Joshua 1:8
What does Joshua 1:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Joshua 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Joshua 1:8 means
This verse provides the practical means by which Joshua can achieve the obedience and success mentioned previously. The "book of the law" must be central to his life—continually discussed ("not depart out of thy mouth") and deeply pondered ("meditate thereon day and night"). The purpose of such meditation is active observance, "that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein." This spiritual discipline is directly linked to prosperity and good success, establishing a timeless principle that living according to God's Word yields blessings.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let this book of the law be ever on your lips and in your thoughts day and night, so that you may keep with care everything in it; then a blessing will be on all your way, and you will do well.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the book of this law doth not depart out of thy mouth, and thou hast meditated in it by day and by night, so that thou dost observe to do according to all that is written in it, for then thou dost cause thy way to prosper, and then thou dost act wisely.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let not the book of this law depart from thy mouth: but thou shalt meditate on it day and night, that thou mayst observe and do all things that are written in it: then shalt thou direct thy way, and understand it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This book of the law shall not depart from thy mouth; and thou shalt meditate upon it day and night, that thou mayest take heed to do according to all that is written therein; for then shalt thou have good success in thy ways, and then shalt thou prosper.
Context
After emphasizing strict obedience to the Law in verse 7, this verse details *how* Joshua is to maintain that obedience: through constant engagement with God's Word. It provides the concrete practices—speaking and meditating on the Law—that lead to the successful outcomes promised, thus completing God's instructions regarding the Law before the final exhortation to courage.
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.
v.8This passage
v.9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 12:35
The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
- Psalms 119:97
Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
- Luke 11:28
But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
- Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.
- Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer.
- Deuteronomy 17:18
And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites:
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