King James Version

What Does Joshua 1:18 Mean?

Joshua 1:18 in the King James Version says “Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

Joshua 1:18 · KJV


Context

16

And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

17

According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

18

Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tribes declare capital punishment for rebellion: 'Whosoever...doth rebel...shall be put to death' (kol-ish asher-yamreh...yumat, כָּל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יַמְרֶה...יוּמָת). This severe penalty emphasizes military discipline's necessity during conquest. The phrase 'rebel against thy commandment' (yamreh et-picha, יַמְרֶה אֶת־פִּיךָ) literally means 'rebels against thy mouth'—refusing orders. Their closing encouragement 'only be strong and of a good courage' (raq chazaq ve'emats, רַק חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ) echoes God's threefold command to Joshua (verses 6, 7, 9), showing they recognize his need for divine courage. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that authority carries responsibility requiring divine enablement, and submission includes encouraging leaders toward faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern military discipline required harsh penalties for insubordination—armies without discipline faced defeat. Israel's tribal confederation needed strong unity for successful conquest. The death penalty for rebellion wasn't tyranny but military necessity. Later, Achan's rebellion (chapter 7) brought judgment demonstrating this wasn't empty threat. The tribes' encouragement to Joshua shows healthy relationship between leader and followers—mutual accountability and encouragement.

Reflection Questions

  1. What rebellions against godly authority need confrontation in your life?
  2. How can you encourage spiritual leaders toward courage and faithfulness?
  3. What balance between submission and accountability marks your relationship with spiritual authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כָּל1 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִ֞ישׁ2 of 17

Whosoever

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַמְרֶ֣ה4 of 17

he be that doth rebel

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

אֶת5 of 17
H853

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

פִּ֗יךָ6 of 17

against thy commandment

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וְלֹֽא7 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁמַ֧ע8 of 17

and will not hearken

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת9 of 17
H853

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

דְּבָרֶ֛יךָ10 of 17

unto thy words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

לְכֹ֥ל11 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר12 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תְּצַוֶּ֖נּוּ13 of 17

in all that thou commandest

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יוּמָ֑ת14 of 17

him he shall be put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

רַ֖ק15 of 17
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

חֲזַ֥ק16 of 17

only be strong

H2388

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

וֶֽאֱמָֽץ׃17 of 17

and of a good courage

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Joshua 1:18 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 Joshua 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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