King James Version

What Does Joshua 24:29 Mean?

Joshua 24:29 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

Joshua 24:29 · KJV


Context

27

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.

28

So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.

29

And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

30

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.

31

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. overlived: Heb. prolonged their days after Joshua


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old—Joshua's epitaph: the servant of the LORD (eved YHWH, עֶבֶד יְהוָה). This title, previously Moses' alone (Joshua 1:1), now crowns Joshua. He dies at 110, the same ideal lifespan as Joseph (Genesis 50:26), suggesting divine favor.

Servant of the LORD is the highest commendation. Not 'mighty warrior' or 'great conqueror'—his identity was servanthood. Jesus embodied this perfectly (Philippians 2:7), and believers aspire to it (Revelation 22:3). Faithful service, not spectacular achievement, defines kingdom greatness (Matthew 20:26-28).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Joshua served approximately 45 years: 40 under Moses' leadership and 5-7 leading the conquest and settlement. His 110-year lifespan paralleled Joseph's, connecting Israel's entry into Canaan with their exodus from Egypt. Both men served as deliverers bringing God's people to promised rest.

Reflection Questions

  1. What legacy would you like your life to leave: achievements or faithful servanthood?
  2. How does 'servant of the LORD' redefine success from a kingdom perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽיְהִ֗י1 of 14
H1961

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

אַֽחֲרֵי֙2 of 14

And it came to pass after

H310

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

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים3 of 14

these things

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֔לֶּה4 of 14
H428

these or those

וַיָּ֛מָת5 of 14

died

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יְהוֹשֻׁ֥עַ6 of 14

that Joshua

H3091

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

בֶּן7 of 14

old

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נ֖וּן8 of 14

of Nun

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua

עֶ֣בֶד9 of 14

the servant

H5650

a servant

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 14

of the LORD

H3068

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

בֶּן11 of 14

old

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֵאָ֥ה12 of 14

being an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וָעֶ֖שֶׂר13 of 14

and ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

שָׁנִֽים׃14 of 14

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


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 24:29 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 24:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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