once omitted, it was conjecturally supplied, but it is more probable that it was never there at all. The passage may be rendered, "And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad gave a name to the altar, 'for it is a witness between us.'" But it seems more likely that the word "Ed," though not expressed, is in. tended to be understood. The LXX. and Vulgate give incorrect renderings of the passage. The Lord is God. Rather, as in 1 Kings 18:39, Jehovah is the God; that is, the one true God. Some MSS. have interpolated הוּא here from the above cited passage. Such altars, or mounds, of witness seem not to have been unusual among the Eastern nations (see Genesis 31:47-52).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So the Reubenites
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

and Gadites
וּבְנֵי־ (ū·ḇə·nê-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

named
וַֽיִּקְרְא֛וּ (way·yiq·rə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

the altar [Witness],
לַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ (lam·miz·bê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

[saying],
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

“It
הוּא֙ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is a witness
עֵ֥ד (‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

between us
בֵּֽינֹתֵ֔ינוּ (bê·nō·ṯê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

that
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is God.”
הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT History: Joshua 22:34 The children of Reuben and the children (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 22:33
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