King James Version · read & reflect
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.
Joshua 1:9
What Joshua 1:9 means
God spoke Joshua 1:9 as Joshua took up leadership after the death of Moses, facing the daunting task of leading Israel into the promised land. The command — 'Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed' — rests entirely on the promise that follows it: 'for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.' Courage here is not self-confidence but confidence in God's presence, which is why it fits any new beginning or hard first step.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
- What does Joshua 1:9 mean?
- It is God's charge to Joshua to lead without fear — not because the task is easy, but because God goes with him everywhere. The courage it commands is rooted in God's presence, not in Joshua's own strength.
- Why is Joshua 1:9 encouraging?
- Because it ties away with fear to a promise you can lean on in any daunting moment: 'the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.' It's a favorite verse for new seasons and hard beginnings.