Joshua 24:22
Joshua 24:22 in Multiple Translations
Then Joshua told them, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “We are witnesses!” they said.
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you Jehovah, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
And Joshua said to the people, You are witnesses against yourselves that you have made the decision to be the servants of the Lord. And they said, We are witnesses.
Then Joshua cautioned the people, “You have made yourselves witnesses against yourselves by saying that you have chosen to worship the Lord.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” the people replied.
And Ioshua saide vnto the people, Yee are witnesses against your selues, that yee haue chosen you the Lord, to serue him: and they sayd, We are witnesses.
And Joshua saith unto the people, 'Witnesses ye are against yourselves, that ye have chosen for you Jehovah to serve Him (and they say, 'Witnesses!')
Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD yourselves, to serve him.” They said, “We are witnesses.”
And Joshua said to the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
And Josue said to the people: You are witnesses, that you yourselves have chosen you the Lord to serve him. And they answered: We are witnesses.
Then Joshua said, “You yourselves are saying that you have decided to serve/worship Yahweh.” They replied, “Yes, we are saying that.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 24:22
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 24:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ
אֶל
הָ/עָ֗ם
עֵדִ֤ים
אַתֶּם֙
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
כִּֽי
אַתֶּ֞ם
בְּחַרְתֶּ֥ם
לָ/כֶ֛ם
אֶת
יְהוָ֖ה
לַ/עֲבֹ֣ד
אוֹת֑/וֹ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ
עֵדִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
עֵדִ֤ים
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-mp
אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתֶּ֞ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
בְּחַרְתֶּ֥ם
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
לָ/כֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לַ/עֲבֹ֣ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אוֹת֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עֵדִֽים
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-mp
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 24:22
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
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.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ
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.
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.
הָ/עָ֗ם
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.
עֵדִ֤ים
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בָּ/כֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
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.
אַתֶּ֞ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בְּחַרְתֶּ֥ם
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
לָ/כֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
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.
לַ/עֲבֹ֣ד
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.
אוֹת֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
עֵדִֽים
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
Study Notes — Joshua 24:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 24:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:22
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:22
- Sermons on Joshua 24:22
Context — Choose Whom You Will Serve
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.” 24So the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:173 | May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:11 | I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 3 | Job 15:6 | Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you. |
| 4 | Luke 10:42 | But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Luke 19:22 | His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? |
Joshua 24:22 Summary
[In Joshua 24:22, the people of Israel affirm their choice to serve the Lord, and Joshua tells them they are witnesses against themselves to this decision. This means they are acknowledging and confirming their own commitment to follow God. As seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, choosing to serve the Lord is a significant decision that affects our lives. By choosing to serve the Lord, we are, in a sense, holding ourselves accountable to live according to His will, as described in Romans 12:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a witness against oneself?
In Joshua 24:22, being a witness against oneself means to acknowledge and confirm one's own actions or decisions, in this case, choosing to serve the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19 where the people are called to choose life or death.
Is serving the Lord a one-time decision or an ongoing process?
Serving the Lord is an ongoing process, as emphasized in Joshua 24:22, where the people confirm their choice to serve Him, and as seen in Romans 12:1, where believers are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices daily.
What role does community play in serving the Lord?
In Joshua 24:22, the community comes together to affirm their decision to serve the Lord, highlighting the importance of corporate worship and accountability, as also seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are encouraged to gather and stir one another to love and good works.
How does this verse relate to personal responsibility in faith?
Joshua 24:22 emphasizes personal responsibility in faith, as each individual must choose to serve the Lord, and as seen in Ezekiel 18:30, where God holds each person accountable for their own actions and choices.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be a witness to my own decision to follow God, and how can I hold myself accountable?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, incline my heart to the Lord and get rid of 'foreign gods' in my life?
- How can I, in my daily life, present myself as a living sacrifice to God, as described in Romans 12:1, and what does that look like in practical terms?
- What role does community play in my own walk with the Lord, and how can I engage with others to deepen my faith?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:22
And Joshua said unto the people,.... In reply to their answer and resolution: ye [are] witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord God to serve him; that is, should they, after
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:22
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 24:22
Ye are witnesses against yourselves; this solemn profession will be a swift witness against you, if hereafter you apostatize from God.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:22
Joshua 24:22 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye [are] witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, [We are] witnesses.Ver. 22. Ye are witnesses against yourselves.] In case ye falsify ye shall be self-condemned, and cut of your own mouths God shall judge you: meanwhile conscience shall do its office upon you, as an index, iudex, vindex, accuser, judge, and executioner.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:22
Verse 22. Ye are witnesses against yourselves] Ye have been sufficiently apprised of the difficulties in your way - of GOD'S holiness - your own weakness and inconstancy - the need you have of Divine help, and the awful consequences of apostasy; and now ye deliberately make your choice. Remember then, that ye are witnesses against yourselves, and your own conscience will be witness, judge, and executioner; or, as one terms it, index, judex, vindex.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:22
22. Ye are witnesses against yourselves] Clearly and unmistakeably the people had declared that they had chosen the service of Jehovah. By so doing, in the event of their falling away, they would condemn themselves by their own evidence, and would be obliged to admit that Jehovah had a right to punish them for their unfaithfulness. We are witnesses] Literally, Witnesses are we against ourselves.
Sermons on Joshua 24:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Registering a Verdict by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of making a definitive decision to serve the Lord and obey His voice, highlighting the danger of indecision and the need to avoid a life |
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(1 Peter - Part 18): On Laying Aside Certain Things by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is God who infuses the element of eternity into everything. Without God's intervention, mortality and corruptibility are inevitable. |
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A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |
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Be a Man (At Home and at Church) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bringing every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ. He highlights the need to bring our thought life, eyes, e |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Caleb, Give Me This Mountain! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the book of Joshua and briefly mentioning the story of Caleb. He then transitions to discussing the importance of being consumed |
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Men of Another Sort by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being men and women of the Word, seeking God through fasting, prayer, and obedience. It highlights the need for brokenness before God, a hu |
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Finished With the World by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainme |