Joshua 24:27

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ

H3091

And Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֗ם

H5971

unto all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

הָאֶ֤בֶן

H68

Behold this stone

a stone

הַזֹּאת֙

H2063

this (often used adverb)

תִּֽהְיֶה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

בָּ֣נוּ

#11

לְעֵדָ֔ה

H5713

shall be a witness

testimony

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#13

הִ֣יא

H1931

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

שָֽׁמְעָ֗ה

H8085

unto us for it hath heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#15

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#16

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

אִמְרֵ֣י

H561

all the words

something said

#18

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#19

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#20

דִּבֶּ֖ר

H1696

which he spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#21

עִמָּ֑נוּ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#22

וְהָֽיְתָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#23

בָכֶם֙

#24

לְעֵדָ֔ה

H5713

shall be a witness

testimony

#25

פֶּֽן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#26

תְּכַחֲשׁ֖וּן

H3584

unto you lest ye deny

to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)

#27

בֵּאלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃

H430

your 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

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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