Joshua 10:25

Authorized King James Version

And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶם֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ
And Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#4
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#5
תִּֽירְא֖וּ
unto them Fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#6
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
תֵּחָ֑תּוּ
not nor be dismayed
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#8
חִזְק֣וּ
be strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#9
וְאִמְצ֔וּ
and of good courage
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
#10
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
כָ֗כָה
just so, referring to the previous or following context
#12
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֤ה
do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
יְהוָה֙
for thus shall the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
אֹ֣יְבֵיכֶ֔ם
to all your enemies
hating; an adversary
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
אַתֶּ֖ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#18
נִלְחָמִ֥ים
against whom ye fight
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
#19
אוֹתָֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

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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