Joshua 1:18
New International Version
Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!”

New Living Translation
Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!”

English Standard Version
Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”

Berean Standard Bible
Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”

King James Bible
Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

New King James Version
Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.”

New American Standard Bible
Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”

NASB 1995
“Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”

NASB 1977
“Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Anyone who rebels against your command and does not listen to your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”

Amplified Bible
Any man who rebels against your command and does not obey everything that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”

Christian Standard Bible
Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”

American Standard Version
Whosoever he be that shall rebel against thy commandment, and shall not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of good courage.

English Revised Version
Whosoever he be that shall rebel against thy commandment, and shall not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever rebels against your authority or does not obey your orders will be put to death. Just be strong and courageous!"

Good News Translation
Whoever questions your authority or disobeys any of your orders will be put to death. Be determined and confident!"

International Standard Version
Anyone who rebels against what you say and doesn't listen to your words regarding everything that you command will be executed. Only be strong and courageous."

Majority Standard Bible
Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”

NET Bible
Any man who rebels against what you say and does not obey all your commands will be executed. But be strong and brave!"

New Heart English Bible
Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."

Webster's Bible Translation
Every one that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken to thy words in all that thou commandest him, shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

World English Bible
Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn’t listen to your words in all that you command him shall himself be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Any man who provokes your mouth, and does not hear your words, in all that you command him, is put to death; only, be strong and courageous.”

Young's Literal Translation
Any man who doth provoke thy mouth, and doth not hear thy words, in all that thou dost command him, is put to death; only, be strong and courageous.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Every man who shall resist thy mouth, and shall not hear thy words according to all which thou shalt command him, he shall die: only be strong and be active.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that shall gainsay thy mouth, and not obey all thy words, that thou shalt command him, let him die: only take thou courage, and do manfully.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever will contradict your mouth, and whoever will not obey all of your words, which you will instruct to him, let him die. But may you be strengthened, and may you act manfully.”

New American Bible
Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey all your commands shall be put to death. Only be strong and steadfast.”

New Revised Standard Version
Whoever rebels against your orders and disobeys your words, whatever you command, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Anyone who shall quarrel with you and will not obey your word in all that you command him, he shall be put to death; only be strong and of good courage.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And every man who will contend with you and will not listen to your word, everything that you command him, he shall be killed; only be powerful and be strong!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Whosoever he be that shall rebel against thy commandment, and shall not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death; only be strong and of good courage.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And whosoever shall disobey thee, and whosoever shall not hearken to thy words as thou shalt command him, let him die; but be thou strong and courageous.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joshua Takes Charge
17Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. 18Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”

Cross References
Deuteronomy 17:12
But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1 Samuel 12:14-15
If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. / But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.

Numbers 15:30-31
But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people. / He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.”

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Chronicles 15:12-13
Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. / And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.

John 14:15
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Exodus 23:21
Pay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not defy him, for he will not forgive rebellion, since My Name is in him.

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

2 Timothy 2:3
Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

Whoever he be that does rebel against your commandment, and will not listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

that doth rebel

Deuteronomy 17:12
And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.

1 Samuel 11:12
And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.

Psalm 2:1-6
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? …

he shall be

Romans 13:1-5
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God…

only be

Joshua 1:6,7,9
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them…

Ezra 10:4
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Jump to Previous
Attention Command Commandest Commandment Courage Death Disobeys Hearken Hearkeneth Heart Obey Orders Rebel Rebels Strong Whatever Word Words
Jump to Next
Attention Command Commandest Commandment Courage Death Disobeys Hearken Hearkeneth Heart Obey Orders Rebel Rebels Strong Whatever Word Words
Joshua 1
1. The Lord appoints Joshua to succeed Moses
3. The borders of the promised land
5. God promises to assist Joshua
8. He gives him instructions
10. Joshua prepares the people to pass over Jordan
12. He puts the two tribes and a half in mind of their promise to Moses
16. They promise him allegiance














Anyone who rebels against your command
This phrase underscores the seriousness of obedience to leadership, particularly in the context of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for "rebels" is "מָרָה" (marah), which conveys a sense of bitterness or defiance. Historically, rebellion against divinely appointed leadership was seen as rebellion against God Himself, as leaders like Joshua were considered God's representatives. This reflects the covenantal relationship where obedience was crucial for communal blessing and success.

and does not obey your words
The emphasis on obedience highlights the importance of following divine instructions. The Hebrew word for "obey" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning to hear or listen with the intent to act. In the ancient Near Eastern context, words carried authority and power, especially when spoken by a leader like Joshua, who was appointed by God. This phrase reinforces the idea that true hearing involves action, aligning with the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

all that you command him
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the obedience required. The Hebrew word for "command" is "צָוָה" (tsavah), which implies a directive given with authority. In the biblical narrative, commands from God or His appointed leaders were not suggestions but mandates that required full compliance. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's society, where divine law governed all aspects of life.

shall be put to death
The severity of the consequence for disobedience underscores the gravity of maintaining order and holiness within the community. The Hebrew phrase "מוֹת יוּמָת" (mot yumat) is a legal term indicating capital punishment. In the historical context, such measures were seen as necessary to preserve the sanctity and unity of the people as they fulfilled God's promise to inhabit the land. This reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to death, both physically and spiritually.

Only be strong and courageous
This exhortation is a recurring theme in the book of Joshua, emphasizing the need for inner strength and bravery in the face of daunting challenges. The Hebrew words "חָזַק" (chazaq) for "strong" and "אָמַץ" (amats) for "courageous" convey a sense of firmness and resolute determination. In the scriptural context, these qualities are not merely human attributes but are rooted in faith and trust in God's promises and presence. This encouragement serves as a reminder that divine support empowers believers to overcome obstacles and fulfill their God-given missions.

Verse 18. - Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment. A striking fulfilment of this promise appears in the case of Achan, who was put to death by the act of the whole congregation (see Joshua 7:25; and cf. Deuteronomy 17:12). Only be strong and of a good courage. The task of a leader in Israel is easy when he is sustained by the prayers of his people, and when their exhortations are an echo of the words of God (see vers. 6, 9).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Anyone
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

rebels
יַמְרֶ֣ה (yam·reh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4784: To be contentious or rebellious

against your order
פִּ֗יךָ (pî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

and does not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

obey
יִשְׁמַ֧ע (yiš·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

your words,
דְּבָרֶ֛יךָ (də·ḇā·re·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

all
לְכֹ֥ל (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you command him,
תְּצַוֶּ֖נּוּ (tə·ṣaw·wen·nū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

will be put to death.
יוּמָ֑ת (yū·māṯ)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

Above all,
רַ֖ק (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

be strong
חֲזַ֥ק (ḥă·zaq)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

and courageous!”
וֶאֱמָֽץ׃ (we·’ĕ·māṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 553: To be stout, strong, bold, alert


Links
Joshua 1:18 NIV
Joshua 1:18 NLT
Joshua 1:18 ESV
Joshua 1:18 NASB
Joshua 1:18 KJV

Joshua 1:18 BibleApps.com
Joshua 1:18 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 1:18 Chinese Bible
Joshua 1:18 French Bible
Joshua 1:18 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 1:18 Whoever rebels against your commandment and doesn't (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 1:17
Top of Page
Top of Page