Joshua 1:16

Authorized King James Version

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּעֲנ֔וּ

H6030

And they answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ

H3091

Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֤ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

and whithersoever

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוִּיתָ֙נוּ֙

H6680

All that thou commandest

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

נַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה

H6213

us we will do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְאֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

and whithersoever

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

תִּשְׁלָחֵ֖נוּ

H7971

thou sendest

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#13

נֵלֵֽךְ׃

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Joshua's theological argument.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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