Joshua 23:11
Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.
Original Language Analysis
וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם
heed
H8104
וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם
heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מְאֹ֖ד
Take good
H3966
מְאֹ֖ד
Take good
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
לְנַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם
therefore unto yourselves
H5315
לְנַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם
therefore unto yourselves
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לְאַֽהֲבָ֖ה
that ye love
H157
לְאַֽהֲבָ֖ה
that ye love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
4 of 7
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Joshua 22:5But 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.Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Exodus 20:6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.1 Corinthians 8:3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
Historical Context
This warning preceded prohibition against intermarriage with Canaanites (verse 12-13), showing practical connection between love for God and behavioral choices. Failure to guard love leads to compromise, which produces apostasy. Solomon later exemplified this tragic pattern—foreign wives turned his heart from God (1 Kings 11:1-8). The warning's necessity shows that even those who experienced God's great works can drift without vigilance. No generation automatically inherits parents' faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What practical disciplines help you guard and cultivate love for God?
- How do relationship choices either strengthen or endanger your devotion to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The warning—'Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God'—connects carefulness with love. The phrase 'take good heed' demands vigilance, showing love isn't automatic but requires intentional cultivation. The reflexive 'unto yourselves' indicates personal responsibility—each individual must guard their own heart. This demonstrates that love for God, though commanded, requires volitional effort to maintain. Spiritual disciplines serve love's preservation.