Joshua 22:19
New International Version
If the land you possess is defiled, come over to the LORD’s land, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and share the land with us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building an altar for yourselves, other than the altar of the LORD our God.

New Living Translation
“If you need the altar because the land you possess is defiled, then join us in the LORD’s land, where the Tabernacle of the LORD is situated, and share our land with us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building an altar other than the one true altar of the LORD our God.

English Standard Version
But now, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over into the LORD’s land where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take for yourselves a possession among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD or make us as rebels by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.

Berean Standard Bible
If indeed the land of your inheritance is unclean, then cross over to the land of the LORD’s possession, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession of it among us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.

King James Bible
Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.

New King James Version
Nevertheless, if the land of your possession is unclean, then cross over to the land of the possession of the LORD, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession among us; but do not rebel against the LORD, nor rebel against us, by building yourselves an altar besides the altar of the LORD our God.

New American Standard Bible
If, however, the land of your possession is unclean, then cross into the land of the possession of the LORD, where the LORD’S tabernacle stands, and settle among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, or rebel against us, by building an altar for yourselves besides the altar of the LORD our God.

NASB 1995
‘If, however, the land of your possession is unclean, then cross into the land of the possession of the LORD, where the LORD’S tabernacle stands, and take possession among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, or rebel against us by building an altar for yourselves, besides the altar of the LORD our God.

NASB 1977
‘If, however, the land of your possession is unclean, then cross into the land of the possession of the LORD, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, or rebel against us by building an altar for yourselves, besides the altar of the LORD our God.

Legacy Standard Bible
If, however, the land of your possession is unclean, then cross into the land of the possession of Yahweh, where the tabernacle of Yahweh dwells, and take possession among us. But do not rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us by building an altar for yourselves, besides the altar of Yahweh our God.

Amplified Bible
If, however, the land of your possession is unclean, then cross into the land of the possession of the LORD, where the LORD’S tabernacle is situated, and settle down among us. But do not rebel against the LORD, or rebel against us by building an altar for yourselves, besides the altar of the LORD our God [at Shiloh].

Christian Standard Bible
But if the land you possess is defiled, cross over to the land the LORD possesses where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession of it among us. But don’t rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if the land you possess is defiled, cross over to the land the LORD possesses where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession of it among us. But don’t rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.

American Standard Version
Howbeit, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of Jehovah, wherein Jehovah's tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against Jehovah, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar besides the altar of Jehovah our God.

Contemporary English Version
If you don't think your land is a fit place to serve God, then move across the Jordan and live with us in the LORD's own land, where his sacred tent is located. But don't rebel against the LORD our God or against us by building another altar besides the LORD's own altar.

English Revised Version
Howbeit, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar besides the altar of the LORD our God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If your land is unclean, come over here to the LORD's land. The LORD's tent is standing here. Take some property for yourselves among us. Don't rebel against the LORD or against us by building an altar for yourselves in addition to the altar of the LORD our God.

Good News Translation
Now then, if your land is not fit to worship in, come over into the LORD's land, where his Tent is. Claim some land among us. But don't rebel against the LORD or make rebels out of us by building an altar in addition to the altar of the LORD our God.

International Standard Version
If the land of your inheritance remains unclean, then cross back over into the land that the LORD possesses, and receive an inheritance among us. Don't rebel against the LORD and against us by constructing an altar for yourselves besides the altar of the LORD our God.

Majority Standard Bible
If indeed the land of your inheritance is unclean, then cross over to the land of the LORD?s possession, where the LORD?s tabernacle stands, and take possession of it among us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.

NET Bible
But if your own land is impure, cross over to the LORD's own land, where the LORD himself lives, and settle down among us. But don't rebel against the LORD or us by building for yourselves an altar aside from the altar of the LORD our God.

New Heart English Bible
However, if the land of your possession is unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of the LORD, in which the LORD's tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us; but do not rebel against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Not withstanding, if the land of your possession is unclean, then pass ye over to the land of the possession of the LORD, in which the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar besides the altar of the LORD our God.

World English Bible
However, if the land of your possession is unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh, in which Yahweh’s tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us; but don’t rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us, in building an altar other than Yahweh our God’s altar.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And surely, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over for yourselves to the land of the possession of YHWH, where the Dwelling Place of YHWH has dwelt, and have possession in our midst; and do not rebel against YHWH, and do not rebel against us, by your building an altar for yourselves, besides the altar of our God YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
'And surely, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over for you unto the land of the possession of Jehovah, where the tabernacle of Jehovah hath tabernacled, and have possession in our midst; and against Jehovah rebel not, and against us rebel not, by your building for you an altar, besides the altar of Jehovah our God.

Smith's Literal Translation
And surely, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over for yourselves to the land of the possession of Jehovah, where the dwelling of Jehovah dwelt there, and take possession in the midst of us: and ye shall not rebel against Jehovah, and ye shall not rebel against us in your building to yourselves an altar beside the altar of Jehovah our God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if you think the land of your possession to be unclean, pass over to the land wherein is the tabernacle of the Lord, and dwell among us: only depart not from the Lord, and from our society, by building an altar beside the altar of the Lord our God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if you consider the land of your possession to be unclean, cross over to the land in which is the tabernacle of the Lord, and live among us. But do not withdraw from the Lord, and from our fellowship, by building an altar contrary to the altar of the Lord our God.

New American Bible
If you consider the land you now possess unclean, cross over to the land the LORD possesses, where the tabernacle of the LORD stands, and share that with us. But do not rebel against the LORD, nor involve us in rebellion, by building an altar of your own in addition to the altar of the LORD, our God.

New Revised Standard Version
But now, if your land is unclean, cross over into the LORD’s land where the LORD’s tabernacle now stands, and take for yourselves a possession among us; only do not rebel against the LORD, or rebel against us by building yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If, however, the land of your possession is unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of the LORD, where the LORD'S tabernacle dwells, and inherit land among us; but do not disdain the worship of the LORD, nor rebel against us by building for yourselves an altar beside the altar of the LORD the God of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
However if the land of your inheritance is polluted, cross over to the land of the inheritance of LORD JEHOVAH where the tabernacle of LORD JEHOVAH dwells, and possess with us and you shall not despise the worship of LORD JEHOVAH and you shall not rebel against us, because you have built for yourselves an altar apart from the altar of LORD JEHOVAH the God of Israel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Howbeit, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us; but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar besides the altar of the LORD our God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now if the land of your possession be too little, cross over to the land of the possession of the Lord, where the tabernacle of the Lord dwells, and receive ye an inheritance among us; and do not become apostates from God, neither do ye apostatize from the Lord, because of your having built an altar apart from the altar of the Lord our God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Offensive Altar
18And now, would you turn away from the LORD? If you rebel today against the LORD, tomorrow He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel. 19If indeed the land of your inheritance is unclean, then cross over to the land of the LORD’s possession, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and take possession of it among us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God. 20Was not Achan son of Zerah unfaithful regarding what was set apart for destruction, bringing wrath upon the whole congregation of Israel? Yet it was not only Achan who perished because of his sin!’ ”…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:5-14
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 32:6-15
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. ...

1 Kings 12:27-30
If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” / After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. ...

2 Chronicles 11:13-17
Moreover, the priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel stood with Rehoboam. / For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. / And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. ...

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.

Deuteronomy 12:17-18
Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. / Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do,

1 Samuel 15:22-23
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. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”

2 Kings 17:7-23
All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. / The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. ...

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. / I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say. / Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ...

Acts 7:38-39
He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. / But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Ephesians 2:19-22
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, / built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ...

Hebrews 3:12-14
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. / But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. / We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.


Treasury of Scripture

Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass you over to the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD's tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.

unclean

Exodus 15:17
Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

Leviticus 18:25-28
And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants…

Amos 7:17
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

wherein

Joshua 18:1
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Leviticus 17:8,9
And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice, …

Deuteronomy 12:5,6
But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: …

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Altar Building Cross Dwelleth Dwells However Notwithstanding Possession Rebel Tabernacle Unclean Wherein Withstanding
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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














If indeed the land of your inheritance is unclean
The phrase "land of your inheritance" refers to the territory allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan River. In the Hebrew context, "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) signifies a divinely ordained portion, emphasizing God's sovereign distribution of the land. The concern about the land being "unclean" reflects a deep-seated fear of idolatry or practices that could defile the land, as seen in Levitical laws. This highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and fidelity to God’s commandments.

then cross over to the land of the LORD’s possession
The "land of the LORD’s possession" refers to the land west of the Jordan, where the majority of the Israelites settled. This land is seen as directly under God's dominion, a place of divine favor and blessing. The invitation to "cross over" signifies a call to unity and fellowship within the covenant community, emphasizing that spiritual integrity is more important than geographical boundaries.

where the LORD’s tabernacle stands
The tabernacle was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Its location was a focal point for Israelite worship and community life. The mention of the tabernacle underscores the importance of centralized worship and adherence to the prescribed manner of approaching God, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the need for His people to worship Him in spirit and truth.

and take a possession among us
This phrase is an offer of inclusion and acceptance, suggesting that the tribes could find a place among their brethren if their current land was indeed unsuitable. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where the well-being of the whole community took precedence over individual tribal claims. This offer underscores the unity and solidarity expected among God's people.

But do not rebel against the LORD or against us
Rebellion against the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is a serious charge, as it implies a breach of covenant and disobedience to God's commands. The historical context reveals that Israel's identity and survival were contingent upon their faithfulness to God. The plea not to rebel is a call to remain steadfast in their commitment to the covenant, recognizing that rebellion against God is also a rebellion against the community of faith.

by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God
The construction of an unauthorized altar was seen as a direct violation of God's command to have a single, central place of worship. The "altar of the LORD our God" refers to the altar at the tabernacle, the only legitimate place for sacrifices. This prohibition is rooted in Deuteronomy 12, which emphasizes the importance of worshiping God according to His instructions. The concern here is to prevent idolatry and maintain the purity of worship, ensuring that all sacrifices and offerings are made in accordance with divine law. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience and the dangers of syncretism.

(19) If the land of your possession be unclean.--This suggests that they might have built the altar in it to sanctify it. But it would hardly be intelligible unless the altar was, as we supposed, on the eastern side.

Verse 19. - If the land of your possession be unclean. Rather, be defiled, either by the idolatrous nations around, or by being cut off from the worship of the true God at Shiloh. The only satisfactory explanation of this somewhat difficult passage which has yet been given is that of Masius, who explains it of a possible belief on the part of the two and a half tribes, that they were cut off by Jordan into another land, a land which had no title to the promises and privileges of Israel, no share in the worship of the one true God at Shiloh. If they entertained such an idea, then, however unfounded their conviction, it were better far to abandon the land, how suited to their circumstances soever it might be, and come across the Jordan, and dwell in the midst of their brethren, and under the protection of the tabernacle of the Lord. Beside. That is, separate from, suggesting the idea of an exclusion of those who committed such an act from the worship of the Lord.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

indeed
וְאַ֨ךְ (wə·’aḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of your inheritance
אֲחֻזַּתְכֶ֗ם (’ă·ḥuz·zaṯ·ḵem)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 272: Something seized, a possession

is unclean,
טְמֵאָ֜ה (ṭə·mê·’āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2931: Unclean

[then] cross over
עִבְר֨וּ (‘iḇ·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the land
אֶ֨רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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

possession,
אֲחֻזַּ֤ת (’ă·ḥuz·zaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 272: Something seized, a possession

where
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

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

tabernacle
מִשְׁכַּ֣ן (miš·kan)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

stands,
שָֽׁכַן־ (šā·ḵan-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

and take possession
וְהֵאָחֲז֖וּ (wə·hê·’ā·ḥă·zū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession

of it among us.
בְּתוֹכֵ֑נוּ (bə·ṯō·w·ḵê·nū)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

But do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

rebel
תִּמְרֹ֗דוּ (tim·rō·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 4775: To rebel

against the LORD
וּבַֽיהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

or against us by building
בִּבְנֹֽתְכֶ֤ם (biḇ·nō·ṯə·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 0: 0

an altar
מִזְבֵּ֔חַ (miz·bê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

other than
מִֽבַּלְעֲדֵ֔י (mib·bal·‘ă·ḏê)
Preposition-m
Strong's 1107: Apart from, except, without

the altar
מִזְבַּ֖ח (miz·baḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4196: An altar

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

our God.
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT History: Joshua 22:19 However if the land of your possession (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 22:18
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