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Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 in Multiple Translations

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

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.

Have 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.

Have I not given you your orders? Take heart and be strong; have no fear and do not be troubled; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,

Don't forget what I told you: Be strong! Be brave! Don't be afraid! Don't get discouraged! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Haue not I commanded thee, saying, Be strong and of a good courage, feare not, nor be discouraged? for I the Lord thy God will be with thee, whithersoeuer thou goest.

'Have not I commanded thee? be strong and courageous; be not terrified nor affrighted, for with thee [is] Jehovah thy God in every [place] whither thou goest.'

Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

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.

Behold I command thee, take courage, and be strong. Fear not and be not dismayed: because the Lord thy God is with thee in all things whatsoever thou shalt go to.

Do not forget [RHQ] that I have commanded you to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, because I, Yahweh, your God, will ◄be with/help► you wherever you go.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 1:9

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 1:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הֲ/ל֤וֹא צִוִּיתִ֨י/ךָ֙ חֲזַ֣ק וֶ/אֱמָ֔ץ אַֽל תַּעֲרֹ֖ץ וְ/אַל תֵּחָ֑ת כִּ֤י עִמְּ/ךָ֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ בְּ/כֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תֵּלֵֽךְ
הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part
צִוִּיתִ֨י/ךָ֙ tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
חֲזַ֣ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וֶ/אֱמָ֔ץ ʼâmats H553 to strengthen Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אַֽל ʼal H408 not Part
תַּעֲרֹ֖ץ ʻârats H6206 to tremble V-Qal-Juss-2ms
וְ/אַל ʼal H408 not Conj | Part
תֵּחָ֑ת châthath H2865 to to be dismayed V-Niphal-Juss-2ms
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
עִמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
בְּ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
תֵּלֵֽךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 1:9

הֲ/ל֤וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
צִוִּיתִ֨י/ךָ֙ tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
חֲזַ֣ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
וֶ/אֱמָ֔ץ ʼâmats H553 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to be strong or courageous, like in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses tells the Israelites to be brave. It can also mean to strengthen or secure something. English Bibles often translate it as 'be courageous' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard 1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold 1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure 1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to 1d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed). See also: Genesis 25:23; 2 Chronicles 13:18; Psalms 18:18.
אַֽל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּעֲרֹ֖ץ ʻârats H6206 "to tremble" V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To tremble or dread means to feel fear or be terrified, like being in awe of something or someone, as described in various Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to tremble, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, break, be terrified, cause to tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cause to tremble, terrify 1b2) to tremble, feel dread 1b) (Niphal) to be awesome, be terrible 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard or treat with awe, regard or treat as awful 1c2) to inspire with awe, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: be affrighted (afraid, dread, feared, terrified), break, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, shake terribly. See also: Deuteronomy 1:29; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 89:8.
וְ/אַל ʼal H408 "not" Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֵּחָ֑ת châthath H2865 "to to be dismayed" V-Niphal-Juss-2ms
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עִמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תֵּלֵֽךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

Study Notes — Joshua 1:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 28:15 Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
2 Jeremiah 1:7–8 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.
3 Joshua 1:6–7 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.
4 Psalms 27:1–2 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
5 Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.
6 Psalms 46:7 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
7 Deuteronomy 31:7–8 Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
8 Isaiah 43:1 Now this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!
9 Isaiah 43:5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west.
10 Judges 6:14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?”

Joshua 1:9 Summary

[Joshua 1:9 is a reminder that God is always with us, and that He wants us to trust in His power and presence, even when things seem scary or uncertain. This means that we don't have to be afraid or discouraged, because God is always guiding and empowering us, as seen in Psalm 23:4. We can trust in God's promises and presence, just like Joshua did, and know that He will help us to be strong and courageous in all that we do, according to Deuteronomy 31:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be strong and courageous in the context of Joshua 1:9?

Being strong and courageous means trusting in God's power and presence, even in the face of uncertainty or fear, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Psalm 23:4.

Why does God tell Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged?

God knows that fear and discouragement can be major obstacles to fulfilling His plans, so He encourages Joshua to trust in His presence and promises, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 28:20.

What does it mean for the LORD to be with Joshua wherever he goes?

This means that God is always present with Joshua, guiding and empowering him, just as He is with all believers, according to Hebrews 13:5 and Matthew 28:20.

How can I apply this verse to my own life and circumstances?

You can apply this verse by trusting in God's power and presence in your own life, and remembering that He is always with you, even in difficult or uncertain situations, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to be strong and courageous, and how can I trust in God's power and presence to help me?
  2. How do I typically respond to fear or discouragement, and what would it look like for me to trust in God's promises instead?
  3. What are some ways that I can meditate on God's Word and remember His presence with me throughout the day?
  4. How can I share God's encouragement and presence with others who may be struggling with fear or discouragement?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee?.... The above things, to go over Jordan with the people into the land of Canaan, and to observe the law of Moses in all things, and to be of good courage, which is again

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 1:9

Be 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. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee; I whom thou art obliged to obey; I who can carry thee through every thing I put thee upon; I of whose faithfulness and almightiness thou hast had large experience?

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 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.Ver. 9. Be strong and of a good courage.] Joshua was not faint hearted, but lowly minded: and hence he is so often cheered up and encouraged to the work. See on Joshua 1:6.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 1:9

9. Have not I commanded thee?] Observe the repetition of the words of exhortation. The Hebrew leader is reminded again and again that it was not his work but God’s work, which he had been raised up to carry out. Comp. Deuteronomy 31:7-8; Deuteronomy 31:23.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 1:9

[9. Have not I commanded thee? — Such an emphatic interrogation is often the strongest possible form of affirmation.

Sermons on Joshua 1:9

SermonDescription
Kathryn Kuhlman Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus
Leonard Ravenhill Fresh Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living according to the revelation God has given to individuals. He encourages listeners to follow God's personal instructi
A.W. Tozer (How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Rote, Rut, and Rot! by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to break free from spiritual stagnation and move forward in our relationship with God. He acknowledges that people often prefer spe
Warren Wiersbe God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w
David Wilkerson You're Changing by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing spiritual decline and the subtle changes that can lead believers away from God. It challenges listeners to examine their hearts
A.W. Tozer Epistle to the Romans by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to a defeated and bound audience. He uses the example of a young man who realized the ineffectiv
Carter Conlon Dont Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon This sermon is a powerful message about overcoming discouragement by trusting in God's faithfulness and purpose, even in the darkest moments. It emphasizes the importance of waitin

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