King James Version

What Does Joshua 1:7 Mean?

Joshua 1:7 in the King James Version says “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Joshua 1:7 · KJV

Context

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

9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse adds a crucial qualifier to the commands for courage: strength and courage must be directed toward obedience to God's law. The Hebrew raq (רַק, 'only') functions restrictively—courage alone is insufficient without Torah observance. The intensifier 'very courageous' (emats me'od, אֱמַץ מְאֹד) demands exceptional boldness specifically for keeping God's commandments. The purpose clause 'that thou mayest observe to do' uses shamar la'asot (שָׁמַר לַעֲשׂוֹת), combining careful guarding with active performance—both preservation and practice of the law. The comprehensive scope 'according to all the law' (kekhol-hatorah, כְּכָל־הַתּוֹרָה) excludes selective obedience. The prohibition 'turn not from it to the right hand or to the left' (lo tasur mimenu yamin usmol) demands unwavering adherence without deviation in either direction—neither adding to nor subtracting from God's commands. The promise 'that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest' (lemaan taskil bekhol asher telekh) links success directly to covenant fidelity, establishing the principle that true prosperity flows from obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings often received royal inscriptions or law codes to guide governance, but Israel's uniqueness was Torah's divine origin and comprehensive scope. Unlike Hammurabi's Code (primarily civil law) or Egyptian wisdom literature, Torah governed all of life—worship, ethics, social relations, diet, and warfare. Joshua's charge to observe 'all the law' emphasizes the indivisibility of God's commands. The prohibition against turning right or left echoes Deuteronomy 5:32 and 28:14, establishing a consistent pattern: blessing follows complete obedience, curse follows disobedience. This verse established precedent for theocratic leadership in Israel—military and political authority remained subordinate to divine revelation. Successful conquest depended not primarily on military prowess but on Torah observance, inverting typical ancient Near Eastern assumptions about power and success.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of your life are you tempted to selective obedience—obeying the commands you find comfortable while rationalizing away more difficult ones?
  2. How does the connection between obedience and prosperity challenge modern prosperity gospel teaching that promises blessing without emphasizing holiness?
  3. What does it mean practically to 'turn not to the right hand or to the left' in your daily decisions and commitments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
רַק֩1 of 22
H7535

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

חֲזַ֨ק2 of 22

“Only be thou strong”

H2388

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

וֶֽאֱמַ֜ץ3 of 22

“courageous”

H553

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

מְאֹ֗ד4 of 22

“and very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לִשְׁמֹ֤ר5 of 22

“that thou mayest observe”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙6 of 22

“to do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כְּכָל7 of 22
H3605

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

הַתּוֹרָ֗ה8 of 22

“according to all the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 22
H834

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

צִוְּךָ֙10 of 22

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֣ה11 of 22

“which Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַבְדִּ֔י12 of 22

“my servant”

H5650

a servant

אַל13 of 22
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תָּס֥וּר14 of 22

“thee turn”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ15 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יָמִ֣ין16 of 22

“not from it to the right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּשְׂמֹ֑אול17 of 22

“or to the left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

לְמַ֣עַן18 of 22
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תַּשְׂכִּ֔יל19 of 22

“that thou mayest prosper”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

בְּכֹ֖ל20 of 22
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר21 of 22
H834

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

תֵּלֵֽךְ׃22 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 22:13Deuteronomy 5:32Joshua 1:8Proverbs 4:27Joshua 11:15Deuteronomy 12:32

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