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.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
American Standard Version (ASV)
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
EncouragementStrength Seeking StrengthAnxious
What this verse means
Courage is commanded because of a promise: God goes with you wherever you go.
A closer look at Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9 is spoken at a transfer of leadership, after Moses has died and before Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan. Be strong and of a good courage is tied to a command to obey the law and to a presence that goes with Joshua; courage is not a personality trait he must summon alone. The verse is addressed to a particular leader with a particular commission, yet its logic remains useful for anyone facing a frightening responsibility: presence comes before performance.
The command be not afraid should not be turned into a rebuke of honest fear. Joshua is told to act courageously because God is with him, not because danger is imaginary. The promise also does not guarantee an easy campaign or a painless outcome; the book that follows includes setbacks and grief. Read in context, the verse gives a grounded prayer for work that must be done while the heart is still shaking: God goes with you, so take the next obedient step without pretending to control the whole result.
A short prayer
Lord, make me strong and courageous today. Go with me into everything I face.
Read in context — Joshua 1
7Only 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.
8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9Have 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.
10Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
11Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it.
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Related verses
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”Philippians 4:8
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”Proverbs 16:3
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”Psalms 139:14
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”Psalms 42:11
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”Psalms 51:10
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