Joshua 1:5

Authorized King James Version

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב

H3320

be able to stand

to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue

אִישׁ֙

H376

There shall not any man

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)

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

thee all the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חַיֶּ֑יךָ

H2416

of thy life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

הָיִ֤יתִי

H1961

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

#10

עִם

H5973

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

#11

מֹשֶׁה֙

H4872

as I was with Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#12

אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

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

#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

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

אַרְפְּךָ֖

H7503

so I will be with thee I will not fail

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

#16

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

אֶֽעֶזְבֶֽךָּ׃

H5800

thee nor forsake

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

Cross References

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Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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 passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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