Joshua 1:9 kjv

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9 nkjv

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 niv

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 esv

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 nlt

This is my command ? be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1 verses

Joshua 1 9 Meaning

Joshua 1:9 encapsulates God's foundational command and promise to Joshua as he assumes leadership for the conquest of Canaan. It serves as both an exhortation and a divine guarantee, urging Joshua to exhibit unwavering strength and courageous resolve while explicitly removing the grounds for fear and dismay, all rooted in the assured, pervasive presence of Yahweh, his covenant God, no matter the circumstances or location. This divine mandate forms the spiritual bedrock for the monumental task ahead, shifting the reliance from human capacity to divine faithfulness.

Joshua 1 9 Context

Joshua chapter 1 marks a pivotal transition in the history of Israel. Moses, the revered leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and led them for forty years in the wilderness, has died (v. 1). Joshua, his long-time servant and successor, now faces the daunting task of leading the Israelites across the Jordan River to conquer and inhabit the Promised Land (vv. 2-4). This land is populated by powerful, entrenched nations with vastly different and often abominable religious practices (such as child sacrifice and idolatry) that the Israelites must displace. The task demands immense military skill, strategic foresight, and unwavering faith. The commands and promises in Joshua 1, especially verse 9, directly address Joshua's anticipated apprehension and the overwhelming nature of the mission. God's reassurance here serves as both a renewal of His covenant with Israel and a personal commission to Joshua, empowering him to overcome the fear and discouragement that could cripple such a formidable undertaking. It directly counters any lingering fears from the previous generation's failure at Kadesh-barnea due to unbelief and fear (Num 13-14).

Joshua 1 9 Word analysis

Word-by-word analysis

• "Have I not commanded you?": Tziviti (Hebrew: צִוִּיתִי) from tzavah (צוה), meaning to command, order, ordain. This is a rhetorical question that reinforces the divine authority and pre-existing nature of this instruction. It implies that these are not new, arbitrary directives but reaffirmations of prior, weighty declarations from God, highlighting the direct origin of the charge.
• "Be strong": Khazak (Hebrew: חֲזַק), an imperative meaning to be firm, strengthen oneself, grasp, prevail, harden. It conveys the idea of an inward resolve, a steady nerve, and mental and spiritual fortitude rather than mere physical might. It is an active call for self-empowerment based on faith.
• "and courageous": Amatz (Hebrew: אֲמָץ), an imperative meaning to be bold, brave, resolute, firm. Often paired with khazak, it emphasizes the outward manifestation of inner strength—a willingness to face danger and act decisively without hesitation. It speaks to morale and daring.
• "Do not be afraid": Ta'arots (Hebrew: תַּעֲרֹץ) from aratz (ערץ), meaning to tremble, be terrorized, shattered, dreadful. This is a negative command specifically against a paralyzing, debilitating terror or dread that could overwhelm in the face of insurmountable odds.
• "do not be discouraged": Tekhat (Hebrew: תֵּחָת) from khathath (חתת), meaning to be broken, dismayed, disheartened, discomfited. This negative command addresses the loss of morale, despair, or internal shattering of spirit that could result from prolonged difficulty, opposition, or setbacks. It warns against a decline in spiritual resolve.
• "for the Lord your God": YHWH Eloheykha (Hebrew: יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ). This refers to the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel (YHWH), emphasizing His relationship with Joshua and the nation. "Your God" points to an exclusive, intimate, and powerful relationship that serves as the foundation for the preceding commands and the subsequent promise. He is the ultimate authority and source of power.
• "will be with you": Yihyeh immakh (Hebrew: יִהְיֶה עִמָּךְ). This is the absolute core of the promise and the bedrock of the entire verse. It denotes not just presence, but active, supportive, and intervening accompaniment. God is not merely watching from a distance but actively participating in Joshua’s endeavors.
• "wherever you go": This phrase asserts the omnipresence and universal reach of God's promised presence and support. It signifies that no situation, no enemy, no geographical location, or unforeseen circumstance lies outside the scope of God’s protective and empowering presence. It covers all aspects of the impending journey and conflict.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.": This opening sets the tone of divine imperative and immediate responsibility. The rhetorical question reinforces that God has spoken clearly and decisively before (implied from earlier verses in chapter 1, e.g., vv. 6-7). The paired commands "Be strong" and "be courageous" call for both inner fortitude and outward daring, a holistic response to immense challenges. This is not passive hope but an active engagement of one’s will empowered by God.
• "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged": These dual negative commands directly address the primary human responses that would undermine Joshua's leadership and the mission itself. "Do not be afraid" deals with immediate, paralyzing fear of perceived threats, while "do not be discouraged" tackles the longer-term emotional toll and potential loss of hope in the face of ongoing difficulties or setbacks. God anticipates and proactively counters both types of spiritual enemies.
• "for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.": This is the theological bedrock and the ultimate motivation for Joshua's obedience. The reason ("for") for strength, courage, and freedom from fear is not Joshua's inherent ability, but the immutable, constant, and active presence of the sovereign God. "The Lord your God" highlights the covenantal faithfulness and power of Yahweh. "Will be with you" signifies divine assistance, protection, and enablement. "Wherever you go" provides an all-encompassing assurance that God's presence is not limited by place, circumstance, or enemy strength, making the promise universally applicable to Joshua's mission.

Joshua 1 9 Bonus section

The phrase "Be strong and courageous" appears three times in Joshua 1 (vv. 6, 7, 9), escalating in context. In verse 6, it's a general charge concerning the land. In verse 7, it's directly linked to meticulous obedience to the Law, making a strong connection between courage and faithfulness to God's commands. Finally, in verse 9, it is explicitly grounded in the unconditional promise of God's personal presence, showing that obedience stems from trust in His unwavering faithfulness. This progression underscores that true strength and courage in the life of faith are inseparable from both obedience to God's Word and confidence in His presence. The call for Joshua echoes Moses' similar charge to the Israelites in Deut 31:6-8, providing continuity in divine leadership and God's consistent promise to His people.

Joshua 1 9 Commentary

Joshua 1:9 is a profoundly foundational verse, often serving as a timeless charge for any believer embarking on God-given tasks, especially those that appear daunting or impossible by human standards. God’s direct command to Joshua to "Be strong and courageous" is immediately tempered by, and made possible by, the powerful accompanying promise, "for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." This reveals a key biblical principle: our ability to obey divine commands to be courageous does not stem from our innate strength but from the unshakeable truth of God's abiding presence.

The repetition of "be strong and courageous" throughout Joshua chapter 1 (vv. 6, 7, 9) underscores its crucial importance for Joshua's leadership transition and the imminent conquest of Canaan. It implies an act of will and faith, to actively choose resolve despite natural fear. The specific negations "do not be afraid" and "do not be discouraged" cover both the acute shock of facing a formidable foe and the slow wearing down of morale in prolonged struggle. God addresses the full spectrum of human psychological and spiritual vulnerability.

The reason given for this strength and courage is paramount: it is God Himself. "The Lord your God" identifies the speaker as the covenant-keeping, all-powerful Yahweh who has delivered Israel countless times. His presence ("will be with you") is not passive but active and sustaining. This presence transcends all geographical and circumstantial limitations ("wherever you go"), assuring Joshua of divine backing in every battle, every strategic decision, and every moment of doubt. This command is a powerful reminder that while God expects our obedience and fortitude, He simultaneously provides the enabling power through His unfailing presence. It reorients the focus from the vastness of the challenge to the infinitude of the God who commands and enables.

This verse teaches that true courage for God's purposes is not the absence of fear, but faith in God's presence despite fear. It is a reliance on God's omnipotence and faithfulness that overrides human weakness. For believers today, this verse remains a timeless source of encouragement to pursue God's calling with confidence, knowing that His promise of presence, first made to Joshua, is reiterated and fully realized in Jesus Christ, Immanuel, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit.

Practical usage examples:

• A student facing academic pressure: "Be strong and courageous in your studies, for the Lord your God is with you in every class and exam."
• Someone undergoing a difficult medical treatment: "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged in your recovery, for the Lord your God will be with you every step of the way."
• A new leader taking on a challenging role: "Be strong and courageous as you lead, and do not be dismayed, for God is with you in every decision and difficulty."