Joshua 1:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The tribes vow to uphold Joshua's authority against any rebel, and close by echoing God's own charge: be strong and courageous.
What Does Joshua 1:18 Mean?
The people pledge to stand behind Joshua's authority, treating rebellion against his God-given command as a grave matter in a nation whose order depended on obedience to the LORD's appointed leader. Then, remarkably, they take up God's own words and speak them back: "only be strong and of a good courage."
The very charge God gave Joshua at the chapter's start now returns from the lips of the people. They become channels of the encouragement God intends. There is grace in this: leaders too need to hear the strengthening word, and God often sends it through the people they serve. So the chapter ends as it began, with courage commanded and a whole people moving forward together under God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 1:18
What does Joshua 1:18 mean?
The tribes vow to uphold Joshua's authority against any rebel, and close by echoing God's own charge: be strong and courageous.