Joshua 1:9

Authorized King James Version

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲל֤וֹא

H3808

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

צִוִּיתִ֙יךָ֙

H6680

Have not I commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

חֲזַ֣ק

H2388

thee Be strong

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

וֶֽאֱמָ֔ץ

H553

and of a good courage

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

אַֽל

H408

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

תַּעֲרֹ֖ץ

H6206

be not afraid

to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass

וְאַל

H408

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

תֵּחָ֑ת

H2865

neither be thou dismayed

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

עִמְּךָ֙

H5973

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

#11

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

for the LORD

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

#12

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

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

בְּכֹ֖ל

H3605

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

#14

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#15

תֵּלֵֽךְ׃

H1980

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Joshua's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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