Joshua 1:8

Authorized King James Version

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יָמ֡וּשׁ
shall not depart
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
#3
סֵפֶר֩
This book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#4
הַתּוֹרָ֨ה
of the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#5
הַזֶּ֜ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
מִפִּ֗יךָ
out of thy mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
וְהָגִ֤יתָ
but thou shalt meditate
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder
#8
בּוֹ֙
H0
#9
יוֹמָ֣ם
therein day
daily
#10
וָלַ֔יְלָה
and night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#11
לְמַ֙עַן֙
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#12
תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
that thou mayest observe
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#13
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
כְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
הַכָּת֖וּב
according to all that is written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#16
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#17
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
אָ֛ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#19
תַּצְלִ֥יחַ
prosperous
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#20
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
דְּרָכֶ֖ךָ
thy way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#22
וְאָ֥ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#23
תַּשְׂכִּֽיל׃
and then thou shalt have good success
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation 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

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