What does Joshua 1:7 mean?
"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." - Joshua 1:7

Joshua 1:7 (KJV) states, "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."
This verse is part of the dialogue between God and Joshua, the newly appointed leader of the Israelites, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It serves as a direct command from God to Joshua, instructing him to be strong and courageous, and to fully abide by the law given to him by Moses.
The themes present in Joshua 1:7 are strength, courage, obedience, and prosperity. The verse emphasizes the importance of these qualities in fulfilling God's plan and attaining success. It also underscores the significance of staying faithful to God's teachings, as this will lead to prosperity and blessings.
Contextually, this verse comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites. Moses, the previous leader, had passed away, and Joshua was tasked with leading the people into the land that God had promised to them. The Israelites had experienced years of wandering in the wilderness, and now they were on the brink of entering the long-awaited land flowing with milk and honey. In this context, Joshua 1:7 can be seen as a charge from God to Joshua, reminding him of the responsibilities and expectations that come with his new role.
The symbolism present in this verse is significant. The call to be "strong and very courageous" is not just a physical command, but also a spiritual and emotional one. Joshua would need strength and courage to face the challenges and opposition that awaited him in leading the Israelites. The directive to "observe to do according to all the law" emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The right path is to obey and follow the law, without turning to the right or left, symbolizing the need for unwavering devotion and commitment to God's word.
Additionally, the promise of prosperity whithersoever thou goest serves as a symbolic representation of the blessings and abundance that come from walking in obedience to God. It also symbolizes the idea that success and prosperity in the eyes of God are not dependent on external circumstances, but rather on adherence to His will and guidance.
In a broader sense, Joshua 1:7 can also be seen as a timeless message for all believers. The call to be strong and courageous, to obey God's commands, and to trust in His promises is relevant for anyone facing challenges and uncertainties. It serves as a reminder that true prosperity and success come from aligning our lives with God's will and walking in obedience to Him.
In conclusion, Joshua 1:7 is a powerful and encouraging verse that holds deep meaning and significance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of strength, courage, obedience, and unwavering faith in fulfilling God's plan. It also symbolizes the promise of prosperity and blessings that come from following God wholeheartedly. This verse continues to inspire and guide believers in their journey of faith and obedience to God.
Have questions about Joshua 1:7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Joshua 1:7 Artwork
Joshua 1:7-9
Joshua 1:7-9 - "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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:7-9 - "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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:7 - "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."
Joshua 1:7-9 - "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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:7-9 - "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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
"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." - Joshua 1:7
"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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:7-9
Joshua 7:16 - "¶ So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:"
Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."
Joshua 7:10 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?"
Joshua 10:7 - "So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
Joshua 5:7 - "And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way."
Joshua 7:20 - "And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:"
Joshua 7:7 - "And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!"
Joshua 7:1 - "But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel."
Joshua 7:23 - "And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD."
Joshua 3:7 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee."
Joshua 1:10 - "¶ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,"
Joshua 20:1 - "The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying,"
Joshua 19:7 - "Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:"
Joshua 12:7 - "¶ And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;"
Joshua 7:6 - "¶ And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads."
Judges 2:7 - "And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel."
Joshua 22:1 - "Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,"
Joshua 22:7 - "¶ Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,"
Joshua 1:12 - "¶ And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,"
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