Joshua 23:11

Authorized King James Version

Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם
heed
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
מְאֹ֖ד
Take good
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#3
לְנַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם
therefore unto yourselves
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#4
לְאַֽהֲבָ֖ה
that ye love
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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