When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

JOSHUA 23:16KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 23:16 (KJV)

What does Joshua 23:16 mean?

Joshua 23:16 warns that if the Israelites break the agreement (covenant) God made with them by worshiping other gods, God’s anger will be stirred, and they will quickly lose the good land He gave them. The verse makes clear that turning away from God to serve other gods will have serious, immediate consequences.

Joshua is speaking to the leaders of Israel near the end of his life, reminding them of the covenant God made with their people. He stresses that faithfulness to God is not optional; if they abandon Him for other gods, they will lose the blessings and land they have received. This is a strong warning meant to keep the people focused on their commitment to God as they settle in the promised land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 23:16

  • "Transgressed" (עָבַר, avar) means to cross over or go beyond, here referring to breaking the terms of the covenant. The word paints a picture of stepping outside agreed boundaries.
  • "Covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) is a binding agreement or treaty. In this context, it refers to the special relationship and promises between God and Israel, not just a simple contract.
  • "Anger" (אַף, af) literally means "nose" or "face," but in Hebrew it often describes the flaring of nostrils in anger. This word gives a vivid sense of God’s emotional response to betrayal.
  • "Perish" (אָבַד, avad) means to be destroyed or wiped out. The word is strong, showing that the consequences are not just hardship but complete removal from the land.

Why Joshua 23:16 matters

  • Joshua 23:16 clarifies that the covenant with God is conditional—continued blessing depends on Israel’s loyalty, not just a one-time promise.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of idolatry, showing that serving other gods is not a minor mistake but a direct violation with severe results.
  • This warning connects to the broader message of Joshua’s final speech, where he urges the people to remain faithful as they face new challenges in the land.

Where else these words appear

“quickly” Hebrew H4120 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 16:46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
  • 2 Samuel 17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
  • Psalms 147:15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

“kindled” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.