TRV
King James Version
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;
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;
World English Bible Messianic
“Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the scroll of the Torah of Moses, that you not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left;
Geneva Bible (1599)
Be ye therefore of a valiant courage, to obserue and doe all that is written in the booke of the Lawe of Moses, that ye turne not therefrom to the right hand nor to the left,
Young's Literal Translation
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,
Translation
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In the KJVVerse 6,467 of 31,102 · 20.8%
LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT
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Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Learning literature is allowable for believers, rather than teaching; for the principle of learning and of teaching is different. If a believer teaches literature, while he is teaching doubtless he commends, while he delivers he affirms, while he recalls he bears testimony to, the praises of idols interspersed therein. He seals the gods themselves with this name [of gods]; whereas the Law, as we have said, prohibits “the names of gods to be pronounced,” and this name [of God] to be conferred on vanity. Hence the devil gets men’s early faith built up from the beginnings of their erudition. Inquire whether he who teaches about idols commits idolatry. But when a believer learns these things, if he is already capable of understanding what idolatry is, he neither receives nor allows them; much more if he is not yet capable. Or, when he begins to understand, it behooves him first to understand what he has previously learned, that is, touching God and the faith. Therefore he will reject those things and will not receive them, and will be as safe as one who from one who knows it not knowingly accepts poison but does not drink it.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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. Having successfully led the conquest and initial settlement of Canaan, Joshua, now aged and nearing the end of his life (Joshua 23:1), 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). The exhortation in Joshua 23:6 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, 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). 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 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. 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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). 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.
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.
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.
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). 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.
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
FAQ
What does "turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left" mean in practical terms for believers today?
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:
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). 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). 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). 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.