If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

JOSHUA 24:20KJV
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Joshua 24:20 (KJV)

What does Joshua 24:20 mean?

Joshua 24:20 warns the Israelites that if they abandon the LORD and start worshipping other gods, the LORD will turn against them, bring harm, and eventually destroy them, even though He has previously done them good. The verse makes clear that their relationship with the LORD depends on their faithfulness to Him alone.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking to the gathered people of Israel near the end of his life, challenging them to remain loyal to the LORD (the God who brought them out of Egypt and into the promised land). Joshua stresses that turning to "strange gods"—foreign deities—would reverse the blessings they have received, showing the seriousness of their covenant with the LORD.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 24:20

  • "forsake" (עָזַב, 'azav): This word means to leave behind or abandon. Joshua uses it to emphasize a deliberate turning away from the LORD, not just a casual mistake.
  • "strange" (נֵכָר, nekar): This word refers to something foreign or alien, highlighting that the gods in question are not just different, but truly outside Israel’s faith and identity.
  • "consume" (כָּלָה, kalah): This word means to bring to an end or destroy completely. Joshua warns that the consequences of abandoning the LORD are not just temporary harm but could lead to total destruction.

Why Joshua 24:20 matters

  • Joshua 24:20 clarifies that the LORD’s blessings are not unconditional; faithfulness is required, and turning away has real consequences.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of idolatry in Israel’s covenant relationship, showing that worshipping other gods is not a minor issue but a complete betrayal.
  • In the wider context, this warning helps explain why Israel’s later history includes times of suffering and exile when they turned to other gods, connecting their choices directly to their experiences.

Where else these words appear

“strange” Hebrew H5236 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:

“hurt” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

“good” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 30:5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
  • Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.