CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 23:8 Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/23-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/06_Jos_23_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 23:8 - Joshua's Charge to Leaders" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/23-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/23-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/23-7.htm" title="Joshua 23:7">◄</a> Joshua 23:8 <a href="/joshua/23-9.htm" title="Joshua 23:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Rather, cling tightly to the LORD your God as you have done until now.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />but you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But you are to cling to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But you are to cling to Yahweh your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But you are to cling to the LORD your God, just as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Instead, be loyal to the LORD your God, as you have been to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Instead, remain faithful to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but cleave unto Jehovah your God, as ye have done unto this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be as faithful to the LORD as you have always been. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But you must be loyal to the LORD your God, as you have been until now.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Instead, be faithful to the LORD, as you have been till now. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Instead, you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done today, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But you must be loyal to the LORD your God, as you have been to this very day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />but hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But cleave to the LORD your God, as ye have done to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />but hold fast to Yahweh your God, as you have done to this day. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />but you cleave to your God YHWH, as you have done until this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> but to Jehovah your God ye do cleave, as ye have done till this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But ye shall cleave to Jehovah your God, as ye did even to this day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But cleave ye unto the Lord your God: as you have done until this day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Instead, cling to the Lord your God, just as you have done even to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />but you must hold fast to the LORD, your God, as you have done up to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />but hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But cleave to the LORD your God, as you have done even to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But cling to LORD JEHOVAH your God, just as you have done until today<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />but cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But ye shall cleave to the Lord our God, as ye have done until this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/23-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=6124" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/23.htm">Joshua's Charge to Leaders</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Instead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/1692.htm" title="1692: tiḏ·bā·qū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To cling, cleave, keep close. A primitive root; properly, to impinge, i.e. Cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit.">you shall hold fast</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śî·ṯem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you have done</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and to this day no one can stand against you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-20.htm">Deuteronomy 10:20</a></span><br />You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-22.htm">Deuteronomy 11:22</a></span><br />For if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-4.htm">Deuteronomy 13:4</a></span><br />You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-6.htm">2 Kings 18:6</a></span><br />He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-8.htm">Psalm 63:8</a></span><br />My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-31.htm">Psalm 119:31</a></span><br />I cling to Your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-13.htm">Isaiah 41:13</a></span><br />For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-14.htm">Isaiah 41:14</a></span><br />Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6</a></span><br />“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-5.htm">Isaiah 43:5</a></span><br />Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a></span><br />Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. / I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-7.htm">John 15:7</a></span><br />If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-9.htm">John 15:9-10</a></span><br />As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. / If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a></span><br />Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But hold to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.</p><p class="hdg">or, For if ye will cleave, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/22-5.htm">Joshua 22:5</a></b></br> But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-4.htm">Deuteronomy 4:4</a></b></br> But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God <i>are</i> alive every one of you this day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-20.htm">Deuteronomy 10:20</a></b></br> Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/22-5.htm">Cleave</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-60.htm">Cling</a> <a href="/joshua/22-5.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/joshua/21-42.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Cleave</a> <a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Cling</a> <a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/joshua/23-15.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/23-1.htm">Joshua's exhortation before his death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/23-3.htm">by former benefits</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/23-5.htm">by promises</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/23-11.htm">and by threatenings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of loyalty and commitment to God. The Hebrew word for "hold fast" implies a strong, unwavering attachment, similar to the bond in a marriage covenant. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where faithfulness is paramount. The call to hold fast contrasts with the temptation to follow other gods, a recurring issue for Israel (<a href="/exodus/34-14.htm">Exodus 34:14-16</a>). This phrase also echoes the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a>, which commands love and devotion to God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.<p><b>as you have done to this day</b><br>This part acknowledges Israel's past faithfulness, serving as both encouragement and a reminder of their history. It suggests that the people have successfully adhered to God's commands up to this point, likely referring to their obedience during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. This historical context is crucial, as it highlights the victories and blessings that came from their obedience. It also serves as a warning, as past faithfulness does not guarantee future obedience. The phrase underscores the need for continual commitment, resonating with New Testament teachings on perseverance in faith (<a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Hebrews 10:23</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of Israel after Moses, who is delivering his farewell address to the Israelites, urging them to remain faithful to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who have settled in the Promised Land and are being reminded of their covenant with the LORD.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which the Israelites have entered and are now dwelling in, fulfilling God's promise to their ancestors.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The solemn agreement between God and the Israelites, which includes blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/lord.htm">LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and the relationship He has with His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god.htm">Faithfulness to God</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites were called to hold fast to the LORD, Christians today are called to remain faithful in their relationship with God, despite challenges and temptations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_relationship.htm">Covenant Relationship</a></b><br>Understanding our relationship with God as a covenant helps us appreciate the seriousness and depth of our commitment to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Holding fast to God requires recognizing our dependence on Him for strength, guidance, and sustenance in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_faith.htm">Consistency in Faith</a></b><br>The Israelites' past faithfulness serves as a model for us to consistently trust and obey God in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_encouragement.htm">Community Encouragement</a></b><br>Encouraging one another in the faith is vital, as we are part of a community that supports each other in holding fast to the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_veronica_in_the_bible.htm">What does 'hold fast' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'hold_fast'_mean_biblically.htm">What does "hold fast" mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_israelites_continue_idolatry.htm">If Joshua 23 emphasizes exclusive worship of Yahweh, why do historical records suggest continued syncretism and idolatry among the Israelites? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god's_spirit_rest_in_the_north.htm">Why does Zechariah 6:8 mention God's spirit finding rest in the north country if He is believed to be present everywhere?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But cleave unto the Lord your God.</span> Or, <span class="accented">ye shall cleave unto Jehovah</span> your God. The phrase denotes the intimate union between God and the soul (see above, and <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/23-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Instead,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you shall hold fast</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּדְבָּ֑קוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tiḏ·bā·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1692.htm">Strong's 1692: </a> </span><span class="str2">To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have done</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śî·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּ֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/23-8.htm">Joshua 23:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/23-8.htm">OT History: Joshua 23:8 But hold fast to Yahweh your God (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/23-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 23:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 23:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/23-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 23:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 23:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>