Joshua 1:6
What does Joshua 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Joshua 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joshua 1:6 means
This verse presents the first of three exhortations for Joshua to "be strong and of good courage." This command is directly tied to the divine purpose: Joshua's role is to lead the people to inherit the land promised to their ancestors. The reason for strength and courage is not human ability but God's sworn promise and the certainty of His purpose. Joshua's leadership is instrumental in fulfilling ancient covenants, underscoring the weight and glory of his divine commission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Take heart and be strong; for you will give to this people for their heritage the land which I gave by an oath to their fathers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862be strong and courageous, for thou--thou dost cause this people to inherit the land which I have sworn to their fathers to give to them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Take courage, and be strong: for thou shalt divide by lot to this people the land for which I swore to their fathers, that I would deliver it to them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be strong and courageous, for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I have sworn unto their fathers to give them.
Context
Following the profound promises of God's presence and invincibility in verse 5, this verse delivers the first direct command to Joshua concerning his personal disposition. It links his required strength and courage directly to the task of leading the people to inherit the promised land, setting up the conditions for success that will be elaborated in the subsequent verses.
v.5There 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.
v.6This passage
v.7Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
- Deuteronomy 31:23
And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
- Psalms 27:14
Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah.
- 1 Chronicles 28:10
Take heed now; for Jehovah hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.
- Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
- 1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Jehovah charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; fear not, neither be dismayed.
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…