King James Version

What Does Joshua 24:24 Mean?

Joshua 24:24 in the King James Version says “And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.”

Joshua 24:24 · KJV

Context

22

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.

23

Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

24

And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.

25

So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

26

And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.

Read Joshua 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The people's final commitment—'Nay; but we will serve the LORD'—persists despite Joshua's challenge. Their determination after being told they cannot shows resolve moving beyond mere emotional response toward genuine commitment. The brief, emphatic 'Nay' rejects the suggestion they'll fail, while 'we will serve' reaffirms determination. This exchange demonstrates that testing strengthens genuine faith while exposing superficial profession. Costly commitment proves more durable than easy discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This third affirmation (verses 18, 21, 24) shows increasing conviction through dialogue. The people moved from recounting God's works (verse 17) to declaring intention (verse 21) to persisting despite challenge (verse 24). The subsequent covenant making (verse 25) formalized commitment. Yet the generation after Joshua abandoned this commitment (Judges 2:10-12), showing that even seemingly strong professions don't guarantee future faithfulness. Each generation must personally embrace covenant relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has testing and challenge strengthened rather than weakened your commitment to God?
  2. What formal covenant commitments help maintain faithfulness across changing circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֥וּ1 of 10

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָעָ֖ם2 of 10

“And the people”

H5971

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

אֶל3 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ4 of 10

“unto Joshua”

H3091

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

אֶת5 of 10
H853

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

יְהוָ֤ה6 of 10

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙7 of 10

“our God”

H430

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

נַֽעֲבֹ֔ד8 of 10

“will we serve”

H5647

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

וּבְקוֹל֖וֹ9 of 10

“and his voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

נִשְׁמָֽע׃10 of 10

“will we obey”

H8085

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Joshua 24:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 24:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 24:7Exodus 24:3Deuteronomy 5:27-29Exodus 19:8

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