Joshua 23:6

KJV

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 [to] the right hand or [to] the left;

KJV (with Strong's)

Be ye therefore very {H3966} courageous {H2388} to keep {H8104} and to do {H6213} all that is written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the law {H8451} of Moses {H4872}, that ye turn {H5493} not aside therefrom to the right hand {H3225} or to the left {H8040};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore be very firm about keeping and doing everything written in the book of the Torah of Moshe and not turning aside from it either to the right or to the left.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 23:6 stands as a profound and urgent exhortation from Joshua to the assembled leaders of Israel, encapsulating his dying charge for the nation to demonstrate exceptional spiritual courage and unwavering commitment to the covenant stipulations revealed in the Law of Moses. This pivotal verse serves as a foundational mandate for their continued prosperity, spiritual integrity, and distinct identity in the Promised Land, unequivocally linking their future well-being to their steadfast, precise, and uncompromising obedience to God's divine instructions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Joshua's first farewell address to the leaders, judges, and elders of Israel, found in [Joshua 23](/joshua/23 "Joshua 23 - Joshua's Farewell Address"). Having successfully led the conquest and initial settlement of Canaan, Joshua, now aged and nearing the end of his life ([Joshua 23:1](/joshua/23-1 "Joshua 23:1 - Joshua's Age and Final Words")), gathers the nation's representatives. His speech functions as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, a vital reminder of God's absolute faithfulness in fulfilling every promise He made to Israel ([Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled to Israel")). The exhortation in [Joshua 23:6](/joshua/23-6 "Joshua 23:6 - Call to Courageous Obedience") is a critical pivot, transitioning from recounting God's past fidelity to issuing stern warnings about the dire consequences of future disobedience, particularly regarding idolatry and assimilation with the remaining Canaanite populations. This address sets the theological and narrative stage for the even more explicit covenant renewal at Shechem in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem"), where the people explicitly choose to serve the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a crucial juncture in their national history. They had transitioned from a nomadic, wilderness existence and a period of intense warfare to settling into an agricultural society within the land of Canaan. This new reality brought them into constant contact with the diverse pagan cultures of the region, which practiced polytheism, idolatry, and various morally corrupt rituals, including child sacrifice. The land was not entirely cleared of its original inhabitants, creating a persistent temptation for the Israelites to intermarry and adopt the religious practices of their neighbors, a syncretistic tendency explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Warning Against Intermarriage and Idolatry")). Joshua's address, therefore, reflects the immense spiritual and cultural pressures facing the nascent Israelite nation. Their continued success, security, and unique identity as God's covenant people were entirely contingent upon their exclusive worship of Yahweh and their unwavering adherence to His distinctive statutes, a radical and counter-cultural demand in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 23:6](/joshua/23-6 "Joshua 23:6 - Call to Courageous Obedience") powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Covenant Faithfulness** is paramount, underscoring Israel's ongoing, active responsibility to uphold their obligations within the covenant relationship with Yahweh, a relationship initiated by God's grace. Secondly, the theme of **Obedience as the Path to Blessing** is explicitly highlighted, establishing a direct and unbreakable link between their diligent adherence to God's commands and their future prosperity, security, and flourishing in the Promised Land, echoing the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the necessity of **Spiritual Courage**, indicating that maintaining fidelity to God's Law in a challenging and tempting environment requires far more than passive agreement; it demands active, resolute determination and fortitude. Finally, this passage profoundly reinforces the **Sufficiency and Authority of God's Word** as revealed in the "book of the law of Moses," presenting it as the singular, complete, and unchanging guide for national and individual life, a concept deeply embedded in the Deuteronomic tradition (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Courageous (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** (H2388) This powerful verb, derived from a primitive root, signifies to be strong, firm, resolute, or to strengthen oneself. It implies an active, intentional exertion of will, spirit, and even physical effort. It is not merely passive bravery but a deliberate choice to hold fast, to be resolute, and to be unyielding. This is the same potent imperative God repeatedly gave to Joshua at the outset of his leadership (e.g., [Joshua 1:6-7](/joshua/1-6-7 "Joshua 1:6-7 - Be Strong and Courageous")). Here, Joshua applies this same demand for spiritual fortitude to the entire nation, emphasizing that such strength is essential for all to "keep and to do" the Law, particularly in the face of societal pressures, temptations to compromise, and the inherent challenges of living a distinct life for God.
* **Very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** (H3966) This adverb, often used as an intensive or superlative, means "vehemently," "exceedingly," "greatly," or "mightily." Its inclusion before "courageous" amplifies the command, indicating that an ordinary level of courage is insufficient. Joshua is calling for an extraordinary, profound, and unwavering resolve. It highlights the immense spiritual challenge involved in maintaining complete fidelity to God's Law in a hostile environment and underscores the absolute necessity of a deep-seated commitment.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** (H8451) This term, often translated as "law," carries a much richer meaning than mere legal statutes. Derived from a root meaning "to teach" or "to instruct," _tôwrâh_ refers to God's divine instruction, revelation, and guidance for His people. It encompasses not only the commandments and ordinances but also the narratives, historical accounts, and theological principles found in the Pentateuch (the "book of Moses"). Its centrality here underscores that God's revealed Word is the ultimate, authoritative, and comprehensive standard for all conduct, providing the path to life and blessing for His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye therefore very courageous":** This opening imperative is a direct, forceful, and intensified call to action. The adverb "very" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd_) elevates the command, highlighting the extraordinary spiritual fortitude required. It implies a conscious, deliberate choice to strengthen one's resolve and determination, not for physical battle, but for unwavering spiritual commitment and steadfastness in the face of potential difficulties, temptations, or cultural pressures to stray from God's path.
* **"to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses":** This phrase precisely defines the object of their required courage: active, comprehensive, and diligent obedience to God's revealed will. "To keep" (Hebrew, _shâmar_) implies guarding, observing, preserving, and cherishing the Law in one's heart and mind, treating it as a precious treasure. "To do" (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh_) denotes the practical outworking and active implementation of that knowledge in one's daily life and national conduct. The emphasis on "all that is written" underscores the complete, holistic, and non-negotiable nature of God's commands; partial, selective, or convenient obedience is insufficient for covenant fidelity.
* **"that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;":** This vivid and frequently used biblical idiom emphatically warns against any deviation whatsoever from the prescribed, straight path of God's Law. It signifies a call for precise, unwavering adherence, without compromise, innovation, or neglect. To turn "to the right hand or to the left" means to stray from the narrow, righteous path, either by adding to God's commands (often interpreted as turning to the "right" through legalism or human traditions) or by subtracting from them (turning to the "left" through neglect, compromise, or adopting foreign practices). This imagery powerfully emphasizes the importance of integrity, purity, and singular devotion in their walk with God, ensuring they remain exclusively committed to His ways, as previously commanded in [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from the Law").

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 23:6 masterfully employs several impactful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as Joshua delivers a powerful, urgent, and final command to the entire nation, characteristic of a farewell address from a revered and departing leader. The phrase "turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left" is a potent **Idiom**, a concise and vivid expression that conveys the profound concept of unwavering, precise adherence to a path without any deviation. This imagery is deeply rooted in Deuteronomic theology, emphasizing strict and singular obedience. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates powerful **Repetition** of a key theme from the very beginning of Joshua's leadership, where God repeatedly commanded him to "be strong and courageous" ([Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6-9 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")). By applying this same divine charge to the entire nation, Joshua underscores the universal necessity of spiritual fortitude for all of God's people to walk in His ways. The structure of the verse also presents a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: courageous and comprehensive obedience to the Law is the cause, and avoiding deviation (thereby securing God's continued blessing and presence) is the direct and desired effect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 23:6 serves as a theological cornerstone, profoundly linking the nation's spiritual vitality, physical prosperity, and continued existence as God's distinct people directly to their unwavering fidelity to His covenant. It underscores the profound truth that genuine blessing and flourishing flow exclusively from courageous, comprehensive, and uncompromising obedience to divine revelation. This passage reinforces the concept of the Law (Torah) not merely as a burdensome set of rules, but as God's life-giving instruction, His wisdom designed for the flourishing and well-being of His people. The emphatic call to "turn not aside" highlights the exclusive and jealous nature of Israel's relationship with Yahweh and the ever-present dangers of syncretism or compromise with the surrounding pagan cultures—a theme that tragically reverberates throughout Israel's subsequent history, particularly during the tumultuous periods of the Judges and Kings. Implicitly, it also teaches that spiritual strength is not an innate quality but must be actively cultivated and maintained through intentional, resolute commitment to God's revealed Word.

* [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from God's Commands")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalm/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man Who Delights in God's Law")
* [Proverbs 4:27](/proverbs/4-27 "Proverbs 4:27 - Keep Your Path Straight and Do Not Deviate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 23:6 presents a timeless and enduring challenge for believers today, transcending its historical context to speak powerfully to the ongoing necessity of courageous obedience in the Christian life. In a world increasingly indifferent or even hostile to biblical truth, it requires profound spiritual fortitude to "keep and to do" God's Word. This courage is not a passive sentiment or a fleeting emotion, but an active, daily, and deliberate commitment to align our lives with the whole of Scripture, even when it means standing apart from prevailing cultural norms, challenging personal inclinations, or facing ridicule. We are called to be steadfast, not veering "to the right hand or to the left" by compromising our convictions, embracing worldly philosophies that contradict God's truth, or becoming lukewarm and complacent in our devotion. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that true spiritual vitality, genuine freedom, and effective witness are rooted in a committed, courageous, and unwavering obedience to God's divine instructions, found in the entirety of His inspired Word. It challenges us to actively engage with Scripture, allowing it to profoundly shape our thoughts, words, and actions, ensuring our path remains straight and true to the very heart of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to be "very courageous" in obeying God's Word?**
* **How do you actively "keep and to do" what is written in God's Word in your daily life, moving beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **What external pressures (from culture, friends, media) or internal desires (for comfort, approval, ease) might cause you to "turn aside to the right hand or to the left" from God's commands?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more unwavering commitment to God's Law as revealed in Scripture, allowing it to be your ultimate guide?**

### FAQ
**What does "turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left" mean in practical terms for believers today?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful idiom emphasizing absolute and precise adherence to God's commands without any deviation. For believers today, it means walking a path of integrity and faithfulness to God's revealed will, avoiding two dangerous extremes:
* **Adding to God's Word (turning to the right):** This involves creating extra-biblical rules, traditions, or human philosophies and elevating them to the status of divine commands, thereby burdening people unnecessarily or misrepresenting God's will. Jesus frequently critiqued the Pharisees for this tendency, where their traditions nullified God's true commands (e.g., [Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Matthew 15:1-9 - The Tradition of the Elders")). This can lead to legalism and a focus on external performance rather than genuine heart transformation.
* **Subtracting from God's Word (turning to the left):** This involves neglecting, ignoring, dismissing, or compromising parts of God's revealed will, either through laziness, a desire to conform to worldly values, or a pursuit of personal convenience. This can lead to moral decay, spiritual lukewarmness, or a diluted faith that lacks power and conviction, as warned against in passages like [Revelation 3:16](/revelation/3-16 "Revelation 3:16 - Lukewarmness") and [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3-4 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - People Will Turn Away from Truth").
Therefore, to "turn not aside" means to walk a straight, narrow path of integrity, faithfully following exactly what God has commanded, no more and no less, with singular devotion to Him and His truth as revealed in the Bible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 23:6 directly exhorts ancient Israel to obey the Mosaic Law, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual meaning are profoundly illuminated in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential embodiment of this courageous and unwavering obedience, perfectly fulfilling "all that is written in the book of the law" not by turning "to the right hand or to the left" but by living a life of flawless righteousness and complete submission to the Father's will ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is, in essence, the ultimate "book of the law" made flesh, the living Word who perfectly exemplified unwavering fidelity to God's every command, even to the point of sacrificial death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). For believers, our ability to be "very courageous to keep and to do" God's will does not stem from our own inherent strength or moral resolve, which are always insufficient. Rather, it flows from our vital union with Christ. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ provides, we are empowered to walk in newness of life, to obey God's commands, and to live lives that increasingly reflect Christ's own perfect adherence to the Father's will ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")). Thus, Joshua's ancient charge finds its spiritual reality, its empowering source, and its ultimate purpose in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who both perfectly obeyed the Law on our behalf and now enables us to walk in a manner pleasing to God, guided by His Spirit and His Word.

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

Deuteronomy 28:14

And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Deuteronomy 5:32

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.

Hebrews 12:4

¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

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.

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.

Deuteronomy 17:20

That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.