Joshua 1:6 kjv

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Joshua 1:6 nkjv

Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Joshua 1:6 niv

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

Joshua 1:6 esv

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.

Joshua 1:6 nlt

"Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.

Joshua 1 verses

Joshua 1 6 Meaning

Joshua 1:6 serves as a divine command and promise to Joshua, who is appointed to lead the Israelites after Moses' death. The verse instructs Joshua to exhibit strength and courage, as his primary task will be to guide the people in taking possession of the land that God had solemnly pledged to their ancestors. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and emphasizes Joshua's crucial, divinely ordained role in fulfilling this plan.

Joshua 1 6 Context

Joshua chapter 1 marks a pivotal transition in the narrative of Israel. Moses, their long-standing leader, has died, and the mantle of leadership is now being passed to Joshua. The Israelites are poised on the brink of entering the Promised Land, a moment they have been awaiting for forty years. This chapter, beginning with the direct speech of the Lord to Joshua, serves as God's official commissioning of Joshua, detailing his responsibilities, assuring him of divine presence, and setting the tone for the monumental task of conquering Canaan. Verse 6 specifically focuses on the ultimate objective: the successful inheritance of the land as promised to their patriarchs, affirming God's faithfulness and placing the responsibility for leading the people in this inheritance firmly upon Joshua's shoulders. Historically, this moment prepared Israel for warfare and settlement in a region already inhabited by powerful nations, necessitating absolute trust in their divine leader.

Joshua 1 6 Word analysis

• Be strong (חֲזַק, chazaq): This Hebrew term signifies more than physical might; it denotes being firm, robust, resolved, and courageous. In this context, it implies moral and spiritual fortitude essential for leadership and facing immense challenges. It's a call to steadfastness and resilience, not weakness or timidity, especially in the face of daunting tasks.
• and courageous (אֲמָץ, amats): Parallel to "strong," this word emphasizes unwavering resolve, bravery, and determination. It indicates an active disposition to press forward without fear, a state of mind prepared to overcome obstacles. Combined, "strong and courageous" form a repeated divine exhortation in Joshua and throughout Scripture for leaders undertaking God's work.
• for you shall cause this people to inherit (תַּנְחִיל אֶת־הָעָם הַזֶּה, tanchil et-ha'am hazzeh):
  • cause... to inherit (tanchil, causative form of נָחַל, nachal): Nachal means to possess, to receive as an inheritance, or to inherit. The causative form tanchil signifies that Joshua is God's instrument; he is not simply receiving the inheritance himself, but actively enabling and leading the people to possess it. This highlights his vital leadership role in the fulfillment of God's promise.
  • this people: Refers directly to the Israelites, emphasizing Joshua's immediate charge and the community for whom he is responsible.
• the land (הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz): Refers to the specific geographical territory of Canaan, promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel and the place of their national identity and dwelling.
• that I swore (אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי, asher nishbati):
  • swore (nishbati, from שָׁבַע, shava): This refers to a divine oath, a binding and unbreakable promise. God's oaths are immutable, signifying the absolute certainty of His word. The emphasis here is on God's divine faithfulness and the guarantee that His promises will come to pass, providing the foundational assurance for Joshua's courage.
• to their fathers (לַאֲבוֹתָם, la'avotam): Refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the patriarchs of Israel. This connection grounds the present promise and task in the historical covenant established generations earlier, demonstrating God's consistent and unfolding redemptive plan throughout history.
• to give them (לָתֵת לָהֶם, latet lahem): Reiterates that the land is a divine gift. It is not earned by Israel's merit or strength, but is an unmerited favor from God, fulfilling His promise. Joshua's role is to facilitate the reception of this gift.

Joshua 1 6 Bonus section

• This command ("Be strong and courageous") is uniquely central to Joshua's commissioning, repeated four times in Chapter 1, underlining its paramount importance for effective leadership in the face of daunting challenges.
• The "inheritance" is portrayed as both a divine gift (God 'gives' the land) and an active possession requiring human effort (Joshua will 'cause them to inherit' it). This illustrates the divine-human partnership in God's redemptive plan.
• The emphasis on the land being sworn "to their fathers" (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) highlights the continuity of God's covenant and His faithfulness across generations. It underscores that God's plans are long-term and eternally certain.
• This verse can be seen as a direct refutation of any fear or unbelief that may have lingered from the previous generation's failure to enter the land (as seen in Num 13-14). God's unchangeable promise removes all basis for such apprehension.
• For Christian believers, the "Promised Land" finds spiritual fulfillment in the new creation and the blessings of the Holy Spirit. Our "inheritance" in Christ, secured by His divine oath, still calls for courage in the face of spiritual warfare and a steadfast pursuit of God's will.

Joshua 1 6 Commentary

Joshua 1:6 encapsulates the divine empowerment and calling upon Joshua as he steps into Moses' formidable leadership role. The repeated command "Be strong and courageous" is not a call for self-generated boldness, but an assurance rooted in God's presence and unbreakable promise. Joshua's primary directive is to enable the Israelites to "inherit the land"—a task that necessitates active leadership and absolute trust in God's prior oath to their ancestors. This verse teaches that God’s work is accomplished through human instruments empowered by His promises. For Joshua, this meant executing a difficult military campaign; for believers today, it implies standing firm in faith to claim spiritual promises, empowered by Christ's finished work, recognizing that spiritual inheritance requires diligent living in obedience to God's word.