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Joshua 22:21

Joshua 22:21 in Multiple Translations

Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:

¶ Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spake unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel,

Then the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the Israelite leaders,

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad, and halfe the tribe of Manasseh answered, and saide vnto the heads ouer the thousands of Israel,

And the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, answer and speak with the heads of the thousands of Israel:

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Then the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and said to the heads of the thousands of Israel,

And the children of Ruben, and of Gad, and of the half tribe of Manasses answered the princes of the embassage of Israel:

The leaders of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh replied,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 22:21

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יַּעֲנוּ֙ בְּנֵי רְאוּבֵ֣ן וּ/בְנֵי גָ֔ד וַ/חֲצִ֖י שֵׁ֣בֶט הַֽ/מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֔וּ אֶת רָאשֵׁ֖י אַלְפֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַֽ/יַּעֲנוּ֙ ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּנֵי bên H1121 son N-mp
רְאוּבֵ֣ן Rᵉʼûwbên H7205 Reuben N-proper
וּ/בְנֵי bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp
גָ֔ד Gâd H1410 Gad N-proper
וַ/חֲצִ֖י chêtsîy H2677 half Conj | N-ms
שֵׁ֣בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-ms
הַֽ/מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 Moses Art | N-proper
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֔וּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep
רָאשֵׁ֖י rôʼsh H7218 head N-mp
אַלְפֵ֥י ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 22:21

וַֽ/יַּעֲנוּ֙ ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בְּנֵי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
רְאוּבֵ֣ן Rᵉʼûwbên H7205 "Reuben" N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
וּ/בְנֵי bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
גָ֔ד Gâd H1410 "Gad" N-proper
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.
וַ/חֲצִ֖י chêtsîy H2677 "half" Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
שֵׁ֣בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
הַֽ/מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 "Moses" Art | N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֔וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
רָאשֵׁ֖י rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
אַלְפֵ֥י ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Joshua 22:21

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
2 Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
3 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
4 Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
5 Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
6 Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
7 Acts 11:4 But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events:
8 Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
9 Exodus 18:21–25 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Joshua 22:21 Summary

In Joshua 22:21, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh are responding to accusations from the leaders of Israel, as seen in Joshua 22:19-20. They are explaining why they built an altar, which was not to rebel against God, but to honor Him, as seen in Joshua 22:22-23. This shows that they value their relationship with God and with the rest of Israel, and are committed to maintaining unity and obedience to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Ephesians 4:3. We can learn from their example by being willing to listen to and address concerns, and by being committed to our faith and to maintaining good relationships with others, as seen in Colossians 3:13-14 and Matthew 5:23-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Joshua 22:21 and why are the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh answering the leaders of Israel?

The context of Joshua 22:21 is that the leaders of Israel had accused the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh of building an altar, which they believed was a rebellion against God, as seen in Joshua 22:19, and the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh are responding to these accusations, as seen in the following verses, Joshua 22:22-23.

Why did the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh build an altar in the first place?

Although Joshua 22:21 does not directly state why the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar, the following verses, Joshua 22:22-23 and Joshua 22:24-29, explain that they built the altar as a witness and to prevent their children from forgetting God, as seen in Joshua 22:24-25, and to avoid being cut off from the rest of Israel.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Book of Joshua?

Joshua 22:21 is part of a larger narrative in the Book of Joshua, where the Israelites are taking possession of the Promised Land, as seen in Joshua 1:1-9, and this verse shows how the different tribes are working together and addressing potential conflicts, as seen in Joshua 22:1-34, to maintain unity and obedience to God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Joshua 24:14-15.

What can we learn from the response of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh in this verse?

We can learn from their response that they are committed to their faith and to maintaining a good relationship with the rest of Israel, as seen in Joshua 22:21-23, and that they are willing to listen to and address concerns, as seen in Joshua 22:22-23, which is an important lesson for us today, as seen in Ephesians 4:3 and Colossians 3:13-14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some potential conflicts or misunderstandings that can arise in our own relationships, and how can we address them in a way that honors God, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15?
  2. How can we, like the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, demonstrate our commitment to our faith and to maintaining good relationships with others, as seen in Joshua 22:21-23 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
  3. What are some ways that we can build 'altars' in our own lives, not physical ones, but spiritual ones, to help us remember God and stay faithful, as seen in Joshua 22:24-25 and Psalm 119:11?
  4. How can we, like the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, be prepared to give an answer for our actions and our faith, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15 and Joshua 22:22-23?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 22:21

Then the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, answered,.... By some person whom they appointed to deliver the answer in their name: and said unto the heads of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 22:21

Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, Then the children of Reuben ... answered - repudiating

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 22:21

Either, first, properly, each was a governor of a thousand; for there were among them divers rulers, some of tens, some of hundreds, and some of thousands; or rather, secondly, improperly, and indefinitely, i.e. of the people of Israel, which consist of so many thousands more than you, whose authority therefore you owe a reverence to. For by comparing , these seem to be greater persons than those that were rulers of thousands.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 22:21

Joshua 22:21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,Ver. 21. Answered, and said.] They did not bristle and set up the crest, but sought to give satisfaction to their offended brethren. It must be our endeavour neither to give offence carelessly, nor to take offence causelessly: but to "show out of a good conversation our works with meekness of wisdom."

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 22:21

Verse 21. Then the children of Reuben - answered] Though conscious of their own innocency they permitted Phinehas to finish his discourse, though composed of little else than accusations; there was a decency in this, and such a full proof of good breeding, as does them the highest credit. There are many public assemblies in the present day which lay claim to the highest refinement, who might take a very useful lesson from these Reubenites and their associates.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 22:21

21–31. Defence of the Two Tribes and a Half 21. Then the children of Reuben] The two tribes and a half proceed to defend themselves and to shew that their object was in all respects the very reverse of that imputed to them.

Sermons on Joshua 22:21

SermonDescription
Jackie Pullinger God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of
Charles Stanley Children by Charles Stanley In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie
David Wilkerson The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a
Richard Wurmbrand 1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept
David Wilkerson Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t
David Wilkerson The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge
Milton Green (Fury of Fire) 11 - the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker wa

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