King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:38 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:38 in the King James Version says “But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.”

Deuteronomy 1:38 · KJV

Context

36

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. wholly: Heb. fulfilled to go after

37

Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.

38

But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

39

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

40

But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joshua's appointment as Moses' successor demonstrates God's sovereign preparation of leadership. The command 'encourage him' (Hebrew 'chazaq'—strengthen, make firm) reveals that even chosen leaders require support from the covenant community. Joshua would 'cause Israel to inherit' the land—not by his own strength but as God's ordained instrument. This illustrates the Reformed understanding that God works through appointed means to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Human agency and divine sovereignty cooperate without contradiction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joshua, Moses' assistant from youth (Exodus 33:11), was approximately 50 years old when appointed Moses' successor. He had served faithfully as military commander (Exodus 17:9-13) and, with Caleb, brought the faithful minority report at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 14:6-9). Joshua would lead Israel for approximately 25 years, conquering Canaan and distributing tribal inheritances (Joshua 1-24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joshua's appointment demonstrate God's sovereign preparation of leadership transitions?
  2. What does the command to 'encourage' Joshua teach about the congregation's responsibility toward appointed leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ1 of 15

“But Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בִּן2 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נוּן֙3 of 15

“of Nun”

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua

הָֽעֹמֵ֣ד4 of 15

“which standeth”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ5 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

ה֖וּא6 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָ֣בֹא7 of 15

“thee he shall go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֑מָּה8 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֹת֣וֹ9 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חַזֵּ֔ק10 of 15

“thither encourage”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

כִּי11 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֖וּא12 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַנְחִלֶ֥נָּה13 of 15

“to inherit”

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אֶת14 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

“him for he shall cause Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 1:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 1:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 3:28Deuteronomy 31:7-8Numbers 14:30Deuteronomy 31:14Proverbs 22:29Deuteronomy 31:23

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