Joshua 24:15

Authorized King James Version

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 Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם֩

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

רַ֨ע

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּֽעֵינֵיכֶ֜ם

H5869

whom

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

נַֽעֲבֹ֖ד

H5647

served

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּֽחֲר֨וּ

H977

choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לָכֶ֣ם

הַיּוֹם֮

H3117

you this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

מִ֣י

H4310

unto you

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#12

נַֽעֲבֹ֖ד

H5647

served

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

#13

אִ֣ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

or the 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

#16

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

נַֽעֲבֹ֖ד

H5647

served

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

#18

אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם

which your fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#19

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

בֵּעֵ֣בֶר

H5676

that were on the other side

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

#21

הַנָּהָ֔ר

H5104

of the flood

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

#22

וְאִם֙

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#23

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

or the 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

#25

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י

H567

of the Amorites

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

#26

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#27

אַתֶּ֖ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#28

יֹֽשְׁבִ֣ים

H3427

ye dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#29

בְּאַרְצָ֑ם

H776

in whose land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#30

וְאָֽנֹכִ֣י

H595

#31

וּבֵיתִ֔י

H1004

but as for me and my house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#32

נַֽעֲבֹ֖ד

H5647

served

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

#33

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#34

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Cross References

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Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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 this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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