In context, with the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible text — and sober study notes.
Quick answer: God charges Joshua to be strong and courageous as he prepares to lead Israel into the promised land. Joshua is commanded not to fear, because God's presence will accompany him wherever he goes.
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.
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Following the death of Moses, the LORD speaks directly to Joshua, instructing him to lead Israel across the Jordan River into the land promised to them. In the preceding verses, God calls Joshua to observe the law diligently and remain resolute. Verse 9 serves as a final divine charge before Joshua turns to command the officers to prepare the people for their crossing within three days.
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.
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.
The passage begins with a rhetorical question that establishes divine authority: the mandate to take charge comes directly from the LORD. Joshua is commanded to be strong and of a good courage, paired with a explicit directive to resist both fear and dismay. Dismay implies being overwhelmed or paralyzed by daunting circumstances, a state of mind God cautions against as the nation prepares to cross the Jordan River.
The ultimate foundation for this bravery is not human capability or self-reliance, but divine accompaniment. God reassures Joshua with the promise that the LORD his God is with him wherever he goes. This constant presence provides the true rationale for setting aside fear, grounding Joshua's leadership in God's abiding presence rather than in his own personal strength or military power.
When facing unfamiliar responsibilities or daunting challenges, readers can reflect on the distinction between self-generated confidence and confidence rooted in God's presence. Rather than relying solely on personal talent or feeling overwhelmed by difficulty, a person can seek strength in prayer, remembering that God's presence is not limited to comfortable circumstances. This passage encourages steadfastness and obedience without guaranteeing ease or trouble-free outcomes.
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.
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
By David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:1
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
The verse text on this page is quoted verbatim from the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible. The study notes are a reflection aid — read the passage itself first and compare the two translations as you go.
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