New International VersionThe LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”
New Living TranslationThen the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun with these words: “Be strong and courageous, for you must bring the people of Israel into the land I swore to give them. I will be with you.”
English Standard VersionAnd the LORD commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you.”
Berean Standard BibleThen the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.”
King James BibleAnd he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
New King James VersionThen He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
New American Standard BibleThen He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
NASB 1995Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
NASB 1977Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
Legacy Standard BibleThen He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
Amplified BibleThen He commanded and commissioned Joshua, the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the sons of Israel into the land which I have sworn to give them, and I will be with you.”
Christian Standard BibleThe LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
American Standard VersionAnd he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
Contemporary English VersionThe LORD told Joshua, "Be brave and strong! I will help you lead the people of Israel into the land that I have promised them."
English Revised VersionAnd he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe LORD gave this command to Joshua, son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, because you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you."
Good News TranslationThen the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun and told him, "Be confident and determined. You will lead the people of Israel into the land that I promised them, and I will be with you."
International Standard VersionThen the LORD charged Nun's son Joshua, "Be strong and courageous, because you'll bring the Israelis to the land that I promised to them by an oath. I'll be with you."
NET Bibleand the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun, "Be strong and courageous, for you will take the Israelites to the land I have promised them, and I will be with you."
New Heart English BibleHe commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, "Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.”
World English BibleHe commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them. I will be with you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen He commands Joshua son of Nun, and says, “Be strong and courageous, for you bring in the sons of Israel to the land which I have sworn to them, and I am with you.”
Young's Literal Translation and He commandeth Joshua son of Nun, and saith, 'Be strong and courageous, for thou dost bring in the sons of Israel unto the land which I have sworn to them, and I -- I am with thee.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will command Joshua the son of Nun, and will say, Be strong and active: for thou shalt bring in the sons of Israel to the land which I sware to them, and I will be with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord commanded Josue the son of Nun, and said: Take courage, and be valiant: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I have promised, and I will be with thee.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the Lord instructed Joshua, the son of Nun, and he said: “Be strong and valiant. For you shall lead the sons of Israel into the land which I have promised, and I will be with you.”
New American BibleThen he commissioned Joshua, son of Nun, and said to him, Be strong and steadfast, for it is you who will bring the Israelites into the land which I promised them on oath. I myself will be with you.
New Revised Standard VersionThen the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and bold, for you shall bring the Israelites into the land that I promised them; I will be with you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said to him, Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to their fathers; and I will be with you.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he commanded Yeshua son of Nun and said to him: “Be strong and be strengthened because you are bringing the children of Israel into the land that I swore to them and I shall be with you.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said: 'Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore unto them; and I will be with thee.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he charged Joshua, and said, Be courageous and strong, for thou shalt bring the sons of Israel into the land, which the Lord sware to them, and he shall be with thee.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context God Commissions Joshua… 22So that very day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites. 23Then the LORD commissionedJoshuasonof Nunand said,“Be strongand courageous,foryouwill bringthe Israelitesintothe landthatI swore to givethem,and Iwill bewith you.”
Cross References Joshua 1:6-9Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / 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. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. ...
Numbers 27:18-23And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. ...
Joshua 1:16-18So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. / Just 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. / 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!”
Joshua 10:25“Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.”
1 Chronicles 22:13Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
1 Chronicles 28:20David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
Exodus 3:10-12Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.” / But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” / “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”
Judges 6:14The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?”
1 Samuel 16:12-13So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
2 Samuel 10:12Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
Isaiah 41:10Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1-2But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Matthew 28:18-20Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. / Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / 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.”
Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Hebrews 13:5-6Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
Treasury of Scripture And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you. he gave Joshua Deuteronomy 31:7,8,14 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it… Joshua 1:5-9 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses,so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee… shalt bring Deuteronomy 31:3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee,and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them:and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said. Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. Acts 7:45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; Jump to Previous ChargeChildrenCommandCommandedCommandethCommissionedCourageCourageousHeadHeartIsraelIsraelitesJoshuaNunOathOrdersPromisedStrongSwareSworeSwornJump to Next ChargeChildrenCommandCommandedCommandethCommissionedCourageCourageousHeadHeartIsraelIsraelitesJoshuaNunOathOrdersPromisedStrongSwareSworeSwornDeuteronomy 31 1.Moses encourages the people7.He encourages Joshua9.He delivers the law unto the priests to be read in the seventh year14.God gives a charge to Joshua19.and a song to testify against the people24.Moses delivers the book of the law to the Levites to keep28.He makes a protestationThen the LORD commissioned Joshua son of NunThis phrase marks a significant transition in leadership from Moses to Joshua. Joshua, the son of Nun, is being divinely appointed to lead the Israelites. This commissioning is a fulfillment of earlier promises and preparations, as Joshua had been Moses' assistant and had proven his faithfulness and leadership capabilities ( Exodus 24:13, Numbers 27:18-23). The use of "commissioned" indicates a formal and authoritative appointment, emphasizing that Joshua's leadership is ordained by God, not merely a human decision. and said, “Be strong and courageous,
This exhortation is repeated multiple times in the context of Joshua's leadership (Joshua 1:6-9). It underscores the challenges Joshua will face and the need for divine strength and courage. The phrase is a call to trust in God's power and presence rather than relying on human strength. It reflects a common biblical theme where God's leaders are encouraged to rely on Him in the face of daunting tasks (1 Chronicles 28:20,2 Timothy 1:7). for you will bring the Israelites into the land
This statement reaffirms the promise made to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—regarding the Promised Land (Genesis 12:7,Genesis 15:18-21). Joshua's role is pivotal in the fulfillment of this covenant promise. The land represents not just a physical territory but also a place of rest and blessing for God's people, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the realization of His promises. that I swore to give them,
The land is a divine gift, sworn by God Himself, highlighting the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. This oath is rooted in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people (Deuteronomy 7:8-9). The swearing of an oath by God emphasizes the certainty and seriousness of His promises, which are irrevocable and assured (Hebrews 6:13-18). and I will be with you.”
This assurance of God's presence is crucial for Joshua's success and is a recurring promise throughout Scripture (Exodus 33:14,Matthew 28:20). It signifies divine guidance, protection, and empowerment. The presence of God with Joshua is a type of Christ, who is Immanuel, "God with us" (Isaiah 7:14,Matthew 1:23). This promise provides comfort and confidence, ensuring that Joshua's leadership will be undergirded by divine support. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is faithful to His promises and commands. 2. Joshua son of NunThe appointed leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 4. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham as an everlasting possession. 5. Commissioning of JoshuaA pivotal event where God formally appoints Joshua as the leader to succeed Moses and lead the people into their inheritance. Teaching Points Divine CommissioningGod personally commissions leaders for His purposes. Just as Joshua was chosen and empowered, believers are called and equipped for their unique roles in God's kingdom. Strength and CourageThe repeated command to be strong and courageous is a reminder that God's work often requires boldness and reliance on His strength rather than our own. God's FaithfulnessThe promise of God's presence with Joshua underscores His faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will be with them as they walk in obedience to His calling. Leadership TransitionThe transition from Moses to Joshua highlights the importance of preparing and empowering new leaders to continue God's work. Mentorship and discipleship are crucial in the body of Christ. Entering the Promised LandFor the Israelites, entering the Promised Land was a fulfillment of God's promise. For believers, it symbolizes entering into the fullness of God's promises through faith and obedience. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 31:23?
2.How does Deuteronomy 31:23 encourage us to be strong and courageous today?
3.What role does God's promise play in Joshua's leadership in Deuteronomy 31:23?
4.How can we apply God's command to Joshua in our daily challenges?
5.What other Bible verses emphasize strength and courage in God's service?
6.How does God's presence in Deuteronomy 31:23 reassure us in difficult tasks?
7.How does Deuteronomy 31:23 emphasize God's promise and presence in leadership transitions?
8.What historical context surrounds the command given in Deuteronomy 31:23?
9.How does Deuteronomy 31:23 relate to the theme of courage in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 31?
11.If Moses wrote the Torah, why are there anachronisms such as references to kings in Genesis?
12.What does the Bible mention about hornets?
13.Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)?
14.What does 'We will serve the Lord' mean?What Does Deuteronomy 31:23 Mean Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun• Commissioning is God’s public transfer of leadership; Moses obediently passes the baton (Deuteronomy 31:14,Numbers 27:18–23). • Joshua’s authority rests not in personal ambition but in a divine mandate. Just as “Moses laid his hands on him” (Deuteronomy 34:9), the Lord Himself now speaks, underscoring that the assignment comes from heaven, not from human preference. • Every believer’s calling echoes this pattern: God initiates, equips, and confirms (Ephesians 2:10).
Be strong and courageous• The phrase reappears often—Moses to Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6), God to Joshua (Joshua 1:6–9)—because courage must be continually renewed. • Strength here is moral and spiritual resolve, not mere bravado. The Lord says in2 Timothy 1:7 that He gives “a spirit of power, love, and self-control,” enabling obedience when circumstances look daunting. • Notice the command form: courage is a choice rooted in trust, not a feeling that drifts in unbidden.
for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them• God ties Joshua’s future success to His ancient oath to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). The promise is literal land, not an abstract ideal. • Joshua’s role is instrumental; the outcome is guaranteed by divine covenant (Exodus 3:8,Deuteronomy 30:20). • Assurance of completion fuels courage: when we know God’s objective cannot fail, we move forward with confidence (Philippians 1:6).
and I will be with you• Presence is the bedrock of all earlier commands. As God told Moses, “My Presence will go with you” (Exodus 33:14), He now pledges the same to Joshua. • The promise echoes across Scripture—Joshua 1:5,Isaiah 41:10,Matthew 28:20,Hebrews 13:5—forming an unbreakable chain of divine companionship. • God’s presence means guidance, protection, and empowerment; it is the ultimate answer to fear (Psalm 23:4).
summaryDeuteronomy 31:23 shows God personally appointing Joshua, commanding ongoing courage, assuring fulfillment of a concrete promise, and pledging His unfailing presence. Leadership, bravery, accomplishment, and comfort all flow from the Lord’s initiative and covenant faithfulness, inviting every believer to trust and obey with the same confident expectation. (23) And he (Jehovah ) gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge.--This is the first record of God's direct communion with Joshua. He was with Moses on the mount during the first forty days, and "departed not out of the Tabernacle" when they came down ( Exodus 24:13; Exodus 33:11). But we have no note of any Divine communication made to Joshua apart from Moses before this. It ratifies Joshua's appointment as leader of Israel. Be strong . . .--Comp.Joshua 1:2;Joshua 1:6. Verse 23. - And he gave, etc. The subject here is God, not Moses, as is evident partly from ver. 14, and partly from the expression, the land which I aware unto them; and I will be with thee (cf. Exodus 3:12).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then the LORD commissionedוַיְצַ֞ו(way·ṣaw)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderJoshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ(yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091:Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelitessonבִּן־(bin-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Nunנ֗וּן(nūn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5126:Nun -- father of Joshuaand said,וַיֹּאמֶר֮(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Be strongחֲזַ֣ק(ḥă·zaq)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquerand courageous,וֶֽאֱמָץ֒(we·’ĕ·māṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 553:To be stout, strong, bold, alertforכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyouאַתָּ֗ה(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youwill bringתָּבִיא֙(tā·ḇî)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothe Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonintoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe landהָאָ֖רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landI swore to giveנִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי(niš·ba‘·tî)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7650:To seven oneself, swearthem,לָהֶ֑ם(lā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewand Iוְאָנֹכִ֖י(wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Iwill beאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה(’eh·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bewith you.”עִמָּֽךְ׃(‘im·māḵ)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally with
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 31:23 He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun (Deut. De Du) |
