Joshua 1:7 Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.

◄ Joshua 1:7 ►

New International Version
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

New Living Translation
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

English Standard Version
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Berean Standard Bible
Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

New American Standard Bible
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may achieve success wherever you go.

NASB 1995
“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

NASB 1977
“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

Legacy Standard Bible
Only be strong and very courageous to be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be prosperous wherever you go.

Amplified Bible
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go.

Christian Standard Bible
Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.

American Standard Version
Only be strong and very courageous, to 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 have good success whithersoever thou goest.

English Revised Version
Only be strong and very courageous, to 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 have good success whithersoever thou goest.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Only be strong and very courageous, faithfully doing everything in the teachings that my servant Moses commanded you. Don't turn away from them. Then you will succeed wherever you go.

Good News Translation
Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go.

International Standard Version
Only be strong and very courageous to ensure that you obey all the instructions that my servant Moses gave you—turn neither to the right nor to the left from it—so that you may succeed wherever you go.

Majority Standard Bible
Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.

NET Bible
Make sure you are very strong and brave! Carefully obey all the law my servant Moses charged you to keep! Do not swerve from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be successful in all you do.

New Heart English Bible
Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Only, be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; you do not turn aside from it right or left, so that you act wisely in every [place] to where you go;

Young's Literal Translation
Only, be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee; thou dost not turn aside from it right or left, so that thou dost act wisely in every place whither thou goest;

Smith's Literal Translation
Only be strong and be greatly active, to watch to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee: thou shalt not turn aside from it to the right and to the left, so that thou shalt be wise in all things where thou shalt go.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Take courage therefore, and be very valiant: that thou mayst observe and do all the law, which Moses my servant hath commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayst understand all things which thou dost.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, be strengthened and be very steadfast, so that you may observe and accomplish the entire law, which Moses, my servant, instructed to you. You may not turn aside from it to the right, nor to the left. So may you understand all that you should do.

New American Bible
Only be strong and steadfast, being careful to observe the entire law which Moses my servant enjoined on you. Do not swerve from it either to the right or to the left, that you may succeed wherever you go.

New Revised Standard Version
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the laws which Moses my servant has commanded you; turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may succeed wherever you go.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Only be strong and be greatly strengthened to keep and do all the laws that Moshe my Servant commanded you. You shall not depart from them, neither to the right nor to the left, so that you will prosper in every place that you will go

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Only be strong and very courageous, to 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 have good success whithersoever thou goest.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Be strong, therefore, and quit thyself like a man, to observe and do as Moses my servant commanded thee; and thou shalt not turn therefrom to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest be wise in whatsoever thou mayest do.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

God Commissions Joshua
…6Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. 7Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 5:32-33
So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left. / You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Deuteronomy 11:8
You shall therefore keep every commandment I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess,

Deuteronomy 28:1
“Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

Deuteronomy 29:9
So keep and follow the words of this covenant, that you may prosper in all you do.

1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,

1 Chronicles 22:13
Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

1 Chronicles 28:7
I will establish his kingdom forever, if he resolutely carries out My commandments and ordinances, as is being done this day.’

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Psalm 119:1
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. / Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Matthew 7:24-25
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.

Treasury of Scripture

Only be you strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

which Moses

Joshua 1:1
Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

Joshua 11:15
As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 27:23
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

turn not

Deuteronomy 5:32
Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Deuteronomy 12:32
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Deuteronomy 28:14
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

that

Deuteronomy 29:9
Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

prosper.

Joshua 1:8
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.

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Joshua 1

1. The Lord appoints Joshua to succeed Moses
3. The borders of the promised land
5. God promises to assist Joshua
8. He gives him instructions
10. Joshua prepares the people to pass over Jordan
12. He puts the two tribes and a half in mind of their promise to Moses
16. They promise him allegiance

Berean Study Bible

Above all
This phrase emphasizes the utmost importance of the command that follows. In the Hebrew text, the emphasis is on prioritizing the instructions given. It suggests that what follows is not just a suggestion but a critical directive for success and obedience to God’s will. Historically, this reflects the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, underscoring the need for Joshua to adhere strictly to God’s commands as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.

be strong and very courageous
The Hebrew words "chazaq" (be strong) and "amats" (be courageous) are imperative commands. "Chazaq" implies firmness, resoluteness, and strength, while "amats" suggests bravery and determination. This call to strength and courage is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, as Joshua is to rely on God’s power and presence. In the context of ancient Israel, this was crucial as Joshua faced formidable enemies and the daunting task of conquering Canaan.

Be careful to observe
The Hebrew root "shamar" means to guard, keep, or observe. This implies a diligent and intentional effort to adhere to God’s law. It is not a passive action but an active, vigilant commitment to God’s instructions. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to the law was central to maintaining God’s favor and blessing.

all the law that My servant Moses commanded you
This phrase refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain the laws given to Moses. The term "all" signifies the comprehensive nature of the law, indicating that partial obedience is insufficient. Moses, as God’s servant, was the mediator of the law, and Joshua is reminded to continue in this tradition of obedience. This continuity underscores the unchanging nature of God’s expectations and the importance of the law in guiding the nation of Israel.

Do not turn from it to the right or to the left
This idiom emphasizes the need for unwavering adherence to God’s law. The imagery of not turning to the right or left suggests a straight path, symbolizing faithfulness and consistency. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would resonate with the idea of a journey or pilgrimage, where deviation could lead to danger or failure. Spiritually, it underscores the importance of focus and dedication in following God’s commands.

so that you may prosper wherever you go
The Hebrew word "sakal" translated as "prosper" implies success, wisdom, and understanding. This promise of prosperity is conditional upon obedience to God’s law. It reflects the covenantal blessings promised to Israel for faithfulness. The phrase "wherever you go" indicates that God’s blessing is not limited to a specific location but accompanies those who are obedient, highlighting the universal and timeless nature of God’s promises to His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. - Be very courageous. The word is the same as is translated "be of good courage" above. Knobel remarks that the phraseology here is similar to that of Deuteronomy, but "strange to the other Books" of the Pentateuch. This may be from the fact that Deuteronomy is throughout hortatory, while the other Books are historical. But the recurrence of the hortatory phrases of Deuteronomy here is at least remarkable (see ver. 3). Prosper. Rather, perhaps be wise (cf. Deuteronomy 29:9, though, according to Calvin, the word means, "not only to act prudently but successfully"). The only true Wisdom is that obtained from God, whether in answer to prayer, or in meditation on His law (see 1 Corinthians 1:17-31; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; 1 Corinthians 3:19).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Above all,
רַק֩ (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

be strong
חֲזַ֨ק (ḥă·zaq)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

and very
מְאֹ֗ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

courageous.
וֶֽאֱמַ֜ץ (we·’ĕ·maṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 553: To be stout, strong, bold, alert

Be careful
לִשְׁמֹ֤ר (liš·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

to observe
לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

all
כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the law
הַתּוֹרָ֗ה (hat·tō·w·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

My servant
עַבְדִּ֔י (‘aḇ·dî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

Moses
מֹשֶׁ֣ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

commanded you.
צִוְּךָ֙ (ṣiw·wə·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

turn
תָּס֥וּר (tā·sūr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

it to the right
יָמִ֣ין (yā·mîn)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

or to the left,
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול (ū·śə·mō·wl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8040: Dark, the north, the left hand

so that
לְמַ֣עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

you may prosper
תַּשְׂכִּ֔יל (taś·kîl)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

wherever
בְּכֹ֖ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you go.
תֵּלֵֽךְ׃ (tê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

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OT History: Joshua 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous (Josh. Jos)