Joshua 23:11
Joshua 23:11 in Multiple Translations
Therefore watch yourselves carefully, that you love the LORD your God.
Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.
Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love Jehovah your God.
So keep watch on yourselves, and see that you have love for the Lord your God.
Take great care to love the Lord your God.
Take good heede therefore vnto your selues, that ye loue the Lord your God.
and ye have been very watchful for yourselves to love Jehovah your God.
Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.
Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.
This only take care of with all diligence, that you love the Lord your God.
So be sure that you continue to love Yahweh our God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 23:11
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 23:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם
מְאֹ֖ד
לְ/נַפְשֹֽׁתֵי/כֶ֑ם
לְ/אַהֲבָ֖ה
אֶת
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
וְ/נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
לְ/נַפְשֹֽׁתֵי/כֶ֑ם
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cp | Suff
לְ/אַהֲבָ֖ה
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 23:11
וְ/נִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
לְ/נַפְשֹֽׁתֵי/כֶ֑ם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לְ/אַהֲבָ֖ה
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֥ה
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.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶֽם
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.
Study Notes — Joshua 23:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 23:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 23:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 23:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
- Sermons on Joshua 23:11
Context — Joshua’s Charge to Leaders
9The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and to this day no one can stand against you.
10One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.
11Therefore watch yourselves carefully, that you love the LORD your God.
12For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, 13know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 22:5 | But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 6:5–12 | And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. And when the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He would give you—a land with great and splendid cities that you did not build, with houses full of every good thing with which you did not fill them, with wells that you did not dig, and with vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you eat and are satisfied, be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 3 | Proverbs 4:23 | Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. |
| 4 | Romans 8:28 | And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. |
| 5 | Jude 1:20–21 | But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. |
| 6 | Hebrews 12:15 | See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 8:3 | But the one who loves God is known by God. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 16:22 | If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord! |
| 9 | Exodus 20:6 | but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. |
| 10 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
Joshua 23:11 Summary
Joshua 23:11 reminds us to be careful and watchful over our hearts and actions, ensuring we love the LORD our God. This means being mindful of our daily choices and intentions, making sure they align with God's will, as we are called to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). By doing so, we reflect our gratitude for His love and care, including how He fights for us (Joshua 23:10). Loving God is not just a feeling but a choice we make every day, through our obedience to His commands and our trust in His goodness (John 14:15).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'watch yourselves carefully' in Joshua 23:11?
This means to be mindful of our thoughts, actions, and intentions, ensuring they align with God's will, as seen in Proverbs 4:23 which says to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it.
Why is loving the LORD our God so important in this verse?
Loving God is essential because it reflects our devotion and commitment to Him, which is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:5 to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength.
How can we ensure we love the LORD our God as commanded in this verse?
We can ensure our love for God by daily seeking Him through prayer, reading His Word, and obeying His commands, as Jesus taught in John 14:15 that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.
What role does God's fight for us play in our love for Him as mentioned in the surrounding verses?
God fighting for us, as mentioned in Joshua 23:10, demonstrates His love and care for us, which should inspire and deepen our love for Him in return, reflecting the principle in 1 John 4:19 that we love because He first loved us.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love for God today, and how can I prioritize His will above my own desires?
- How does remembering God's past victories and interventions in my life, as Joshua did, impact my ability to love and trust Him more fully?
- What are some potential distractions or temptations in my life that could lead me away from loving God with all my heart, and how can I avoid them?
- In what areas of my life do I need to be more mindful and careful, ensuring my actions and thoughts are pleasing to God?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 23:11
Take good heed therefore unto yourselves,.... To be upon their guard, and to be watchful, were very necessary to them, that they might not be ensnared by the Canaanites, and drawn aside by them into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 23:11
Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. Take good heed therefore ... that ye love the Lord your God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
Now it requires more watchfulness and diligence than it did in the wilderness, because your temptations are now more and stronger; partly from the examples and insinuations of your bad neighbours, the remainders of this wicked people; and partly from your own peace and prosperity, and the pride, security, forgetfulness of God, and luxury which usually attend upon that condition, as God had warned them, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
Joshua 23:11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.Ver. 11. Take heed therefore unto yourselves.] Heb., To your souls, that chief part of yourselves, the welfare whereof lieth upon it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
Verse 11. Take good heed - unto yourselves that ye love the Lord] לנפשתיכם lenaphshotheychem, Take heed TO YOUR SOULS, literally; but נפש nephesh and [Arabic] nefs, both in Hebrew and Arabic, signify the whole self, as well as soul and life; both soul and body must be joined in this work, for it is written, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 23:11
11. Take good heed — This is the condition of the foregoing promise. “Such is the slothfulness of the flesh that it always needs to be stimulated by threats.” — Calvin.
Sermons on Joshua 23:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - Joshua by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of claiming our spiritual inheritance in Christ, drawing parallels between the Israelites' conquest of Canaan and the believer's appropriation o |
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Studies in Joshua 04 - Dividing the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of destruction as seen in the Book of Judges and the history of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience |
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With All Your Heart by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving one's all in service to God. He shares his own commitment to preaching the word of God with all his heart and soul. |
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Ark of the Covenant - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why |
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Cost of Discipleship - Part 9 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downfall of the people at Frining Eye, who had initially experienced God's holiness and protection. However, within just three generations |
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When Jesus Lays His Hands on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for God to raise up young men and women in the congregation to become missionaries, pastors, and evangelists. He emphasizes the im |
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(1 John #11) on Light and Love by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a story of an assassination and the power of forgiveness. The speaker recounts how a man named Parker was caught off guard by an assassin, b |