Joshua 24:21
Joshua 24:21 in Multiple Translations
“No!” replied the people. “We will serve the LORD!”
And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.
And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve Jehovah.
And the people said to Joshua, No! But we will be the servants of the Lord.
“Don't say that!” the people replied. “We will worship the Lord!”
And the people saide vnto Ioshua, Nay, but we will serue the Lord.
And the people saith unto Joshua, 'No, but Jehovah we do serve.'
The people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.”
And the people said to Joshua, No; but we will serve the LORD.
And the people said to Josue: No, it shall not be so as thou sayest, but we will serve the Lord.
But the people replied to Joshua, “No, we will not turn away from worshiping/serving Yahweh We will serve/worship Yahweh!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 24:21
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 24:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הָ/עָ֖ם
אֶל
יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ
לֹ֕א
כִּ֥י
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
נַעֲבֹֽד
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
לֹ֕א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
נַעֲבֹֽד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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 24:21
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
לֹ֕א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
נַעֲבֹֽד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
Study Notes — Joshua 24:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 24:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:21
- Sermons on Joshua 24:21
Context — Choose Whom You Will Serve
19But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your rebellion or your sins.
20If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you and consume you, even after He has been good to you.”
21“No!” replied the people. “We will serve the LORD!”
22Then Joshua told them, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “We are witnesses!” they said. 23“Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 20:19 | “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 44:5 | One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD,’ another will call himself by the name of Jacob, and still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name of Israel.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 5:27–28 | Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.” And the LORD heard the words you spoke to me, and He said to me, “I have heard the words that these people have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken. |
| 4 | Exodus 19:8 | And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD. |
| 5 | Exodus 24:3 | When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” |
| 6 | Exodus 24:7 | Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 26:17 | Today you have proclaimed that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in His ways, keep His statutes and commandments and ordinances, and listen to His voice. |
Joshua 24:21 Summary
[The people's response in Joshua 24:21 shows that they wanted to make God first in their lives, and we can do the same by choosing to put Him first every day (Matthew 22:37-38). Serving the Lord means trusting in His goodness and obeying His commands, even when it's hard, and we can find the strength to do this by remembering His love and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 103:1-5 and Lamentations 3:22-23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to serve the Lord in Joshua 24:21?
Serving the Lord means to give Him first place in our lives, obeying His commands, and trusting in His goodness, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Matthew 22:37-38.
Why did the people respond with such conviction in Joshua 24:21?
The people responded with conviction because they had witnessed God's power and deliverance throughout their history, as recorded in the book of Exodus and Joshua, and they wanted to commit to following Him.
Is the people's response in Joshua 24:21 a one-time decision or an ongoing process?
The decision to serve the Lord is both a one-time commitment and an ongoing process, as we see in Romans 12:1-2, where we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
How can we apply the people's response in Joshua 24:21 to our own lives?
We can apply their response by making a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with God, seeking to obey His commands, and trusting in His goodness, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to prioritize serving the Lord, and how can I take steps to do so?
- How can I, like the Israelites, recall the ways God has worked in my life and use those memories to strengthen my commitment to serving Him?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to serving the Lord in my daily interactions and decisions, and what impact might this have on those around me?
- What are some 'foreign gods' or idols in my life that I need to get rid of, and how can I incline my heart to the Lord, as Joshua encouraged the Israelites in Joshua 24:23?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:21
And the people said unto Joshua, nay,.... We will not serve strange gods: but we will serve the Lord; according to his revealed will, and him only.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:21
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
To wit, him only, and not strange gods, as was supposed by Joshua, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
Joshua 24:21 And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.Ver. 21. Nay; but we will serve the Lord.] Only and wholly, for subject and object. This was well resolved, if as well practised. These here were ready to enter into covenant, and so to bind their deceitful hearts to a good abearance, which else would be ready to slip collar.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
(21) Nay; but we will serve the Lord.—Being brought to the point, no other answer was possible. If they must give up Jehovah or the idols, the idols must go first. (22,23) Ye are witnesses . . . that ye have chosen you the Lord . . . Now therefore put away . . . the strange gods.—This was the practical conclusion to which Joshua desired that they should come. But we do not read that they did anything in obedience to these words. We read of no images being buried or burned, as in the days of Jacob by David (Genesis 35:4; 2 Samuel 5:21). There is only a verbal promise: “The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:21
Verse 21. And the people said - Nay; but we will serve, &c.] So they understood the words of Joshua to imply no moral impossibility on their side: and had they earnestly sought the gracious assistance of God, they would have continued steady in his covenant.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:21
21. Nay; but we will] The people repeat their protestations of fidelity to Jehovah, and vow to serve Him with sincerity.
Sermons on Joshua 24:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Kings) a Great Victory, and the Aftermath of It by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. He highlights the passion and commitment of the prophets of Baal, but emphasizes that their de |
|
The Voice of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our motives rather than just our actions. He shares a personal story of listening to a preacher who spoke about |
|
The Fear of Man by Mason Vann | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories from Christians in Bangladesh who face persecution for their faith. He describes how these believers become Christians, get baptized, and |
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Numbers 27:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of Moses as God's representative, illustrating how the people learned about God through Moses' actions and words. He highlights the immense responsi |
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Nehemiah 6 - Part 7 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the stamp and work of God in our lives, rather than relying on human efforts or worldly counsel. It calls for surrendering to the s |
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The Beginning by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the overwhelming love of God and the impossibility of containing it. He describes how when people praise and worship God, they are joined to |
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Promise Believers #1 - Man's Promises or God's Promises by Bob Hoekstra | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the assurance that God will never leave or forsake His people. He encourages believers to boldly declare that the Lord is their helper, guar |