Joshua 23:6

Authorized King James Version

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽחֲזַקְתֶּ֣ם

H2388

courageous

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

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

Be ye therefore very

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

לִשְׁמֹ֣ר

H8104

to keep

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

וְלַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת

H6213

and to do

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

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הַכָּת֔וּב

H3789

all that is written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בְּסֵ֖פֶר

H5612

in the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

תּוֹרַ֣ת

H8451

of the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#10

מֹשֶׁ֑ה

H4872

of Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#11

לְבִלְתִּ֥י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#12

סוּר

H5493

that ye turn

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#13

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#14

יָמִ֥ין

H3225

not aside therefrom to the right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#15

וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃

H8040

or to the left

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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