Joshua 24:20

Authorized King James Version

If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַֽעַזְבוּ֙

H5800

If ye forsake

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּ֖ם

H5647

and serve

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

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

נֵכָ֑ר

H5236

strange

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

וְשָׁ֨ב

H7725

then he will turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְהֵרַ֤ע

H7489

and do you hurt

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

#10

לָכֶם֙

#11

וְכִלָּ֣ה

H3615

and consume

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#12

אֶתְכֶ֔ם

H853

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

#13

אַֽחֲרֵ֖י

H310

you after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#15

הֵיטִ֥יב

H3190

that he hath done you good

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

#16

לָכֶֽם׃

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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