King James Version

What Does Joshua 1:6 Mean?

Joshua 1:6 in the King James Version says “Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Joshua 1:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. have: or, do wisely

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The command "be strong and of a good courage" (chazaq ve'emats, חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ) uses two Hebrew verbs emphasizing inner fortitude and resolve. Chazaq (חָזַק) means to be firm, strong, or secure, while emats (אָמַץ) means to be alert, courageous, or bold. Together they demand both inner strength and outward courage—not mere feeling but determined action despite fear. This command appears three times in this chapter (vv. 6, 7, 9), emphasizing its importance.

The basis for courage is the purpose clause: "for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land." Joshua's courage isn't self-generated optimism but confidence rooted in divine calling and promise. The Hebrew nachal (נָחַל, "divide for an inheritance") indicates permanent family possession passed to descendants. This wasn't temporary military occupation but permanent settlement according to tribal allotments.

The phrase "which I sware unto their fathers" roots the promise in the patriarchal covenants with Abraham (Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 15:18), Isaac (Genesis 26:3), and Jacob (Genesis 28:13; 35:12). God's oath-bound promise provided unshakable foundation for courage. The courage demanded of Joshua wasn't presumption but faith in explicit divine commitment. What God has sworn, He will certainly perform (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:17-18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of dividing land for inheritance (nachalah, נַחֲלָה) was central to Israelite theology and economics. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern societies where land ownership concentrated among ruling classes, Israel's system (detailed in Joshua 13-21) distributed land equitably among tribes, clans, and families. Each family received permanent allotment that couldn't be permanently alienated (Leviticus 25:23-28; 1 Kings 21:3), creating economic stability and preventing permanent poverty.

The patriarchal promises referenced here formed the foundation of Israel's covenant identity. God's oath to Abraham (Genesis 22:16-18) was unconditional, based on divine character rather than human merit. This oath sustained Israel through centuries of slavery in Egypt and forty years of wilderness wandering. Now, 600+ years after Abraham, fulfillment had arrived—demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations.

Ancient warfare required tremendous courage. Battles were fought hand-to-hand with swords, spears, and arrows. Casualties were high, medical care primitive, and defeat often meant death or slavery. Fortified cities had walls 20-30 feet high and 10-15 feet thick. Attacking such defenses required extraordinary bravery. Joshua needed divine encouragement to lead Israel against such formidable obstacles.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific situations is God calling you to "be strong and courageous," and how can you distinguish biblical courage from worldly recklessness or presumption?
  2. How does understanding courage as a choice (commanded, not merely felt) change your approach to fearful situations where you know God's will?
  3. What promises has God made—either to you personally or to His church corporately—that should give you courage for current challenges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
חֲזַ֖ק1 of 15

“Be strong”

H2388

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

וֶֽאֱמָ֑ץ2 of 15

“and of a good courage”

H553

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

כִּ֣י3 of 15
H3588

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

אַתָּ֗ה4 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תַּנְחִיל֙5 of 15

“shalt thou divide for an inheritance”

H5157

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

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

הָעָ֣ם7 of 15

“for unto this people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֔ה8 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶת9 of 15
H853

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

הָאָ֕רֶץ10 of 15

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר11 of 15
H834

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

נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי12 of 15

“which I sware”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לַֽאֲבוֹתָ֖ם13 of 15

“unto their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לָתֵ֥ת14 of 15

“to give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶֽם׃15 of 15
H0

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 10:19Ephesians 6:10Joshua 1:9Joshua 1:71 Corinthians 16:131 Chronicles 22:13

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