Joshua Chapter 1 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

Original Language Analysis

כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֞ישׁ Whosoever H376
אִ֞ישׁ Whosoever
Strong's: H376
Word #: 2 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 3 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַמְרֶ֣ה he be that doth rebel H4784
יַמְרֶ֣ה he be that doth rebel
Strong's: H4784
Word #: 4 of 17
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּ֗יךָ against thy commandment H6310
פִּ֗יךָ against thy commandment
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 6 of 17
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמַ֧ע and will not hearken H8085
יִשְׁמַ֧ע and will not hearken
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 8 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָרֶ֛יךָ unto thy words H1697
דְּבָרֶ֛יךָ unto thy words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 10 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לְכֹ֥ל H3605
לְכֹ֥ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 12 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תְּצַוֶּ֖נּוּ in all that thou commandest H6680
תְּצַוֶּ֖נּוּ in all that thou commandest
Strong's: H6680
Word #: 13 of 17
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
יוּמָ֑ת him he shall be put to death H4191
יוּמָ֑ת him he shall be put to death
Strong's: H4191
Word #: 14 of 17
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
רַ֖ק H7535
רַ֖ק
Strong's: H7535
Word #: 15 of 17
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
חֲזַ֥ק only be strong H2388
חֲזַ֥ק only be strong
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 16 of 17
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וֶֽאֱמָֽץ׃ and of a good courage H553
וֶֽאֱמָֽץ׃ and of a good courage
Strong's: H553
Word #: 17 of 17
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

Analysis & Commentary

The tribes declare capital punishment for rebellion: 'Whosoever...doth rebel...shall be put to death' (kol-ish asher-yamreh...yumat, כָּל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יַמְרֶה...יוּמָת). This severe penalty emphasizes military discipline's necessity during conquest. The phrase 'rebel against thy commandment' (yamreh et-picha, יַמְרֶה אֶת־פִּיךָ) literally means 'rebels against thy mouth'—refusing orders. Their closing encouragement 'only be strong and of a good courage' (raq chazaq ve'emats, רַק חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ) echoes God's threefold command to Joshua (verses 6, 7, 9), showing they recognize his need for divine courage. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that authority carries responsibility requiring divine enablement, and submission includes encouraging leaders toward faithfulness.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern military discipline required harsh penalties for insubordination—armies without discipline faced defeat. Israel's tribal confederation needed strong unity for successful conquest. The death penalty for rebellion wasn't tyranny but military necessity. Later, Achan's rebellion (chapter 7) brought judgment demonstrating this wasn't empty threat. The tribes' encouragement to Joshua shows healthy relationship between leader and followers—mutual accountability and encouragement.

Questions for Reflection