Paragraph 24: 16–18

24:16a

The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible leaves untranslated but some English versions translate as “and” introduces the next event in the storyline. Introduce this next event in a way that is natural in your language.

The people replied: The people refers to the Israelites who were gathered with Joshua.

Here is another way to translate this part of the verse:

Then the people said ⌊to Joshua,⌋
-or-
The people replied ⌊to him⌋ ,

24:16b

Far be it from us: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Far be it from us is more literally “to that which is profane.” This is a Hebrew idiom which indicates an emphatic rejection of something. It indicates that the people would certainly not forsake Yahweh.

Translate this Hebrew idiom with a word or phrase that indicates an emphatic decision to take a certain path.

to forsake the LORD to serve other gods: The Israelites made a strong statement that they would not turn from Yahweh to worship other gods.

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:

We (excl.) will never leave Yahweh and worship other gods.
-or-
Absolutely not! We will never abandon Yahweh. We will never worship other gods.

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