And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

JOSHUA 24:19KJV
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Joshua 24:19 (KJV)

What does Joshua 24:19 mean?

Joshua 24:19 describes Joshua warning the Israelites that they are not able to serve the LORD because He is a holy and jealous God who will not forgive their transgressions or sins if they turn away from Him. Joshua is stressing the seriousness of their commitment and the character of God, who demands true loyalty and does not tolerate divided devotion.

Joshua is speaking to the people of Israel as they renew their covenant with God at the end of his leadership. He is reminding them that serving the LORD is not something to take lightly, because God’s holiness and jealousy mean He expects faithfulness and will not simply overlook rebellion. This warning is meant to make the people consider carefully before promising to serve God.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 24:19

  • The word for "holy" is קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh), which means set apart or sacred. Joshua uses this word to highlight that God is completely pure and different from other gods, so He cannot be treated casually.
  • The word for "jealous" is קַנָּא (qanna), meaning zealous or protective of what belongs to Him. This shows that God expects exclusive worship and does not accept rivals.
  • The word for "forgive" is נָשָׂא (nasa), which often means to lift up or carry away. Here, it emphasizes that God will not simply remove or overlook sin if the people are unfaithful.
  • The words for "transgressions" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha) and "sins" (חַטָּאָה, chatta’ah) both refer to wrongdoing, but "transgressions" often means rebellion or breaking trust, while "sins" is a broader term for missing the mark. Joshua uses both to cover all kinds of unfaithfulness.

Why Joshua 24:19 matters

  • Joshua 24:19 clears up the idea that serving God is easy or can be done half-heartedly; it stresses that God’s standards are high and He expects real commitment.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s unique character—His holiness and jealousy—which helps explain why He reacts strongly to unfaithfulness.
  • This warning fits into the larger context of Joshua 24, where the people are being asked to choose whom they will serve, making it clear that their choice has serious consequences.

Where else these words appear

“jealous” Hebrew H7072 · used in 2 verses

  • Nahum 1:2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

“transgressions” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.