New International VersionAfterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law.
New Living TranslationJoshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instruction.
English Standard VersionAnd afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.
Berean Standard BibleAfterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.
King James BibleAnd afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
New King James VersionAnd afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.
New American Standard BibleThen afterward he read all the words of the Law, the blessing and the curse, according to everything that is written in the Book of the Law.
NASB 1995Then afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
NASB 1977Then afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
Legacy Standard BibleThen afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
Amplified BibleThen afterward Joshua read all the words of the law, the blessing and curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.
Christian Standard BibleAfterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings as well as the curses—according to all that is written in the book of the law.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAfterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings as well as the curses—according to all that is written in the book of the law.
American Standard VersionAnd afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
English Revised VersionAnd afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfterwards, Joshua read all the Teachings-the blessings and curses-as they had all been written down by Moses.
Good News TranslationJoshua then read aloud the whole Law, including the blessings and the curses, just as they are written in the book of the Law.
International Standard VersionAfterwards, Joshua read all the words of the Law—both the blessings and the curses—according to everything written in the Book of the Law.
NET BibleThen Joshua read aloud all the words of the law, including the blessings and the curses, just as they are written in the law scroll.
New Heart English BibleAfterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.
World English BibleAfterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd afterward he has proclaimed all the words of the Law, the blessing and the reviling, according to all that is written in the Scroll of the Law;
Young's Literal Translation And afterwards he hath proclaimed all the words of the law, the blessing and the reviling, according to all that is written in the book of the law;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd after this he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all the writing in the book of the law. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAfter this he read all the words of the blessing and the cursing and all things that were written in the hook of the law.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAfter this, he read all the words of the blessing and the cursing, and all the things that were written in the book of the law.
New American BibleThen were read aloud all the words of the law, the blessings and the curses, exactly as written in the book of the law.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd afterward he read all the words of the law, blessings and curses, according to all that is written in the book of the law. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd afterward Joshua read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd after this Yeshua read all the words of the Law, the blessings and the curses, all that are written in the Book of the Law OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd afterwards Joshua read accordingly all the words of this law, the blessings and the curses, according to all things written in the law of Moses.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Joshua Renews the Covenant… 33All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel. 34Afterward,Joshua read aloudallthe wordsof the law—the blessingsand the curses—according to allthat is writtenin the Bookof the Law.35There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua failed to read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them.…
Cross References Deuteronomy 27:2-8And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. / Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. / And when you have crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you today, and you are to coat them with plaster. ...
Deuteronomy 31:9-13So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. / Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles, / when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. ...
Nehemiah 8:1-8At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. ...
2 Kings 23:2-3And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. / So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
2 Chronicles 34:30-31And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people great and small—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. / So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.
Exodus 24:7Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-9These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ...
Deuteronomy 11:18-20Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. / Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates,
Deuteronomy 17:18-19When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. / It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes.
Psalm 1:2But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 119:11I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Isaiah 34:16Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.
Jeremiah 31:33“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.
Matthew 4:4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Treasury of Scripture And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. he read Deuteronomy 31:10-12 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end ofevery seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, … Nehemiah 8:2,3 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month… Nehemiah 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their Godone fourth part of the day; andanother fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. blessings Leviticus 26:1-46 Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set upany image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for Iam the LORD your God… Deuteronomy 27:14-26 And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, … Deuteronomy 28:1-68 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observeand to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: … Jump to Previous AfterwardAfterwardsBlessingBlessingsBookCurseCursesJoshuaLawProclaimedReadRecordedRevilingWordsWrittenJump to Next AfterwardAfterwardsBlessingBlessingsBookCurseCursesJoshuaLawProclaimedReadRecordedRevilingWordsWrittenJoshua 8 1.God encourages Joshua3.The plan whereby Ai was taken29.The king thereof is hanged30.Joshua builds an altar32.writes the law on stones33.and pronounces the blessings and cursesAfterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the lawThis phrase indicates a public reading, emphasizing the importance of the law in Israelite society. Public readings were a common practice to ensure that all people, including those who could not read, were aware of God's commandments. This act by Joshua mirrors Moses' earlier readings and underscores the continuity of leadership and covenantal faithfulness. It highlights the oral tradition's role in preserving and transmitting the law. the blessings and the curses
The blessings and curses refer to the covenant stipulations found inDeuteronomy 27 and 28. These sections outline the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's law. The blessings include prosperity and protection, while the curses involve calamity and exile. This duality reflects the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where Israel's fate is directly tied to their adherence to God's commands. according to all that is written in the Book of the Law
The "Book of the Law" likely refers to the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Old Testament. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Joshua's reading, ensuring that nothing was omitted. It underscores the authority and completeness of the written law as the foundation for Israel's life and governance. This act of reading aligns with the command inDeuteronomy 31:11-13, where the law is to be read every seven years to remind the people of their covenant with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating obedience to God's commands. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who are gathered to hear the reading of the law. They are the recipients of the blessings and curses based on their obedience or disobedience to God's law. 3. Mount Ebal and Mount GerizimThese are the locations where the blessings and curses were proclaimed. Mount Ebal is traditionally associated with curses, while Mount Gerizim is associated with blessings. 4. The Book of the LawRefers to the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people. 5. The Event of Reading the LawThis event signifies a renewal of the covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's commandments. Teaching Points The Importance of God's WordGod's Word is central to the life of His people. Just as Joshua read the law to the Israelites, we must prioritize reading and understanding Scripture in our lives. Obedience and ConsequencesThe blessings and curses highlight the consequences of obedience and disobedience. We are called to live in obedience to God's commands, understanding that our choices have spiritual and practical consequences. Covenant RenewalRegularly renewing our commitment to God is essential. Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant, we should frequently recommit ourselves to following Christ and His teachings. Community and AccountabilityThe public reading of the law emphasizes the role of community in spiritual growth. We should engage in communal worship and study to hold each other accountable and grow together in faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Joshua 8:34?
2.How does Joshua 8:34 emphasize the importance of reading God's Law publicly?
3.What can we learn about obedience from Joshua's actions in Joshua 8:34?
4.How does Joshua 8:34 connect to Deuteronomy's instructions on the Law?
5.How can we implement public reading of Scripture in our church community?
6.What role does Scripture reading play in strengthening our faith and commitment?
7.What is the significance of Joshua reading the law to the Israelites in Joshua 8:34?
8.How does Joshua 8:34 emphasize the importance of the written law in Israelite society?
9.Why was it necessary for Joshua to read the blessings and curses to the people?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8?
11.How did Joshua lead the Israelites into the Promised Land?
12.Joshua 1:7 – Is it plausible that a fully formed Law of Moses existed at this time, despite scholarly debates on when the Pentateuch was compiled?
13.If wisdom is portrayed as calling out in public (Proverbs 1:20–21), what historical or archaeological evidence supports such personification in ancient Israel?
14.In Joshua 12, how did the Israelites maintain control over all these newly seized territories without encountering immediate rebellions or logistical breakdowns?What Does Joshua 8:34 Mean Afterward• The word signals a deliberate pause following Israel’s victory at Ai (Joshua 8:1–29). Instead of pressing deeper into Canaan, the nation turns north to Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim to renew covenant commitments already given inDeuteronomy 27–28. • This timing shows that spiritual priorities outrank military momentum. Israel pauses to worship before it proceeds to warfare, echoingExodus 20:1–3, where worship came before wilderness travel.
Joshua read aloud• Joshua, the military commander, now acts as teacher and shepherd, much as Moses did (Deuteronomy 31:9–13). Leadership in Israel is always tethered to God’s Word. • Reading “aloud” underscores accessibility. Every tribe, family, and individual hears the same message (Nehemiah 8:2–3). God’s revelation is meant to be understood, not hidden.
all the words of the law• Nothing is omitted—no “highlights reel,” no selective emphasis. Compare Paul’s resolve to declare “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). • The phrase embraces Genesis through Deuteronomy, reminding Israel that past history, present commands, and future promises form one unified covenant document.
—the blessings and the curses—•Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings for obedience (rain, peace, fruitfulness) and curses for rebellion (drought, defeat, exile). By reading both, Joshua presents a balanced portrait of God: gracious yet just (Romans 11:22). • Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal serve as visual aids—two mountain slopes facing the valley of Shechem—reinforcing the stark choice before Israel (Deuteronomy 11:29). • This public rehearsal readies the people to choose life, just as Moses urged inDeuteronomy 30:19.
according to all that is written in the Book of the Law• Joshua doesn’t improvise; he follows the written standard. Scripture, not personal charisma, governs God’s people (Psalm 119:105). • The phrase anticipatesJoshua 1:8, where meditation “day and night” on the Book of the Law is tied to success. • By adhering “according to all,” Joshua models complete submission, illustrating Jesus’ later affirmation that “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).
summaryJoshua 8:34 depicts a decisive moment of covenant renewal. Fresh from victory, Israel gathers to hear every word God gave through Moses—promises of blessing and warnings of curse—read aloud by their leader. The scene reminds us that God’s written Word stands at the center of faithful living, shaping national destiny and personal obedience alike. Verse 34. - All the words of the law, the blessings and the curses. The form of this expression, combined with the words of the next verse, seems to include not only the special curses in Deuteronomy 27, but ch. 28, at least, and possibly chs. 29. and 30. as well.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Afterward,וְאַֽחֲרֵי־(wə·’a·ḥă·rê-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partJoshua read aloudקָרָא֙(qā·rā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe wordsדִּבְרֵ֣י(diḇ·rê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeof the law—הַתּוֹרָ֔ה(hat·tō·w·rāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, lawthe blessingsהַבְּרָכָ֖ה(hab·bə·rā·ḵāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperityand the curses—וְהַקְּלָלָ֑ה(wə·haq·qə·lā·lāh)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7045:Vilificationaccording to allכְּכָל־(kə·ḵāl-)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythat is writtenהַכָּת֖וּב(hak·kā·ṯūḇ)Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 3789:To grave, to writein the bookבְּסֵ֥פֶר(bə·sê·p̄er)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5612:A missive, document, writing, bookof the law.הַתּוֹרָֽה׃(hat·tō·w·rāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, law
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OT History: Joshua 8:34 Afterward he read all the words (Josh. Jos) |
