King James Version
What Does Joshua 1:5 Mean?
“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Context
3
Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4
From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
5
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. unto this: or, thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land, etc
7
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. prosper: or, do wisely
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.**—Compare Genesis 28:15. And consider Hebrews 13:5 as a combination of the two Old Testament passages.
(6,7) **Be strong and of a good courage . . . that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law.**—This command to “be strong,” repeated again and again to Joshua, may perhaps be taken as reflecting light upon his natural character, which might not have led him to desire so prominent a position. But it may also be observed that courage was especially needed to carry out the conquest of Canaan *in the way that was ordered by the law. *For a discussion of this question and its difficulties, see Joshua 13
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:5 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 1:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge