Joshua 24:31

Authorized King James Version

And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ד

H5647

served

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

לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

And Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת

H853

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

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

יָמִים֙

H3117

all the days

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

יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ

H3091

Joshua

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

וְכֹ֣ל׀

H3605

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

יָמִים֙

H3117

all the days

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

הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים

H2205

of the elders

old

#11

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#12

הֶֽאֱרִ֤יכוּ

H748

that overlived

to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)

#13

יָמִים֙

H3117

all the days

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

#14

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

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

#15

יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ

H3091

Joshua

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

#16

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#17

יָֽדְע֗וּ

H3045

and which had known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#18

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#19

כָּל

H3605

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

#20

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

all the works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#21

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#22

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#23

עָשָׂ֖ה

H6213

that he had done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#24

לְיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

And Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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

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