Joshua 23:9

Joshua 23:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and to this day no one can stand against you.

King James Version KJV

For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day.

American Standard Version ASV

For Jehovah hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath stood before you unto this day.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For the Lord has sent out from before you nations great and strong: and they have all given way before you till this day.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord has driven out strong, powerful nations before you. No one has been able to stand up to you to this day.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For ye Lord hath cast out before you great nations and mightie, and no man hath stand before your face hitherto.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah is dispossessing from before you nations great and mighty; as for you, none hath stood in your presence till this day;

World English Bible WEB

“For the LORD has driven great and strong nations out from before you. But as for you, no man has stood before you to this day.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you to this day.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And then the Lord God will take away before your eyes nations that are great and very strong, and no man shall be able to resist you.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Yahweh has forced many very powerful people-groups to leave as you advanced. No people-group has been able to defeat you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 23:9

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 23:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יּ֤וֹרֶשׁ יְהוָה֙ מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם גּוֹיִ֖ם גְּדֹלִ֣ים וַ/עֲצוּמִ֑ים וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם לֹא עָ֤מַד אִישׁ֙ בִּ/פְנֵי/כֶ֔ם עַ֖ד הַ/יּ֥וֹם הַ/זֶּֽה

וַ/יּ֤וֹרֶשׁ yârash H3423 to possess Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

גּוֹיִ֖ם gôwy H1471 Gentile N-mp

גְּדֹלִ֣ים gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj

וַ/עֲצוּמִ֑ים ʻâtsûwm H6099 mighty Conj | Adj

וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

עָ֤מַד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

בִּ/פְנֵי/כֶ֔ם pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

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 23:9

וַ/יּ֤וֹרֶשׁ yârash H3423 "to possess" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.

Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit

Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.

יְהוָה֙ 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.

מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

גּוֹיִ֖ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

גְּדֹלִ֣ים gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

וַ/עֲצוּמִ֑ים ʻâtsûwm H6099 "mighty" Conj | Adj

This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.

Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.

וְ/אַתֶּ֗ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.

עָ֤מַד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

בִּ/פְנֵי/כֶ֔ם pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

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 23:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 23:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 23:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 23:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 23:9
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 23:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 23:9
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 23:9
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 23:9
Sermons on Joshua 23:9

Context — Joshua’s Charge to Leaders

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. 11Therefore watch yourselves carefully, that you love the LORD your God.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 1:5	No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
2	Deuteronomy 11:23	then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and stronger than you.
3	Joshua 23:5	The LORD your God will push them out of your way and drive them out before you, so that you can take possession of their land, as the LORD your God promised you.
4	Exodus 23:30	Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land.
5	Joshua 1:8–9	This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. 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.”
6	Joshua 21:43–44	Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.
7	Joshua 15:14	And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.
8	Deuteronomy 7:24	He will hand their kings over to you, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand against you; you will annihilate them.

Joshua 23:9 Summary

The LORD has given the Israelites many victories over powerful nations, and He continues to protect and care for them. This is a reminder that the LORD is strong and faithful, and that He will give us the victory if we trust in Him, as seen in Joshua 1:5. Just as the Israelites were able to defeat their enemies because the LORD fought for them, we can also trust in the LORD's power and protection in our own lives, as seen in Psalms 28:7. By trusting in the LORD and following His ways, we can experience His strength and protection, just like the Israelites did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before the Israelites?

This refers to the many victories the Israelites had over powerful nations as they entered the Promised Land, such as the defeat of Jericho and Ai, as seen in Joshua 6:1-27 and Joshua 8:1-29. The LORD fought for them, just as He promised in Deuteronomy 1:30.

How can it be said that no one can stand against the Israelites when they have faced many challenges and battles?

This statement is not saying that the Israelites would never face any challenges, but rather that the LORD would give them the victory, as promised in Joshua 1:5. The Israelites' strength came from the LORD, not from their own abilities, as seen in Psalms 121:2.

What is the significance of the phrase 'to this day' in this verse?

The phrase 'to this day' emphasizes that the LORD's power and protection are ongoing, and that He is still with the Israelites, just as He was in the past. This is a reminder of the LORD's faithfulness and covenant with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9.

How does this verse relate to the Israelites' relationship with the remaining nations in the land?

This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of the LORD's power and protection, and it provides a foundation for the warning in Joshua 23:7 against associating with the remaining nations and their gods. The Israelites are to trust in the LORD, not in the strength of other nations, as seen in Isaiah 31:1.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I have seen the LORD's power and protection in my own life, and how can I trust in Him more fully?
How can I apply the principle of trusting in the LORD's strength, rather than my own abilities, to the challenges I face today?
In what ways can I be faithful to the LORD, just as He is faithful to me, and how can I demonstrate my love and devotion to Him?
What are some 'nations' or 'gods' in my life that I need to avoid associating with, in order to stay faithful to the LORD?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 23:9

For the Lord hath driven out before you great nations and strong,.... Especially as they were reckoned in those times, before any great monarchies had existed, as did afterwards; and indeed these

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 23:9

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 23:9

To wit, whom you have invaded; otherwise some of those people did yet remain unconquered.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 23:9

Joshua 23:9 For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but [as for] you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day.Ver. 9. For the Lord hath driven out.] He hath and he will, if you hinder not your own happiness by breach of covenant. No man hath been able to stand before you.] None of all those who either have assailed you, or have been assaulted by you.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 23:9

(9) No man hath been able to stand before you.—Comp. Joshua 1:5.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 23:9

9. For the Lord] He again reminds them of the true Source of their strength, and to Whom they were indebted for their late victories.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 23:9

9. The Lord hath driven out — Or, as the margin, then the Lord will drive. In this way this sentence becomes the apodosis of the previous verse — For if ye cleave… then the Lord will drive.

Sermons on Joshua 23:9

	Sermon	Description
	Four Wonderful Discoveries by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the providence of God and how He prepares and guides His people. He emphasizes that if God has led someone to a particular church or ministry,
	A Call to Endurance, Part I by David Roper	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a terrifying experience where a group of high school students went to the plaza to talk to people. He notices one boy reading a passage from Jo
	Genesis #19 Ch. 29:31 - Ch. 31:14 the Sons of Israel by Chuck Missler	In this 19th study in the book of Genesis, Chuck Misler discusses Genesis chapter 29, verse 31, through chapter 31, verse 14. He begins by sharing an anecdote about meeting Malcolm
	A Cure for Carnality - a Call to Be Steadfast - Part 2 by Alan Martin	In this sermon, the primary mission of pastor teachers is emphasized, which is to prepare God's people for works of service and to build up the body of Christ. The speaker highligh
	Be Strong & Courageous by Robert B. Thompson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being strong in times of weakness. He encourages the audience to pray and seek strength from God, even when they feel tire
	Joshua (Part 5): Strength and Courage for the Weak and Fearful by Richard Sipley	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer. He encourages the audience to think, speak, and act according to God's thoug
	Courage to Show Forth the Fullness of God by Emanuel Esh	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resting on God's word and staying true to it. He encourages listeners to proclaim and meditate on God's word, and to obser