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<!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 23:6 Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/23-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/06_Jos_23_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 23:6 - Joshua's Charge to Leaders" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left." /><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/23-6.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/23-6.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 6</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="/ad6.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/23-5.htm" title="Joshua 23:5">◄</a> Joshua 23:6 <a href="/joshua/23-7.htm" title="Joshua 23:7">►</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 />&#8220Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“So be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction. Do not deviate from it, turning either to the right or to the left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom <i>to</i> the right hand or <i>to</i> the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be very determined, then, to keep and do everything that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, so that you will not turn aside from it to the right or to the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Be very strong, then, to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Be steadfast <i>and</i> very determined to keep and to do everything that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, so that you do not turn aside from it to the right or the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you do not turn from it to the right or left<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you do not turn from it to the right or left<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore be ye very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be sure that you carefully obey everything written in The Book of the Law of Moses and do exactly what it says. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore be ye very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Now you must be very strong to keep and to do everything written in the Book of Moses' Teachings. Don't turn away from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So be careful to obey and do everything that is written in the book of the Law of Moses. Do not neglect any part of it, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Stand very strong, then, so you can obey and carry out everything written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning neither to the right nor to the left of it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Be very strong! Carefully obey all that is written in the law scroll of Moses so you won't swerve from it to the right or the left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside from it to the right hand or to the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you not turn away from it to the right hand or to the left; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you have been very strong to keep and to do the whole that is written in the Scroll of the Law of Moses, so as not to turn aside from it right or left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and ye have been very strong to keep and to do the whole that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, so as not to turn aside from it right or left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And be strong greatly to watch and to do all written in the book of the law of Moses, so as not to turn away from it to the right or to the left;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Only take courage, and be careful to observe all things that are written in the book of the law of Moses: and turn not aside from them neither to the right hand nor to the left: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Even so, be strengthened and be careful that you observe all the things that have been written in the book of the law of Moses, and that you do not turn aside from them, neither to the right, nor to the left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore be strong and be careful to observe all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, never turning from it right or left,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore be very steadfast to observe and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right nor to the left,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Only be strong to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, the servant of God, and not turn aside from it, neither to the right hand nor to the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Only be greatly strengthened and keep and do all that is written in the Book of The Law of Moshe the Servant of LORD JEHOVAH, and you shall not turn away from him, neither to the right, nor to the left<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Therefore be ye very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Do ye therefore strive diligently to observe and do all things written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not to the right hand or to the left;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/23-6.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=6099" 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">5</span>The LORD your God will push them out of your way and drive them out before you, so that you can take possession of their land, as the LORD your God promised you. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">Be very</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: wa·ḥă·zaq·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">strong, then,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: liš·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">so that you can keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and obey</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3789.htm" title="3789: hak·kā·ṯūḇ (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">that is written</a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: bə·sê·p̄er (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">in the Book</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: tō·w·raṯ (N-fsc) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">of the Law</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">of Moses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sūr- (V-Qal-Inf) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">turning aside</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: yā·mîn (N-fs) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">to the right</a> <a href="/hebrew/8040.htm" title="8040: ū·śə·mō·wl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- The left. ">or to the left.</a> </span><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.…<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/5-32.htm">Deuteronomy 5:32</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm">Deuteronomy 28:14</a></span><br />Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from any of the words I command you today, and do not go after other gods to serve them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-8.htm">Deuteronomy 11:8</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-17.htm">Deuteronomy 6:17</a></span><br />You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">1 Kings 2:3</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm">2 Kings 17:13</a></span><br />Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/34-31.htm">2 Chronicles 34:31</a></span><br />So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4</a></span><br />You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-102.htm">Psalm 119:102</a></span><br />I have not departed from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Proverbs 4:27</a></span><br />Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Matthew 5:18-19</a></span><br />For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-28.htm">Luke 11:28</a></span><br />But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be you therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;</p><p class="hdg">very</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7-9</a></b></br> 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 <i>to</i> the right hand or <i>to</i> the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3</a></b></br> And they bend their tongues <i>like</i> their bow <i>for</i> lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a></b></br> Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.</p><p class="hdg">that ye</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-32.htm">Deuteronomy 5:32</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Deuteronomy 12:32</a></b></br> What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20</a></b></br> That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, <i>to</i> the right hand, or <i>to</i> the left: to the end that he may prolong <i>his</i> days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/18-9.htm">Book</a> <a href="/joshua/22-3.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/joshua/10-25.htm">Courageous</a> <a href="/joshua/22-31.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/22-5.htm">Law</a> <a href="/joshua/22-9.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/joshua/1-18.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/joshua/8-34.htm">Recorded</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Right</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-12.htm">Steadfast</a> <a href="/joshua/19-29.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-17.htm">Therefrom</a> <a href="/joshua/22-29.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/joshua/22-18.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/joshua/9-25.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/joshua/22-20.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/joshua/18-6.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/24-26.htm">Book</a> <a href="/joshua/23-11.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">Courageous</a> <a href="/joshua/24-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/24-26.htm">Law</a> <a href="/joshua/24-5.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/joshua/24-24.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/joshua/24-26.htm">Recorded</a> <a href="/judges/3-16.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-6.htm">Steadfast</a> <a href="/joshua/23-9.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-3.htm">Therefrom</a> <a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/joshua/24-20.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/judges/7-17.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/joshua/24-18.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-18.htm">Written</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>Be very strong, then,</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the need for inner strength and courage, a recurring theme in the book of Joshua. It echoes God's command to Joshua in <a href="/joshua/1-6.htm">Joshua 1:6-7</a>, where strength and courage are prerequisites for leadership and obedience to God's commands. The call to be strong is not merely physical but spiritual, requiring reliance on God's power and presence.<p><b>so that you can keep and obey</b><br>The emphasis here is on the active role of the Israelites in maintaining their covenant relationship with God. "Keep" implies guarding or preserving the commandments, while "obey" suggests a proactive adherence to God's laws. This dual action is essential for the Israelites to remain in God's favor and continue to receive His blessings.<p><b>all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses,</b><br>The "Book of the Law of Moses" refers to the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Old Testament. This underscores the importance of Scripture as the foundation of Israel's faith and practice. The Law of Moses was central to the identity and religious life of Israel, providing guidelines for worship, social justice, and personal conduct. It also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who fulfills the Law (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).<p><b>not turning aside from it to the right or to the left.</b><br>This phrase signifies the importance of unwavering commitment to God's commandments. It suggests a straight path of obedience, avoiding deviations that could lead to idolatry or moral compromise. This imagery is consistent with <a href="/deuteronomy/5-32.htm">Deuteronomy 5:32</a> and <a href="/proverbs/4-27.htm">Proverbs 4:27</a>, which also warn against straying from God's path. The call to not turn aside reflects the need for focus and dedication in following God's will, a principle that is timeless and applicable to believers today.<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's law.<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 obligations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/book_of_the_law_of_moses.htm">Book of the Law of Moses</a></b><br>Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The solemn agreement between God and Israel, where God promises blessings for obedience and warns of consequences for disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/strength_in_obedience.htm">Strength in Obedience</a></b><br>Joshua emphasizes the need for strength and courage to obey God's law. In our lives, we must rely on God's strength to remain faithful amidst challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_deviation.htm">Avoiding Deviation</a></b><br>The instruction to not turn aside "to the right nor to the left" highlights the importance of staying true to God's path without compromise or distraction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_centrality_of_scripture.htm">The Centrality of Scripture</a></b><br>The focus on the "Book of the Law of Moses" reminds us of the central role Scripture should play in our lives, guiding our decisions and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_faithfulness.htm">Covenant Faithfulness</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites were called to uphold their covenant with God, we are called to live in faithful relationship with Him, honoring our commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a></b><br>Joshua's farewell address serves as a reminder to leave a legacy of faithfulness for future generations, encouraging them to follow God's ways.<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/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/how_did_joshua_lead_the_israelites.htm">How did Joshua lead the Israelites into the Promised Land?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_books'_order.htm">What is the order of the Bible's books?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_wrote_the_book_of_joshua.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Joshua?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses.</span>--As Joshua was the servant of the law himself, so must his successors be. No higher position was attainable than this. It has been the same with the successors of the greater Joshua. With them, and with those who follow them, nothing can ever supersede the authority of <span class= "ital">the written word.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Be ye therefore very courageous.</span> The original is stronger, <span class="accented">Be ye exceedingly courageous</span> (see note on Joshua 1:6). <span class="cmt_word">That is written in the book of the law of Moses.</span> A yet more distinct intimation that the words of Moses had been collected into a book at this early period, and that it was known as the Book of the Law of Moses. It seems incredible that such a book should have been invented at a time when the precepts it contained were lightly regarded, and should have been represented as the proper standard of conduct when every one knew that it could never have been anything of the kind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/23-6.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">Be very</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strong, then,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲזַקְתֶּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·zaq·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that you can keep</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמֹ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and obey</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַעֲשׂ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that is written</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכָּת֔וּב</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kā·ṯūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grave, to write</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the Book</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּסֵ֖פֶר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·sê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> </span><span class="str2">A missive, document, writing, book</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Law</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹרַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·raṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Moses,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִלְתִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇil·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until</span><br /><br /><span class="word">turning aside</span><br /><span class="heb">סוּר־</span> <span class="translit">(sūr-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from it</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֖נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the right</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right hand, side, the south</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or to the left.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·śə·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8040.htm">Strong's 8040: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dark, the north, the left hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/23-6.htm">Joshua 23:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/23-6.htm">OT History: Joshua 23:6 Therefore be very courageous to keep (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/23-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 23:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 23:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/23-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 23:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 23:7" /></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>