Devine Scripture

Joshua 1:16

What does Joshua 1:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Joshua 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Joshua 1:16 means

In a powerful display of loyalty and unity, the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh readily agree to Joshua's commands. Their prompt and unequivocal response—"All that thou hast commanded us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go"—affirms their submission to Joshua's leadership and their commitment to the national cause. This swift obedience provides a crucial foundation for the daunting task ahead, demonstrating united Israelite resolve.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou hast commanded us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou hast commanded us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us we will go.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then they said to Joshua in answer, Whatever you say to us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And they answer Joshua, saying, `All that thou hast commanded us we do; and unto every <FI>place<Fi> whither thou dost send us, we go;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they made answer to Joshua, and said: All that thou hast commanded us, we will do: and whither soever thou shalt send us, we will go.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou hast commanded us will we do, and whither thou shalt send us will we go.

Context

After Joshua's detailed instructions and reminders to the eastern tribes in verses 12-15, this verse records their immediate and positive affirmation. Their response is crucial, signifying their agreement to the terms and providing a strong start to Joshua's leadership before they explicitly pledge allegiance in the verses that follow.

v.15until Jehovah have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which Jehovah your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Jehovah gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising.

v.16This passage

v.17According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only Jehovah thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 13:1

    Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

  • 1 Peter 2:13

    Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

  • Titus 3:1

    Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,

  • Numbers 32:25

    And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses, saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

  • Deuteronomy 5:27

    Go thou near, and hear all that Jehovah our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that Jehovah our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Joshua 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Joshua 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Joshua 1:16.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary