King James Version
Joshua 24:21 in the King James Version says “And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:21 · KJV
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.
Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
(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)
“Nay but we will serve”
H5647to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
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 24:21 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 24:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge