Joshua 23:14

KJV

And, behold, this day I [am] going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, [and] not one thing hath failed thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, this day {H3117} I am going {H1980} the way {H1870} of all the earth {H776}: and ye know {H3045} in all your hearts {H3824} and in all your souls {H5315}, that not one {H259} thing {H1697} hath failed {H5307} of all the good {H2896} things {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} spake {H1696} concerning you; all are come to pass {H935} unto you, and not one {H259} thing {H1697} hath failed {H5307} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Today I am going the way of all the earth. Therefore consider in all your heart and being that not one of all the good things ADONAI your God said concerning you has failed to happen; it has all come to pass; nothing of it has failed

Berean Standard Bible

Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.

American Standard Version

And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which Jehovah your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, not one thing hath failed thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 23:14 captures the poignant farewell address of Israel's venerable leader, Joshua, as he stands on the threshold of death. This verse serves as a profound testament to the Lord's absolute faithfulness, underscoring the complete and undeniable fulfillment of every single promise He made to the nation of Israel. It is a powerful declaration, delivered from a heart overflowing with gratitude and a mind keenly aware of God's perfect integrity, designed to solidify the people's trust in their covenant-keeping God and to impress upon them the critical importance of continued obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 23:14 is situated within Joshua's second farewell address to the leaders, elders, judges, and officers of Israel, delivered sometime after the successful military campaigns and the initial distribution of the land among the tribes. This chapter, along with chapter 24, constitutes Joshua's final exhortations, serving as a spiritual will and testament. Chapter 23 opens with Joshua, now "old and advanced in years," summoning the nation's leaders to remind them of God's mighty acts on their behalf and to warn them against the dangers of idolatry and assimilation with the remaining Canaanite peoples. Verse 14 specifically acts as the climactic affirmation of God's past faithfulness, setting the stage for Joshua's subsequent warnings about the consequences of disobedience (Joshua 23:15-16) and his call to steadfast covenant loyalty. It is the bedrock upon which his final appeals are built, establishing God's trustworthiness as the foundation for all future interactions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this address, Israel had largely settled in the Promised Land, having experienced divine intervention in their conquest of Canaan. The generation that had entered Canaan was aging, and new generations were emerging who had not personally witnessed the Exodus or the wilderness wanderings. Joshua's speech, therefore, served as a crucial historical and theological anchor, reminding them of their foundational narrative and God's active role within it. Culturally, the Israelites were surrounded by polytheistic nations, whose religious practices often involved Baal worship and other fertility cults. The temptation to intermarry and adopt the customs of these peoples was ever-present, posing a significant threat to Israel's unique identity as God's covenant people. Joshua's emphasis on God's fulfilled promises was a direct counter-narrative to the allure of pagan deities, asserting the supremacy and reliability of Yahweh, who had proven Himself faithful through concrete historical events, unlike the impotent gods of the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Joshua 23:14 is the **unwavering faithfulness of God** and the **absolute fulfillment of His promises**. Joshua's declaration that "not one thing hath failed" powerfully encapsulates God's integrity and reliability, reinforcing the covenant relationship established at Sinai and reiterated in the plains of Moab (see [Deuteronomy 29](/deuteronomy/29 "Deuteronomy 29 - The Covenant in Moab")). This verse also highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty in history**, demonstrating that God actively works to bring His plans to fruition, regardless of human obstacles. Furthermore, it serves as a call to **remembrance and reflection**, urging the Israelites to look back at their history and acknowledge God's mighty hand. This historical perspective is presented as the basis for future obedience and continued trust. The verse implicitly contrasts God's perfect faithfulness with the potential for human forgetfulness and disobedience, setting up the urgent warnings that follow regarding the consequences of turning away from the Lord (compare with [Joshua 24:19-20](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua 24:19-20 - Consequences of Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"going the way of all the earth" (Hebrew, _holekh b'derekh kol-ha'aretz'_):** This idiomatic expression (הוֹלֵךְ בְּדֶרֶךְ כָּל־הָאָרֶץ) is a common biblical euphemism for dying or nearing death. It signifies the universal human experience of mortality, emphasizing that even great leaders like Joshua are subject to the natural course of life and death. Its inclusion here lends a solemn and weighty tone to Joshua's final address, underscoring the urgency and sincerity of his words as coming from one whose earthly journey is concluding. It highlights the finite nature of human leadership and the eternal nature of God's faithfulness.
* **"failed" (Hebrew, _naphal'_):** The Hebrew verb נָפַל (*naphal*) literally means "to fall," "to fall down," or "to fall short." In this context, its repeated use ("not one thing hath failed... not one thing hath failed thereof") powerfully conveys the idea of complete and utter fulfillment. It emphasizes that none of God's promises have "fallen to the ground" or "fallen short" of their intended realization. Every single word spoken by the Lord has been brought to pass precisely as declared, without any deficiency, omission, or delay. This repetition creates an emphatic declaration of God's perfect reliability and the historical veracity of His covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, this day I [am] going the way of all the earth:"** Joshua begins his solemn declaration by acknowledging his imminent death, a common biblical idiom for mortality. The phrase "this day" adds a sense of immediacy and finality to his words, lending them gravity and urgency. He is speaking from a position of profound personal experience, aware that his time as Israel's leader is drawing to a close, making his testimony all the more potent and heartfelt.
* **"and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls,"** This clause appeals directly to the Israelites' internal conviction and personal experience. Joshua asserts that their knowledge of God's faithfulness is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential understanding rooted in their innermost being—their "hearts" (seat of thought and will) and "souls" (the very essence of life and desire). This implies that they have personally witnessed and benefited from God's actions, making their knowledge undeniable and deeply ingrained.
* **"that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you;"** This is the core affirmation of the verse. Joshua declares that every single promise, every "good thing" (referring to blessings, land, victory, and prosperity) spoken by the Lord concerning Israel has been brought to complete fruition. The emphatic "not one thing hath failed" highlights the absolute perfection and reliability of God's word, emphasizing that there were no exceptions, no partial fulfillments, and no delays in His divine plan.
* **"all are come to pass unto you, [and] not one thing hath failed thereof."** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and reinforcement of the previous statement. The repetition of "not one thing hath failed" acts as a rhetorical device, underscoring the complete and undeniable reality of God's faithfulness. It emphasizes that the fulfillment was not just promised but actively "come to pass" and experienced by the Israelites themselves, leaving no room for doubt or dispute regarding God's integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 23:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "going the way of all the earth," which serves as a poignant and universally understood euphemism for death. This sets a solemn and weighty tone for Joshua's final address, imbuing his words with the authority of a dying leader's last will. **Repetition** is also a key device, with the phrase "not one thing hath failed" appearing twice within the verse. This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the absolute and undeniable truth of God's faithfulness, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. It acts as a powerful rhetorical flourish, hammering home the central message of divine reliability. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Testimony**, as Joshua, drawing on his lifetime of experience, personally attests to God's unwavering integrity. This personal witness adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the theological declaration, making it resonate more deeply with his audience. The entire passage is part of a **Farewell Discourse**, a common biblical literary form where a significant leader imparts final wisdom and warnings before their demise, lending a sense of urgency and historical significance to Joshua's words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 23:14 stands as a monumental declaration of God's absolute trustworthiness, a foundational truth upon which all biblical theology rests. It affirms that the Lord is not merely a promise-maker but a promise-keeper, whose word is as immutable as His character. This verse resonates deeply with the covenant theology woven throughout the Old Testament, particularly the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, demonstrating that God's commitment to His people is unwavering, even when their faithfulness falters. The historical fulfillment witnessed by Joshua's generation serves as a powerful precedent for all future generations, including believers today, assuring us that God's promises, whether concerning salvation, provision, or ultimate redemption, will never "fall short." It is a testament to divine integrity, reminding us that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human merit but flows from His intrinsic nature as a loving and righteous God who honors His word.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God Is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [1 Kings 8:56](/1_kings/8-56 "1 Kings 8:56 - Solomon's Acknowledgment of God's Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 23:14 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by broken promises and unfulfilled expectations, this verse serves as an anchor, reminding us of the unwavering character of God. Just as the Israelites could look back on their history and see undeniable proof of God's faithfulness, so too are we called to remember His past interventions in our lives and in the grand narrative of redemption. This remembrance cultivates deep trust, enabling us to face present challenges and future uncertainties with confidence, knowing that the God who has been faithful will continue to be faithful. It compels us to examine our own lives: where have we seen God's promises fulfilled? How does His past reliability inform our present obedience and future hope? This verse is not just a historical report but a living truth, inviting us to rest in the certainty that if God has spoken a "good thing" concerning us—whether through His written Word or through specific, Spirit-led assurance—it will surely come to pass. Our response, therefore, should be one of grateful obedience and unwavering faith, built upon the solid foundation of His perfect integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have you personally experienced God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in your life?**
* **How does remembering God's past reliability strengthen your faith in His promises for your present circumstances and future?**
* **What "good things" has the Lord spoken concerning you or His church, and how does Joshua's testimony encourage you regarding their ultimate fulfillment?**
* **If God is perfectly faithful in all His promises, how should this truth impact your commitment to obey His commands and trust His leading?**

### FAQ
**What does "going the way of all the earth" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "going the way of all the earth" is a common biblical idiom that means to die or to be on the verge of death. It emphasizes the universal mortality of all human beings. In Joshua 23:14, Joshua uses this expression to solemnly declare that his life is coming to an end, lending a sense of urgency and finality to his farewell address to the leaders of Israel. It signifies that even a great leader like Joshua is not exempt from the natural course of life and death, highlighting the transition of leadership and the enduring faithfulness of God beyond any individual's lifespan.

**What specific "good things" is Joshua referring to that God had fulfilled?**

Answer: Joshua is referring to the vast array of promises God made to Israel, beginning with the covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These "good things" include the promise of a vast land (the [Promised Land of Canaan](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of the Land")), victory over their enemies (as seen throughout the book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua")), numerous descendants, and the establishment of Israel as a great nation. It also encompasses the blessings promised in the Mosaic covenant for obedience, such as prosperity, peace, and God's presence among them. Joshua's declaration confirms that every aspect of these divine pledges, from the land's conquest to the provision for their well-being, had been meticulously brought to pass by the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 23:14, with its powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joshua points to the historical realization of the Old Covenant promises concerning land and nation, the New Testament reveals that all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ (as stated in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises Are Yes in Christ")). Jesus is the faithful Son who perfectly embodies and fulfills the covenant God made with humanity. He is the ultimate "good thing" promised by God, the Seed of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has secured the New Covenant, fulfilling the promise of forgiveness of sins and eternal life, which the Old Covenant could only foreshadow ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). Just as Joshua assured Israel that not one good thing had failed, so too can believers in Christ be absolutely certain that every spiritual blessing and every promise of salvation is secured in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Jesus Himself is the living testament to God's perfect integrity, demonstrating that God's plan for redemption, conceived in eternity, has come to pass precisely as declared, culminating in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of 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

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

1 Kings 2:2

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

Leviticus 26:3

If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

Leviticus 26:13

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Joshua 21:43

¶ And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.