Joshua 23:8
But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בַּֽיהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 10
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
תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ
But cleave
H1692
תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ
But cleave
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם
as ye have done
H6213
עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם
as ye have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:20Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.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.Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Deuteronomy 13:4Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.Deuteronomy 11:22For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;Deuteronomy 4:4But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.
Historical Context
This farewell address came near Joshua's death (verse 1, '...after many days'), reviewing conquest blessings and warning against future compromise. The next generation would face temptation to intermarry with remaining Canaanites and adopt their gods. Joshua's warning proved prophetic—Judges documents exactly this pattern of compromise and apostasy. The call to cleave emphasized that covenant relationship requires active maintenance, not passive possession.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain spiritual devotion through changing life seasons and new temptations?
- What does 'cleaving' to God look like practically in your daily choices and relationships?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command—'But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day'—calls for continued covenant faithfulness. The word 'cleave' (Hebrew dabaq) denotes permanent, intimate attachment (used of marriage, Genesis 2:24). The phrase 'as ye have done unto this day' commends past faithfulness while urging future perseverance. This teaches that spiritual victory requires ongoing commitment, not merely initial obedience. Maintaining devotion through changing seasons demands continual choice.