BibleWord.ai› Bible› Joshua› Chapter 24› Verse 21

Joshua 24:21

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Joshua 24:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve Jehovah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve Jehovah.
Joshua 24:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Joshua 24

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18and Jehovah drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites that dwelt in the land: therefore we also will serve Jehovah; for he is our God.
19And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve Jehovah; for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgression nor your sins.
20If ye forsake Jehovah, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
21And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve Jehovah.
22And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you Jehovah, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.
23Now therefore put away, [said he], the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto Jehovah, the God of Israel.
24And the people said unto Joshua, Jehovah our God will we serve, and unto his voice will we hearken.
← Joshua 24:20Joshua 24:22 →
← Full Chapter 24 Joshua Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the people said unto Joshua, nay, etc.] We will not serve strange gods: but we will serve the Lord; according to his revealed will, and him only.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The Lord - Namely, him only, and not strange gods. Joshua 24:22”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Nay: Exo 19:8, Exo 20:19, Exo 24:3, Exo 24:7; Deu 5:27, Deu 5:28, Deu 26:17; Isa 44:5 Joshua 24:22”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The people adhered to their resolution. לא, minime, as in Jos 5:14, i.e., we will not serve other gods, but Jehovah. Joshua 24:22”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Joshua 24 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification