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    Courage

    Joshua 1:9

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    “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 1:9 (KJV)

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    What Does Joshua 1:9 Mean?

    God spoke these words to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land after Moses' death. The command to be courageous is grounded in God's constant presence.

    How to Apply This Verse

    Courage isn't the absence of fear but trusting God despite fear. Whatever new territory or challenge you face, God goes with you. His presence is the foundation of your strength.

    Historical Context

    God spoke these words to Joshua around 1406 BC, immediately after Moses' death. Joshua faced the enormous task of leading two million Israelites across the Jordan River into Canaan, a land fortified by warlike nations. He had already scouted the land 40 years earlier and seen both its promise and its formidable inhabitants.

    Original Language

    חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ(chazaq ve'ematz — Hebrew)

    'Chazaq' means to be strong, firm, or resolute. 'Ematz' means to be courageous, bold, or alert. Together they form a Hebrew doublet for emphasis—be completely, thoroughly, unshakably courageous. This phrase appears four times in Joshua 1 alone.

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    Joshua 1:9 Commentary

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    Joshua 1:9 Devotional

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    Study Joshua 1:9 Further

    What does Joshua 1:9 mean?

    Plain-language meaning, word study & misreadings

    Joshua 1:9 commentary

    Verse-by-verse exposition & historical setting

    Joshua 1:9 in context

    Surrounding verses & chapter flow

    Verses like Joshua 1:9

    Similar KJV scriptures on the same theme

    Related Teachings

    Beatitudes, Commandments, and Parables connected to this verse:

    Beatitude

    8. Persecuted for Righteousness

    Courage in God enables endurance through persecution

    Read more

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage:

    Power Over Nature
    Old Testament

    Parting of the Jordan

    The Jordan River stood up in a heap so Israel crossed into the promised land on dry ground.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Walls of Jericho Fall

    Israel marched around Jericho for seven days and the walls fell flat at a shout.

    Read the miracle
    Power Over Nature
    Old Testament

    The Sun Stands Still

    At Joshua's command the sun stood still over Gibeon until Israel defeated her enemies.

    Read the miracle

    Related Scriptures

    Deuteronomy 31:6
    Isaiah 41:10
    Psalm 27:1

    More Verses About Courage

    Deuteronomy 31:6

    Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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