Joshua 22:5

Authorized King James Version

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רַ֣ק׀

H7535

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

וְלִשְׁמֹ֥ר

H8104

and to keep

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

מְאֹ֗ד

H3966

But take diligent

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֨וֹת

H6213

to do

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִצְוֹתָ֖יו

H4687

his commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַתּוֹרָה֮

H8451

and the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

צִוָּ֣ה

H6680

charged

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#11

אֶתְכֶם֮

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

מֹשֶׁ֣ה

H4872

which Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#13

עֶֽבֶד

H5650

the servant

a servant

#14

יְהוָ֨ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#15

לְ֠אַֽהֲבָה

H157

you to love

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

יְהוָ֨ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#18

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֜ם

H430

your 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

#19

וְלָלֶ֧כֶת

H1980

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

#20

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#21

דְּרָכָ֛יו

H1870

in all his ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#22

וְלִשְׁמֹ֥ר

H8104

and to keep

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

#23

מִצְוֹתָ֖יו

H4687

his commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

#24

וּלְדָבְקָה

H1692

and to cleave

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

#25

ב֑וֹ

#26

וּלְעָבְד֕וֹ

H5647

unto him and to serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#27

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#28

לְבַבְכֶ֖ם

H3824

him with all your heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#29

וּבְכָל

H3605

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

#30

נַפְשְׁכֶֽם׃

H5315

and with all your soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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