Joshua 24:16
Joshua 24:16 in Multiple Translations
The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!
And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
And the people answered and said, Far be it from us that we should forsake Jehovah, to serve other gods;
Then the people in answer said, Never will we give up the Lord to be the servants of other gods;
The people responded, “We are never going to give up on the Lord and worship other gods!
Then the people answered and saide, God forbid, that we shoulde forsake the Lord, to serue other gods.
And the people answer and say, 'Far be it from us to forsake Jehovah, to serve other gods;
The people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
And the people answered, and said, Be it far from us that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
And the people answered, and said: God forbid we should leave the Lord, and serve strange gods.
The Israeli people answered, “We will never quit serving/worshiping Yahweh! We would never think of [IDM] serving/worshiping other gods!
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 24:16
BAB
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 24:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
הָ/עָם֙
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
חָלִ֣ילָ/ה
לָּ֔/נוּ
מֵ/עֲזֹ֖ב
אֶת
יְהוָ֑ה
לַ/עֲבֹ֖ד
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
אֲחֵרִֽים
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חָלִ֣ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
forbid
Part | Suff
לָּ֔/נוּ
Prep | Suff
מֵ/עֲזֹ֖ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לַ/עֲבֹ֖ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֲחֵרִֽים
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 24:16
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
חָלִ֣ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
"forbid"
Part | Suff
This Hebrew word means to forbid or express strong disapproval, like saying 'God forbid' in shock or disgust, as seen in the Bible when someone wants to express a strong negative reaction.
Definition: far be it (from me), God forbid that, let it not be
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: be far, ([idiom] God) forbid. See also: Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 20:9; Job 34:10.
לָּ֔/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
מֵ/עֲזֹ֖ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לַ/עֲבֹ֖ד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲחֵרִֽים
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
Study Notes — Joshua 24:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 24:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:16
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:16
- Sermons on Joshua 24:16
Context — Choose Whom You Will Serve
14Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
15But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”
16The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!
17For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 10:38–39 | But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 12:23 | As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. |
| 3 | Romans 6:2 | Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? |
| 4 | Romans 3:6 | Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world? |
Joshua 24:16 Summary
[The people in Joshua 24:16 were making a strong statement that they would not abandon God to follow other gods. This means they were choosing to be faithful and loyal only to Him, just like we are called to do in our own lives (see Deuteronomy 6:13). By doing so, they were acknowledging God's power and goodness in their lives, and they were committing to follow Him alone. This is a powerful reminder for us today to examine our own hearts and make sure we are not serving anything or anyone other than the one true God (see 1 Corinthians 10:21).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'forsake the LORD' in Joshua 24:16?
To forsake the LORD means to abandon or leave Him, which is a serious offense, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13, where God says His people have forsaken Him, the spring of living water.
Why did the people respond so strongly against serving other gods?
The people had witnessed God's mighty works and deliverance, as mentioned in Exodus 14:13-14, and they knew that serving other gods would be a betrayal of the One who had saved them.
How does this verse relate to our own lives today?
Just like the Israelites, we are called to remain faithful to God and not be swayed by the idols of our time, as warned in 1 John 5:21, where we are told to keep ourselves from idols.
What does it mean to 'serve other gods' in this context?
Serving other gods refers to giving our allegiance, worship, and devotion to anything or anyone other than the one true God, as seen in Matthew 6:24, where Jesus says we cannot serve both God and money.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'other gods' that I may be unknowingly serving in my life, and how can I surrender them to the Lord?
- How can I, like the Israelites, recall the great works of God in my life and let that memory fuel my devotion to Him?
- In what ways can I practically demonstrate my commitment to serving the Lord, just as the people did in this verse?
- What are some potential consequences of forsaking the Lord, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:16
And the people answered and said,.... To Joshua, upon his proposal to them, the option he gave them to serve the Lord or idols, and which was only done to try them: God forbid that we should forsake
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:16
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:16
Joshua 24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;Ver. 16. God forbid that we should forsake the Lord.] And yet they did thus, not long after Joshua’ s death. It is ordinary with the many headed multitude to turn with the stream, to tack about to every wind, to be of the same religion with others their superiors, to keep on the sunny side, wheresoever it be. Thus at Rome in Dioclesian’ s time they were Pagans; in Constantine’ s, Christians; in Constantius’ s, Arians; in Julian’ s, Apostates; in Jovinian’ s, Christians again; and all this within less than the age of a man. It is therefore "a good thing that the heart be established with grace," that men may "cleave to God with full purpose," being "steadfast and unmovable."
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:16
(16) God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods.—The feelings of the people are naturally shocked by the bare mention of apostasy. They will not forsake Jehovah on any account. But their answer only betrayed their want of intelligence. They missed the point of Joshua’s argument, as may be seen by his reply.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:16
Verse 16. God forbid that we should forsake the Lord] That they were now sincere cannot be reasonably doubted, for they served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and the elders that outlived him, Joshua 24:31; but afterwards they turned aside, and did serve other gods. "It is ordinary," says Mr. Trapp, "for the many-headed multitude to turn with the stream - to be of the same religion with their superiors: thus at Rome, in DIOCLETIAN'S time, they were pagans; in CONSTANTINE'S Christians; in CONSTANTIUS'S, Arians; in JULIAN'S apostates, and in JOVINIAN'S, Christians again! And all this within less than the age of a man. It is, therefore, a good thing that the heart be established with grace."
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:16
16–24. Reply of the People to Joshua’s Address 16. And the people answered and said] Struck by the solemn earnestness of the address of their leader, the entire people, with one voice, responded to his call by loud and hearty declarations of their determined faithfulness to their covenant with Jehovah.
Sermons on Joshua 24:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When Jesus Is There by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. He emphasizes the significance of this miracle, highlighting how Jesus chose |
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(Hebrews) 1-Overview-1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emp |
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(Mount Vernon) the Parable of the Sower by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the sower and the wheat and tears. He emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and not allowing the enemy to sow tears amo |
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The Pigs in the Parking Lot by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of how we hear the word of God, stating that our future is determined by it. He urges the audience to remember the past when t |
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(Riverfront Character Inn) Session 2 - Part 1 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the Sower found in Luke 8:5-15. He emphasizes the responsibility of the sower to faithfully spread the word of God. The speake |
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Fren-01 the Invisible Cloud of Witnesses by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not expressing resentment and not seeing oneself as a stranger or victim. He encourages the audience to recognize each othe |
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Become Transparent Through Conviction by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and acknowledging the truth of His word. He highlights the need for God's reproof and rebuke t |