Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest 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 prosper whithersoever thou goest.

JOSHUA 1:7KJV
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Joshua 1:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 1:7 mean?

Joshua 1:7 urges Joshua to be strong and very courageous so that he can carefully follow all the law given by Moses, without turning aside in any direction, in order to succeed wherever he goes. The verse emphasizes the importance of steadfast obedience to God’s instructions as the key to prospering in his new leadership role.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. The command to be strong and courageous is tied specifically to keeping the law (the instructions Moses gave), not just general bravery. The warning not to turn “to the right hand or to the left” highlights the need for unwavering commitment, and the promise of prosperity is linked to this faithful obedience.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 1:7

  • חֲזַק (ḥazaq; "strong", H2388): This word means to be firm or resolute. Here, it stresses that Joshua’s strength is not just physical but also about inner resolve to stick to God’s ways.
  • אֲמָץ (’amats; "courageous", H553): This term means to be bold or determined. The phrase “very courageous” (מְאֹד, me’od; H3966) intensifies the command, showing that Joshua will need exceptional determination.
  • שָׁמַר (shamar; "observe", H8104): This word means to guard or keep watch over. It suggests careful attention, not just casual observance, to the law.
  • תּוֹרָה (torah; "law", H8451): This refers to the teachings or instructions given by Moses. The focus is on the whole body of guidance, not just a single rule.
  • יַשְׂכִּיל (yaskil; "prosper", H7919): This word can mean to act wisely or to succeed. The idea is that true success comes from wise living according to God’s instructions.

Why Joshua 1:7 matters

  • Joshua 1:7 clarifies that success for Joshua as a leader is directly tied to obedience to God’s law, not just military strength or personal qualities.
  • The verse shows that courage in the biblical sense is closely connected to faithfulness and careful attention to God’s commands, not just bravery in battle.
  • This command sets the tone for the whole book of Joshua, highlighting that the Israelites’ future depends on their relationship to God’s instructions, not just their own efforts.

Where else these words appear

“courageous” Hebrew H553 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
  • Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

“left” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

“prosper” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
  • Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 7:39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.