Joshua 1:6

KJV

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be strong {H2388} and of a good courage {H553}: for unto this people {H5971} shalt thou divide for an inheritance {H5157} the land {H776}, which I sware {H7650} unto their fathers {H1} to give {H5414} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Be strong, be bold; for you will cause this people to inherit the land I swore to their fathers I would give them.

Berean Standard Bible

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them.

American Standard Version

Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 1:6 stands as a pivotal divine directive, marking the formal commissioning of Joshua as the successor to Moses and the appointed leader for Israel's entry into the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates God's foundational command for courage and strength, directly linking it to the immense task of conquering and distributing the land, thereby emphasizing the unwavering fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises made to the patriarchs. It serves as both an empowerment and a clear articulation of Joshua's divinely ordained mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 1:6 is situated within the opening chapter of the book of Joshua, which immediately follows the death of Moses as recorded in [Deuteronomy 34](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - The Death of Moses"). The preceding verses (Joshua 1:1-5) establish the divine initiative, with God directly addressing Joshua, confirming his leadership, and reiterating the promise of the land. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated command but an integral part of God's comprehensive charge to Joshua, setting the tone for the entire narrative of conquest and settlement that follows. It underscores the transition of leadership from Moses, the lawgiver, to Joshua, the conqueror and divider of the inheritance, highlighting divine continuity and purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by numerous, often hostile, peoples (e.g., Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as mentioned in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God's Promise of the Land")). Forty years of wilderness wandering had passed, a period that saw the death of the generation disobedient at Kadesh Barnea, leaving a new generation poised for the conquest. The death of Moses, their revered leader for decades, created a significant leadership vacuum and potential anxiety among the people. In this context, God's direct commissioning of Joshua, emphasizing strength, courage, and the fulfillment of the land promise, was crucial for establishing Joshua's authority, instilling confidence in the people, and reaffirming the divine mandate for the challenging military and administrative tasks ahead. The concept of "inheritance" was deeply significant, representing not merely possession but a divinely allotted, permanent family holding.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is the **Divine Mandate for Courage and Strength**, a command repeated multiple times in this chapter ([Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - Be Strong and Courageous"), [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - The Command to Be Strong and Courageous")). This emphasis signifies that the daunting task ahead required not human bravado but a divinely empowered resolve. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promises**, particularly the Abrahamic Covenant, where God swore to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant of Land")). Joshua's mission was thus not a mere military campaign but the instrumental act in God's faithful execution of His ancient oath. Thirdly, the verse underscores **Leadership and Responsibility**, clearly defining Joshua's role as the one who "shalt divide" the land, demonstrating God's orderly plan for His people and Joshua's crucial administrative and spiritual authority in allocating tribal inheritances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This verb (חֲזַק) conveys the idea of being firm, resolute, solid, or courageous. It implies not just physical strength, but an inner fortitude and determination to stand fast in the face of adversity. In the context of Joshua, it speaks to the unwavering resolve needed for military conquest and faithful obedience to God's commands.
* **Courage (Hebrew, _amats'_):** This verb (אָמַץ) means to be strong, bold, brave, or courageous. Often paired with _chazaq_, it emphasizes the active demonstration of bravery and the absence of fear. It suggests a mental and emotional resilience necessary to undertake a challenging and potentially dangerous mission. The combination of _chazaq_ and _amats_ forms a powerful hendiadys, stressing the absolute necessity of both inner resolve and outward boldness.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** This noun (נַחֲלָה) refers to a possession, an inheritance, or an allotted portion. It signifies something received as a gift or legacy, often passed down through generations. In this context, it underscores that the land of Canaan was not something the Israelites earned by their own might, but a divine gift, a permanent possession granted by God in fulfillment of His covenant promises to their forefathers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be strong and of a good courage:"** This opening imperative is a direct divine command to Joshua. It is not merely a suggestion but an expectation for the leader. The repetition of this phrase throughout Joshua 1 emphasizes its critical importance for the daunting task ahead. It implies a need for both inner fortitude (strength) and outward bravery (coura_ge) in the face of formidable enemies and the immense responsibility of leading a nation.
* **"for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land,"** This clause provides the divine rationale and specific mission for Joshua's strength and courage. His primary task is to lead the people into the land and then to meticulously divide it among the tribes. The phrase "unto this people" highlights the communal aspect of the promise and the leadership responsibility Joshua bears for the entire nation. The land is explicitly designated as an "inheritance," underscoring its nature as a divinely bestowed gift, not a conquest earned by human merit alone.
* **"which I sware unto their fathers to give them."** This concluding clause firmly grounds Joshua's mission in the historical and theological bedrock of God's covenant faithfulness. It directly references the solemn oaths God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the "fathers") regarding the land of Canaan. This connection assures Joshua that his mission is part of God's unchangeable, ancient plan, providing immense encouragement and divine backing for the challenges he would face.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Imperative Mood** is central, as God's opening words "Be strong and of a good courage" are direct commands, highlighting the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of the charge. The **Repetition** of the "be strong and courageous" motif throughout [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God Commissions Joshua") (verses 6, 7, 9, 18) serves as a powerful rhetorical device, reinforcing the paramount importance of this quality for Joshua's success and for the people's confidence in their leader. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, particularly in the phrase "which I sware unto their fathers," which explicitly links Joshua's contemporary mission to the ancient, foundational promises made to the patriarchs, providing a deep theological grounding for the conquest. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Discourse**, as the words are presented as a direct address from God to Joshua, imbuing them with ultimate authority and significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 1:6 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and His active involvement in human history. It reveals that God's promises are not abstract but concrete, fulfilled through human instruments empowered by divine strength. The command to "be strong and of good courage" is not a call to self-reliance but an assurance of divine enablement for a divinely appointed task. It teaches that obedience to God's calling often requires stepping out in faith, trusting in His word even when the circumstances are daunting. The land, given as an "inheritance," symbolizes God's gracious provision and His desire to bless His people with rest and security, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Moses' Charge to Israel")
* [Psalm 27:14](/psalm/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 1:6 offers timeless encouragement and a profound challenge for believers today. Just as God called Joshua to a monumental task, He also calls and equips us for the unique purposes He has for our lives, whether they involve spiritual battles, vocational challenges, or personal growth. The command to "be strong and of good courage" reminds us that our strength is not inherent but derived from God's presence and His promises. It calls us to confront our fears and insecurities with faith, knowing that God is faithful to His word and will empower us to fulfill His will. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or overwhelming, and to live courageously in light of the spiritual inheritance we have received in Christ. Our "land" may not be a geographical territory, but it is the sphere of influence, calling, and spiritual blessings God has allotted to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to "be strong and of a good courage" today?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness to His ancient promises (like the land to Israel) strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **What specific "inheritance" or calling has God given you, and how might this verse encourage you to step into it with greater boldness?**
* **When facing daunting tasks, how can you practically lean on God's strength rather than relying solely on your own?**

### FAQ

**Why is courage so heavily emphasized in Joshua 1, and specifically in verse 6?**

Answer: Courage is heavily emphasized in Joshua 1 because Joshua and the Israelites were facing an incredibly daunting task: conquering a land inhabited by powerful, entrenched nations. They had just lost their revered leader, Moses, and were about to embark on a series of military campaigns. God's repeated command to "be strong and of good courage" (found in [Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "God's Command to Joshua"), [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Be Strong and Courageous"), and [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "The Command to Be Strong and Courageous")) served multiple purposes: it was an affirmation of Joshua's divine appointment, a necessary antidote to fear and doubt, and an assurance that God's presence would be with them, enabling them to succeed despite the overwhelming odds. It wasn't a call to self-generated bravado, but to a divinely empowered resolve.

**What is the significance of the land being called an "inheritance"?**

Answer: The designation of the land as an "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachalah_) is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that the land was not something the Israelites earned through their own military prowess or merit, but a gracious gift from God, a fulfillment of the solemn covenant promises He made to their patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "The Covenant of Land")). This concept highlights God's faithfulness, His sovereign plan, and the idea that their possession of the land was rooted in His divine benevolence rather than human achievement. It also implied a permanent, familial possession, a place of rest and security provided by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 1:6, with its themes of divine promise, courageous leadership, and the inheritance of a promised land, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name (Yeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, serves as a type of Christ, leading God's people into their promised rest. While Joshua led Israel into a physical land, Jesus leads His people into a spiritual inheritance that transcends earthly boundaries—the kingdom of God and eternal life. The "land" that God swore to give their fathers foreshadows the "better country, that is, a heavenly one" that Abraham looked forward to ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "A Better Country")). Just as Joshua was empowered by God to conquer and divide the land, Christ, through His death and resurrection, has conquered sin and death, securing for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "Our Imperishable Inheritance")). The command to "be strong and of good courage" is echoed in the New Testament as believers are called to stand firm in their faith ([1 Corinthians 16:13](/1_corinthians/16-13 "Stand Firm in the Faith")) and to live boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing that Christ has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")). Through Christ, the ultimate Joshua, we enter into the true rest and everlasting inheritance promised by God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

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.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Chronicles 28:10

Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do [it].

2 Timothy 2:1

¶ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.