Bible Strands
Joshua 23:6
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joshua addresses Israel's leaders and the assembled people near the end of his life, following the completion of the conquest. He issues a final covenant charge to secure their fidelity as they transition to settled life in the promised land.
The words — The imperative חֲזַקְתֶּם (cha.zak.Tem) commands "be very strong," intensified by מְאֹד (me.'Od) meaning "very." This strength is directed toward שְׁמֹר (sh.Mor) "to keep" and עֲשׂוֹת (a.Sot) "to do" every written command in the Book of the Law.
The thread — The warning against turning "to the right or to the left" repeats Moses' exact phrasing in Deuteronomy 5:32 and Deuteronomy 28:14. The New Testament applies the underlying principle of unwavering endurance to spiritual conflict in Hebrews 12:4.
Why it lands — The text demands active, precise adherence to the written Law without deviation or compromise. Readers must consciously maintain covenant obedience rather than drift into syncretism or neglect.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
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;
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 5:32 So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left.
- Deuteronomy 28:14 Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from any of the words I command you today, and do not go after other gods to serve them.
- Hebrews 12:4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
- Deuteronomy 12:32 See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.
- Deuteronomy 17:20 Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel.
- Joshua 1:7 Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.
- Proverbs 4:26 Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.
- Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
- Jeremiah 9:3 “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.