Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

JOSHUA 24:14KJV
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Joshua 24:14 (KJV)

What does Joshua 24:14 mean?

Joshua 24:14 calls the Israelites to respect and honor the LORD, serving Him with genuine hearts and honesty, and to abandon the foreign gods their ancestors worshipped in earlier times and in Egypt. The verse urges exclusive loyalty to the LORD, making it clear that serving Him requires both sincerity and a break from old allegiances.

Joshua is speaking to all the tribes of Israel as they gather at Shechem, near the end of his life. He reminds them of their history and challenges them to renew their commitment to the LORD (the God of Israel), not just outwardly but with true integrity. This moment is a turning point, asking the people to choose whom they will serve as they settle in the promised land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 24:14

  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare’): This word often means to have deep respect or reverence, not just being afraid. Joshua is calling for a heartfelt honor toward the LORD, not just obedience out of fear.
  • "Serve" (עָבַד, avad): This word means more than just performing rituals; it includes worship, loyalty, and daily living under God’s authority. Joshua is asking for a whole-life commitment.
  • "Sincerity" (תָּמִים, tamim): This word carries the sense of being whole, complete, or blameless. Serving in "sincerity" means not being divided or half-hearted.
  • "Truth" (אֱמֶת, emet): This word means faithfulness, reliability, and honesty. Joshua is emphasizing that their service must be genuine and trustworthy, not just outward show.

Why Joshua 24:14 matters

  • Joshua 24:14 clears up any idea that following the LORD can be mixed with other loyalties; it stresses that true worship requires putting away all other "gods" or influences.
  • The verse highlights that God desires not just actions but the attitude and integrity behind them—service must be both sincere and true.
  • This call to decision sets the stage for the famous challenge in the next verse ("choose you this day whom ye will serve"), showing that faithfulness to God is a conscious, ongoing choice for the community.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!
  • 2 Samuel 10:16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

“sincerity” Hebrew H8549 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
  • Psalms 18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

“flood” Hebrew H5104 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Ezra 8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

“truth” Hebrew H571 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Psalms 30:9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
  • Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.