Joshua 1:7

Authorized King James Version

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רַק֩

H7535

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

חֲזַ֨ק

H2388

Only be thou strong

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וֶֽאֱמַ֜ץ

H553

courageous

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

מְאֹ֗ד

H3966

and very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לִשְׁמֹ֤ר

H8104

that thou mayest observe

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙

H6213

to do

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

כְּכָל

H3605

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

הַתּוֹרָ֗ה

H8451

according to all the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#10

צִוְּךָ֙

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#11

מֹשֶׁ֣ה

H4872

which Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#12

עַבְדִּ֔י

H5650

my servant

a servant

#13

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#14

תָּס֥וּר

H5493

thee turn

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#15

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#16

יָמִ֣ין

H3225

not from it to the right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#17

וּשְׂמֹ֑אול

H8040

or to the left

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

#18

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#19

תַּשְׂכִּ֔יל

H7919

that thou mayest prosper

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

#20

בְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

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

#21

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#22

תֵּלֵֽךְ׃

H1980

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

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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