Joshua 23:7

Authorized King James Version

That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְבִלְתִּי

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

בוֹא֙

H935

That ye come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַּגּוֹיִ֣ם

H1471

not among these nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֥ים

H7604

these that remain

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

הָאֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

אִתְּכֶ֑ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וּבְשֵׁ֨ם

H8034

of the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֤ם

H430

of their gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

תַזְכִּ֙ירוּ֙

H2142

among you neither make mention

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#12

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

תַשְׁבִּ֔יעוּ

H7650

nor cause to swear

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#14

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

תַֽעַבְד֔וּם

H5647

by them neither serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#16

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

תִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ

H7812

them nor bow

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#18

לָהֶֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources

Biblical Maps