Joshua 24:19

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָעָ֗ם
unto the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תֽוּכְלוּ֙
Ye cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#7
לַֽעֲבֹ֣ד
serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
God
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
#12
קְדֹשִׁ֖ים
for he is an holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#13
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
אֵל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#15
קַנּ֣וֹא
he is a jealous
jealous or angry
#16
ה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#17
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
יִשָּׂ֥א
he will not forgive
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#19
לְפִשְׁעֲכֶ֖ם
your transgressions
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#20
וּלְחַטֹּֽאותֵיכֶֽם׃
nor your sins
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

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 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

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