Joshua 1:17

Authorized King James Version

According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כְּכֹ֤ל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

נִשְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

According as we hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

be with thee as he was with Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כֵּ֖ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

נִשְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

According as we hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵלֶ֑יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רַ֠ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#10

יִֽהְיֶ֞ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

unto thee only the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#13

עִמָּ֔ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#14

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#15

הָיָ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#17

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

be with thee as he was with Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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 understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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