Joshua 1:5
What does Joshua 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Joshua 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joshua 1:5 means
In this powerful promise, God assures Joshua of his invincibility in battle and His continuous, unwavering presence. The declaration "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life" guarantees victory. More importantly, God pledges His personal presence and support, stating, "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." This echoes a covenant promise, reassuring Joshua of divine partnership in his daunting task, anticipating Christ's abiding presence with His followers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949While you are living, all will give way before you: as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not take away my help from you or give you up.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`No man doth station himself before thee all days of thy life; as I have been with Moses, I am with thee, I do not fail thee, nor forsake thee;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752No man shall be able to resist you all the days of thy life: as I have been with Moses, so will I be with thee: I will not leave thee, nor forsake thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890None shall be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee; I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee.
Context
After defining the land boundaries, God shifts to personal assurances for Joshua. This verse provides the crucial spiritual foundation for Joshua's success, promising His unwavering presence. This assurance is essential before receiving the exhortations to be strong and courageous, which follow directly from God's guaranteed faithfulness.
v.4From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.
v.5This passage
v.6Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 20:4
for Jehovah your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
- Acts 18:9
And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace:
- Joshua 1:17
According 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.
- Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
- 2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
- Exodus 3:12
And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be the token unto thee, that I have sent thee: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Boldness
Bible verses about boldness reveal how believers can stand firm in faith, speak truth, and overcome fear through God’s strength.
Topic
Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible often speaks of courage, urging believers to be strong and brave in the face of fear and adversity
What the Bible says about…