King James Version
Joshua 24:20 in the King James Version says “If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath d...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Joshua 24:20 · KJV
And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.
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.
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.
And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
KJV Study — Public Domain
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“and serve”
H5647to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
“gods”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
“then he will turn”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“and do you hurt”
H7489properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
“and consume”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“you after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“that he hath done you good”
H3190to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Joshua 24:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Joshua 24:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge