Joshua 23:8
Joshua 23:8 in Multiple Translations
Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.
but cleave unto Jehovah your God, as ye have done unto this day.
But be true to the Lord your God as you have been till this day.
Stay close to the Lord your God, as you have done up to now.
But sticke fast vnto the Lord your God, as ye haue done vnto this day.
but to Jehovah your God ye do cleave, as ye have done till this day.
but hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
But cleave to the LORD your God, as ye have done to this day.
But cleave ye unto the Lord your God: as you have done until this day.
You must continue to do what Yahweh our God wants us to do, as you have been doing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 23:8
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 23:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
אִם
בַּ/יהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֖ם
תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם
עַ֖ד
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
הַ/זֶּֽה
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בַּ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 23:8
כִּ֛י
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בַּ/יהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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/כֶ֖ם
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.
תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/יּ֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Joshua 23:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joshua’s Charge to Leaders
6Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left.
7So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them.
8Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 10:20 | You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 13:4 | You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him. |
| 4 | Acts 11:23 | When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 11:22 | For if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him— |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 4:4 | But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive to this day, every one of you. |
Joshua 23:8 Summary
[Joshua 23:8 is a reminder to us to stay close to God and trust in Him, just like the Israelites had done up to that point. This means prioritizing our relationship with Him and seeking to know Him more deeply, as encouraged in Psalm 119:10 and Matthew 6:33. By holding fast to God, we can trust in His goodness and faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances, and experience His presence and guidance in our lives, as promised in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'hold fast' to the Lord in Joshua 23:8?
To hold fast to the Lord means to cling to Him, trust in Him, and remain faithful to Him, just as the Israelites had done up to that point, as seen in their history, such as in Deuteronomy 10:20 and Psalm 63:8.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives today?
We can apply this verse by prioritizing our relationship with God, seeking to know Him more deeply, and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4 and Matthew 22:37-38.
What is the significance of the phrase 'as you have done to this day' in Joshua 23:8?
This phrase emphasizes the importance of consistency and perseverance in our walk with God, recognizing that our past experiences and choices have prepared us for the present and future, as seen in Philippians 1:6 and 2 Timothy 2:13.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context in Joshua 23?
This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites to remain faithful to God, especially in the face of the surrounding nations and their idolatrous practices, as warned against in Joshua 23:7 and encouraged in Joshua 23:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'hold fast' to the Lord in my daily life, despite the challenges and pressures I face?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, especially when circumstances are difficult or uncertain?
- What are some past experiences or choices that have helped prepare me for my current situation, and how can I build on those to move forward in faith?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God, seeking to know Him more deeply and intimately, just as the Israelites were encouraged to do?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 23:8
But cleave unto the Lord your God,.... To his word, worship, and ordinances; externally, by close adherence to them, and strict observation of them; and internally, by strong affection to him, hope,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 23:8
Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 23:8
Cleave unto the Lord, by firm affiance, constant obedience, entire affection, faithful service and worship of him alone. As ye have done unto this day, to wit since you came into Canaan; since which time the body of the people for of them he speaks, not of every particular person) had behaved themselves much better than they did in the wilderness, and had not been guilty or any gross and general apostacy from God, or rebellion against him.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 23:8
Joshua 23:8 But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.Ver. 8. As ye have done unto this day,] viz., Since I have had the governance of you, Vita Principis censura est, imo Cynosura: the life of the prince is the loade star of the Commonwealth, Magnates magnetes; good governors make good people: and on the contrary, Qualis rix, talis grex.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 23:8
8. Cleave unto the Lord — Cling unto him with a grip which no force can loosen. Fidelity to God always costs strenuous effort. “Strive to enter in at the strait gate.” As ye have done — As a nation, with individual exceptions.
Sermons on Joshua 23:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Snares, Traps, Scourges, and Thorns by Carter Conlon | In this sermon on Judges chapter 6, the preacher highlights the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. The nation of Midian oppresses them and steals their crops, lea |
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Isaiah (Part 4) - Behold, My Servant by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how he was stripped of everything he had, including his cattle, camels, goats, servants, and even his sons. The speaker e |
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Swearing Under the Gospel by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the controversy of whether it is lawful for Christians to swear under the gospel, examining the nature, purpose, and cases of oaths under the law. He |
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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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Peer Pressure by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of walking after the Lord, fearing Him, keeping His commandments, obeying His voice, serving Him, and cleaving unto Him as stated |
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Complete Devotion by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of walking after the Lord, fearing Him, keeping His commandments, obeying His voice, serving Him, and cleaving unto Him as stated |