1
וַיְהִ֗י אַחֲרֵ֛י מ֥וֹת מֹשֶׁ֖ה עֶ֣בֶד יְהוָ֑ה וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן נ֔וּן מְשָׁרֵ֥ת מֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר
And it came to pass, after the death of Moses the servant of YHWH, that YHWH said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' attendant, saying:
The chapter — and the book — opens with wayyiqtol narrative syntax continuing an existing story; the vav-consecutive presumes Deuteronomy as its antecedent. The verse frames Joshua doubly: by patronymic (son of Nun) and by subordinate office (Moses' attendant), setting up the reversal that follows immediately in v. 2.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it happenedwayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative opening)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the event that opens the bookהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; here impersonal 'and it came to pass', the standard narrative-opening formula.
אַחֲרֵ֛יafterprep · אַחֲרֵי (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted setting)אַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after, behind'; temporal, linking Joshua's opening to the closing chapters of Deuteronomy.
מ֥וֹתthe death ofN m sg constr · מָוֶת (H4194)Object of preposition (construct head)מָוֶת (H4194) 'death'; construct governing מֹשֶׁה, forming the temporal hinge back to Deut 34.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Genitive (construct chain with מוֹת)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), the lawgiver; his death closes the Torah and opens the Former Prophets.
עֶ֣בֶדservant ofN m sg constr · עֶבֶד (H5650)Apposition to מֹשֶׁה (construct chain)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; construct with יְהוָה — Moses' honorific title, echoed in Joshua's own מְשָׁרֵת later in this verse.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain with עֶבֶד)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; 'servant of YHWH' is Moses' unique honorific title (cf. Deut 34:5).
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — introduces YHWH's direct speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard verb introducing direct divine speech.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068); subject of the commissioning speech that follows in vv. 2-9.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of divine speech.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition (addressee)יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; Moses' successor, son of Nun.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition to יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct identifying Joshua's patronymic.
נ֔וּןNunproper noun · נוּן (H5126)Genitive (construct chain with בִּן)נוּן (H5126), Joshua's father, an Ephraimite (cf. Num 13:8).
מְשָׁרֵ֥תattendant ofPiel ptc m sg constr · שֵׁרֵת (H8334)Apposition to יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (substantival participle, construct)→ Participle: durative, characterizing description — Joshua's ongoing role up to this pointשֵׁרֵת (H8334) Piel 'to minister, attend, serve'; the substantival participle 'attendant/minister' names Joshua's subordinate office under Moses, about to change.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Genitive (construct chain with מְשָׁרֵת)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); Joshua's superior, whose mantle is now being transferred.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of speech introduction (quotation marker)→ Infinitive construct: introduces direct discourse, untranslated functionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the infinitive construct with לְ is the standard formula opening direct quotation.
2
מֹשֶׁ֥ה עַבְדִּ֖י מֵ֑ת וְעַתָּה֩ ק֨וּם עֲבֹ֜ר אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֗ה אַתָּה֙ וְכָל הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה אֶל הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לָהֶ֖ם לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.
The verse pivots on the terse nominal clause 'Moses my servant is dead' followed abruptly by the imperative קוּם 'arise' — the shortest possible transition from mourning to mission. עַתָּה ('now') marks the hinge from the old era to the new command.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject (verbless/participial clause)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); subject of the terse clause מֹשֶׁה עַבְדִּי מֵת opening YHWH's speech.
עַבְדִּ֖יmy servantN m sg constr/1cs suff · עֶבֶד (H5650)Apposition to מֹשֶׁה (predicate nominal)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant' with 1cs suffix; YHWH's own designation for Moses, repeated from v. 1.
מֵ֑תis deadQal perf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (verbless-clause construction: subject + predicate)→ Perfective: a completed state presented as a settled factמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the perfect states Moses' death as an accomplished fact — the blunt premise for the command that follows.
וְעַתָּה֩and nowconj וְ + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Discourse marker (transition adverb)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; marks the pivot from the report of Moses' death to the imperative that follows — the hinge of the whole commission.
ק֨וּםariseQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Volitional predicate (first of a paired imperative)→ Volitional: urgent summons to actionקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up'; paired with the following verb of motion עֲבֹר as a compound summons to immediate action.
עֲבֹ֜רcross overQal impv 2ms · עָבַר (H5674)Volitional predicate (second imperative, coordinate with קוּם)→ Volitional: the core command of the commissionעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the chapter's key verb, naming the Jordan crossing that structures the book's opening (cf. vv. 11, 14-15; chs. 3-4).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct object of עֲבֹריַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan'; the river Joshua and Israel must cross, the book's opening geographic threshold.
הַזֶּ֗הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive modifier of הַיַּרְדֵּןזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictic, pointing to the Jordan as immediately present to the addressee(s).
אַתָּה֙youindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (resumptive, in apposition to the imperatives' addressee)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun; emphatic resumption specifying Joshua as addressee, expanded next to 'all this people'.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate subject (construct head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct governing הָעָם, coordinated with אַתָּה to broaden the addressee to the whole people.
הָעָ֣םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive (construct chain with וְכָל)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the nation as a collective, joined to Joshua as co-addressee of the command.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive modifier of הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; points to the present generation of Israel, poised at the Jordan.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the crossing.
הָאָ֕רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition (destination)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here the promised land, specified further by the relative clause that follows.
אֲשֶׁ֧רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle 'who, which, that'.
אָנֹכִ֛יIindependent pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of נֹתֵןאָנֹכִי (H595) 1cs independent pronoun, emphatic 'I'; the giver of the land is YHWH himself, stated with emphasis.
נֹתֵ֥ןam givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (participial clause — present/durative)→ Participle: durative present — an ongoing, currently-in-force act of givingנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the participle presents the land grant as a standing, present reality, not a future event only.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp suff · לIndirect object of נֹתֵןPreposition לְ with 3mp suffix, 'to them', resuming/anticipating בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
לִבְנֵ֥יto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositional indirect object (construct chain, in apposition to לָהֶם)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural, specifying 'them' as the sons of Israel — the nation as covenant recipients.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain with לִבְנֵי)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, named as final recipients of the land grant that closes v. 2.
3
כָּל מָק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּדְרֹ֧ךְ כַּֽף רַגְלְכֶ֛ם בּ֖וֹ לָכֶ֣ם נְתַתִּ֑יו כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי אֶל מֹשֶֽׁה
Every place that the sole of your foot will tread, to you I have given it, just as I spoke to Moses.
The relative clause 'that the sole of your foot will tread' is resumed by the prolepsis 'to you I have given it' — the perfect נְתַתִּיו is a performative/prophetic perfect: the gift is treated as already accomplished. 'As I spoke to Moses' explicitly cites the Deut 11:24 promise, anchoring Joshua's commission in prior revelation.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (subject of the relative-clause construction)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with מָקוֹם, 'every place' — universalizing the land grant to wherever Joshua's foot goes.
מָק֗וֹםplaceN m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Genitive (construct chain with כָּל); antecedent of the relative clauseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the antecedent resumed by the pronominal suffix on בּוֹ within the relative clause.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying מָקוֹם)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תִּדְרֹ֧ךְwill treadQal impf 3fs · דָּרַךְ (H1869)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a general, repeatable future conditionדָּרַךְ (H1869) 'to tread, march'; 3fs agrees with כַּף ('sole') as grammatical subject — 'the sole of your foot treads'.
כַּֽףthe sole ofN f sg constr · כַּף (H3709)Subject of תִּדְרֹךְ (construct head)כַּף (H3709) 'palm, sole'; construct with רַגְלְכֶם, the idiom כַּף רֶגֶל 'sole of the foot' denoting the extent one physically walks.
רַגְלְכֶ֛םyour footN f sg constr/2mp suff · רֶגֶל (H7272)Genitive (construct chain with כַּף)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; with 2mp suffix, completing the idiom 'the sole of your foot' — every place physically walked becomes possession.
בּ֖וֹon itprep בְּ + 3ms suff · בResumptive prepositional phrase (within the relative clause, referring back to מָקוֹם)Preposition בְּ with 3ms suffix resuming מָקוֹם — 'on it/there', closing the relative clause.
לָכֶ֣םto youprep לְ + 2mp suff · לIndirect object of נְתַתִּיו (fronted for emphasis)Preposition לְ with 2mp suffix, 'to you'; fronted before the verb for emphasis — 'to YOU I have given it'.
נְתַתִּ֑יוI have given itQal perf 1cs/3ms suff · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, resuming the antecedent מָקוֹם via the 3ms object suffix)→ Perfective (performative/prophetic perfect): the gift treated as already accomplishedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give' with 1cs subject and 3ms object suffix ('it'); a prophetic/performative perfect — the land grant is spoken as already settled fact.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר (כְּ + אֲשֶׁר) 'just as, according to as'; introduces the citation formula grounding the promise in prior divine speech.
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּיI spokePiel perf 1cs · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (comparative subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a completed prior speech-act now being citedדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; 1cs, citing YHWH's own earlier word to Moses (cf. Deut 11:24) as the ground of the present promise.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee of דִּבַּרְתִּי)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as the original addressee of the promise now being reaffirmed to Joshua.
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the promise's original recipient, now explicitly extended to Joshua.
4
מֵהַמִּדְבָּר֩ וְהַלְּבָנ֨וֹן הַזֶּ֜ה וְֽעַד הַנָּהָ֧ר הַגָּד֣וֹל נְהַר פְּרָ֗ת כֹּ֚ל אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽחִתִּ֔ים וְעַד הַיָּ֥ם הַגָּד֖וֹל מְב֣וֹא הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ יִֽהְיֶ֖ה גְּבוּלְכֶֽם
From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates — all the land of the Hittites — and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory.
A geographic merism (wilderness/Lebanon to Euphrates; land of the Hittites to the Mediterranean) that idealizes the promised territory at its maximal Deuteronomic extent (cf. Deut 1:7; 11:24), not the land actually settled in Joshua-Judges.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
מֵהַמִּדְבָּר֩from the wildernessprep מִן + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Prepositional phrase (source, fronted — start of the border list)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the southern/eastern starting point of the idealized border, as in Deut 11:24.
וְהַלְּבָנ֨וֹןand this Lebanonconj וְ + art + proper noun · לְבָנוֹן (H3844)Coordinate prepositional-phrase complement (paired starting point)לְבָנוֹן (H3844) 'Lebanon', the mountain range marking the promised land's northern extent.
הַזֶּ֜הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive modifier of הַלְּבָנוֹןזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictic, treating Lebanon as visible/present to the hearer.
וְֽעַדand toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase (terminus)עַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; introduces the border's eastern terminus.
הַנָּהָ֧רthe riverart + N m sg abs · נָהָר (H5104)Object of preposition וְעַדנָהָר (H5104) 'river'; here specified as הַגָּדוֹל, the Euphrates.
הַגָּד֣וֹלthe greatart + adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive modifier of הַנָּהָרגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; standard epithet of the Euphrates in the land-grant formula.
נְהַרthe river ofN m sg constr · נָהָר (H5104)Apposition to הַנָּהָר הַגָּדוֹל (construct head)נָהָר (H5104) 'river'; construct specifying which great river — the Euphrates.
פְּרָ֗תEuphratesproper noun · פְּרָת (H6578)Genitive (construct chain with נְהַר)פְּרָת (H6578) 'Euphrates'; the idealized northeastern limit of the promised land (cf. Gen 15:18; Deut 1:7; 11:24).
כֹּ֚לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (appositional to the border description)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with אֶרֶץ, 'all the land of the Hittites'.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct chain with כֹּל)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct governing הַחִתִּים.
הַֽחִתִּ֔יםthe Hittitesart + gentilic m pl abs · חִתִּי (H2850)Genitive (construct chain with אֶרֶץ)חִתִּי (H2850) 'Hittite'; here the whole of Syria-Canaan is loosely subsumed under 'land of the Hittites', reflecting a broad ancient designation.
וְעַדand toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase (second terminus)עַד (H5704) 'as far as'; introduces the western terminus of the border.
הַיָּ֥םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of preposition וְעַדיָם (H3220) 'sea'; here the Mediterranean, the western limit of the promised territory.
הַגָּד֖וֹלthe greatart + adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive modifier of הַיָּםגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; standard epithet of the Mediterranean, 'the Great Sea'.
מְב֣וֹאthe going down ofN m sg constr · מָבוֹא (H3996)Apposition to הַיָּם הַגָּדוֹל (construct head, adverbial specification)מָבוֹא (H3996) 'entrance, going down'; construct with הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, the idiom 'going down of the sun' = the west.
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Genitive (construct chain with מְבוֹא)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; completing the idiom for 'westward', marking the sea as the western boundary.
יִֽהְיֶ֖הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, closes the border list)→ Yiqtol: future — the settled scope of the promised territoryהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the yiqtol here expresses simple future — the whole span just described 'shall be' Israel's border.
גְּבוּלְכֶֽםyour territoryN m sg constr/2mp suff · גְּבוּל (H1366)Subject/predicate complement of יִהְיֶהגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; with 2mp suffix, the summary term for the whole extent described in vv. 3-4 — now called 'your border'.
5
לֹֽא יִתְיַצֵּ֥ב אִישׁ֙ לְפָנֶ֔יךָ כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י חַיֶּ֑יךָ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר הָיִ֤יתִי עִם מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶהְיֶ֣ה עִמָּ֔ךְ לֹ֥א אַרְפְּךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א אֶעֶזְבֶֽךָּ
No man shall stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you nor forsake you.
Two promises are yoked: invincibility ('no man shall stand before you') and presence ('I will be with you'), the second explicitly modeled on Moses' own experience. The closing doublet 'I will not fail you nor forsake you' echoes Deut 31:6, 8, transferring YHWH's covenant assurance to Moses verbatim onto Joshua.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate יִתְיַצֵּבלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle for indicative/yiqtol clauses.
יִתְיַצֵּ֥בwill standHitpael impf 3ms · יָצַב (H3320)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: future/modal — a durable, unbroken promiseיָצַב (H3320) Hitpael 'to station oneself, take one's stand'; the reflexive stem pictures an opponent trying to plant himself in resistance — none will succeed.
אִישׁ֙a manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יִתְיַצֵּבאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; indefinite subject, 'no man/anyone' — total exclusion of successful opposition.
לְפָנֶ֔יךָbefore youprep לְ + N c pl constr/2ms suff · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; the idiom לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of', here with 2ms suffix.
כֹּ֖לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial accusative (construct head, duration)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with יְמֵי, forming the durational phrase 'all the days'.
יְמֵ֣יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive (construct chain with כֹּל)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural construct, 'days of', completing the durational phrase.
חַיֶּ֑יךָyour lifeN m pl constr/2ms suff · חַיִּים (H2416)Genitive (construct chain with יְמֵי)חַיִּים (H2416) 'life' (plural form, intensive/abstract plural); with 2ms suffix — 'all the days of your life', total lifelong scope.
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר 'just as'; introduces the Moses-precedent comparison central to this verse.
הָיִ֤יתִיI wasQal perf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (comparative subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a completed past state now cited as precedentהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; 1cs perfect, 'I was [with Moses]' — the historical precedent grounding the promise that follows.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (association)עִם (H5973) 'with'; marks accompaniment/presence.
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the precedent for YHWH's promised presence with Joshua.
אֶהְיֶ֣הI will beQal impf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis of the comparison)→ Yiqtol: future — a durable ongoing promiseהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; 1cs yiqtol, 'I will be [with you]' — the promise's core, matched precisely to the Mosaic precedent just cited.
עִמָּ֔ךְwith youprep עִם + 2ms suff · עִם (H5973)Object of preposition (complement of אֶהְיֶה)עִם (H5973) 'with'; the MT points this with a suffix form (עִמָּךְ) despite addressing Joshua (2ms) — an archaic/poetic 2ms suffix pattern found elsewhere in the MT.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of אַרְפְּךָלֹא (H3808), negates the first verb of the closing assurance doublet.
אַרְפְּךָ֖will I fail youHiphil impf 1cs/2ms suff · רָפָה (H7503)Predicate verb (main clause, first half of the assurance doublet)→ Yiqtol (promissory): an emphatic negated future — solemn covenant assuranceרָפָה (H7503) Hiphil 'to let drop, abandon'; with 1cs subject and 2ms object — 'I will not let you drop/fail', echoing Deut 31:6, 8.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating negation (second half of the doublet)לֹא (H3808) joined by וְ, negating the second verb, forming the emphatic doublet.
אֶעֶזְבֶֽךָּwill I forsake youQal impf 1cs/2ms suff · עָזַב (H5800)Predicate verb (main clause, second half of the assurance doublet)→ Yiqtol (promissory): emphatic negated future, climaxing the assurance of v. 5עָזַב (H5800) 'to abandon, forsake'; with 1cs subject and 2ms object — the doublet's second verb, verbatim from Deut 31:6, 8, sealing the transfer of Moses' own assurance onto Joshua.
6
חֲזַ֖ק וֶאֱמָ֑ץ כִּ֣י אַתָּ֗ה תַּנְחִיל֙ אֶת הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה אֶת הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי לַאֲבוֹתָ֖ם לָתֵ֥ת לָהֶֽם
Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give to them.
The first 'be strong and courageous' is tied directly to the LAND: Joshua's courage is functional, oriented toward the specific task of leading Israel into the inheritance sworn to the patriarchs (cf. Gen 15; Exod 33; Deut 34:4).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
חֲזַ֖קbe strongQal impv 2ms · חָזַק (H2388)Volitional predicate (first imperative of the doublet; charge #1 of 3)→ Volitional: command establishing courage as the operative postureחָזַק (H2388) 'to be strong, firm'; first of the chapter's threefold pair, here tied to the LAND task (v. 6).
וֶאֱמָ֑ץand courageousconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · אָמַץ (H553)Volitional predicate (second imperative, coordinate with חֲזַק)→ Volitional: reinforces חֲזַק, together forming the chapter's keynote formulaאָמַץ (H553) 'to be strong, courageous'; paired with חָזַק as a stock formula for resolute action, especially Deuteronomistic (cf. Deut 31:6-7, 23).
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (introduces grounds for the imperative)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason the courage-command is issued — Joshua's coming role in the inheritance.
אַתָּ֗הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of תַּנְחִיל (fronted for emphasis)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms pronoun; fronted for emphasis — YOU (and no other) will apportion the inheritance.
תַּנְחִיל֙will cause to inheritHiphil impf 2ms · נָחַל (H5157)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Yiqtol: future — the specific task grounding Joshua's charge to be strongנָחַל (H5157) Hiphil 'to cause to inherit, apportion as inheritance'; Joshua's defining role — he is the one through whom Israel receives the land as נַחֲלָה.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object of תַּנְחִיל)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object.
הָעָ֣םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of תַּנְחִילעַם (H5971) 'people'; the nation as recipient — Joshua causes THEM to inherit.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive modifier of הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; points to the present generation of Israel.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second object — the land)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as a second definite object of תַּנְחִיל.
הָאָ֕רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of תַּנְחִילאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the object inherited, further specified by the relative clause.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּיI sworeNiphal perf 1cs · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, binding prior oathשָׁבַע (H7650) Niphal ('to swear an oath'); 1cs, YHWH's own sworn oath to the patriarchs — the land grant's ultimate legal ground.
לַאֲבוֹתָ֖םto their fathersprep לְ + N m pl constr/3mp suff · אָב (H1)Indirect object of נִשְׁבַּעְתִּיאָב (H1) 'father'; plural with 3mp suffix — the patriarchs to whom the oath was originally sworn.
לָתֵ֥תto giveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitive of purpose/content (complement of the oath)→ Infinitive construct: purpose/content of the oath — what was swornנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the infinitive with לְ expresses the CONTENT of the oath — that YHWH would give the land.
לָהֶֽםto themprep לְ + 3mp suff · לIndirect object of לָתֵתPreposition לְ with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the fathers, resumed as ultimate beneficiaries of the oath now being fulfilled through Joshua.
7
רַק֩ חֲזַ֨ק וֶֽאֱמַ֜ץ מְאֹ֗ד לִשְׁמֹ֤ר לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ כְּכָל הַתּוֹרָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר צִוְּךָ֙ מֹשֶׁ֣ה עַבְדִּ֔י אַל תָּס֥וּר מִמֶּ֖נּוּ יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול לְמַ֣עַן תַּשְׂכִּ֔יל בְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תֵּלֵֽךְ
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the torah that Moses my servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may act wisely wherever you go.
רַק sharpens the repetition: strength is not free-floating; it is specifically strength for TORAH OBEDIENCE ('keep and do,' the classic pairing) with no deviation, right or left. 'Act wisely' makes obedience, not military prowess, the condition of success — anticipating v. 8's meditation charge.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
רַק֩onlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle (opens the second charge)רַק (H7535) 'only, surely'; sharpens the repeated imperative, restricting focus to what follows — courage FOR torah obedience specifically.
חֲזַ֨קbe strongQal impv 2ms · חָזַק (H2388)Volitional predicate (charge #2 of 3)→ Volitional: repeated command, now intensified by מְאֹדחָזַק (H2388) 'to be strong'; second occurrence of the doublet, now pivoted from land to torah obedience.
וֶֽאֱמַ֜ץand courageousconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · אָמַץ (H553)Volitional predicate (coordinate with חֲזַק)→ Volitional: reinforced by the following מְאֹדאָמַץ (H553) 'to be courageous'; paired again with חָזַק, now qualified by 'very' (מְאֹד) — the chapter's most intense expression of the formula.
מְאֹ֗דveryadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier of the imperative pairמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies the courage command uniquely at this, the second of three occurrences.
לִשְׁמֹ֤רto keepprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַר (H8104)Infinitive of purpose/result (defines the content of the courage charge)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — what being strong and courageous is FORשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, watch, observe'; paired with לַעֲשׂוֹת ('to do') as the classic Deuteronomic 'keep and do' formula for torah obedience.
לַעֲשׂוֹת֙to doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitive of purpose/result (coordinate with לִשְׁמֹר)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — completing the 'keep and do' pairingעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; paired with שָׁמַר — not mere intellectual assent but active performance of the torah.
כְּכָלaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (standard/norm for the doing)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with הַתּוֹרָה, 'according to all the torah' — total scope, no partial obedience.
הַתּוֹרָ֗הthe torahart + N f sg abs · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Genitive (construct chain with כְּכָל)תּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law'; the Mosaic torah as a defined, known body of teaching Joshua must follow completely.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying הַתּוֹרָה)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
צִוְּךָ֙commanded youPiel perf 3ms/2ms suff · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of authoritative commandingצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; 3ms subject (Moses), 2ms object (Joshua) — Moses' torah as personally, directly given to Joshua.
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of צִוְּךָמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the human mediator whose commanded torah remains binding after his death.
עַבְדִּ֔יmy servantN m sg constr/1cs suff · עֶבֶד (H5650)Apposition to מֹשֶׁהעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant', with 1cs suffix (YHWH speaking) — reiterating Moses' honorific title from vv. 1-2.
אַלdo notnegative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negation of the jussive תָּסוּראַל (H408), the negative particle used with jussive/volitive forms for prohibition (as opposed to indicative לֹא).
תָּס֥וּרturn asideQal jussive 2ms · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Jussive (negated): volitional prohibition — a binding command against deviationסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside, depart'; the jussive with אַל forbids any deviation from the torah just commanded.
מִמֶּ֖נּוּfrom itprep מִן + 3ms suff · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, complement of תָּסוּר)Preposition מִן with 3ms suffix, referring back to הַתּוֹרָה — 'from it', i.e. from the torah.
יָמִ֣יןto the rightN f sg abs · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial accusative (direction)יָמִין (H3225) 'right hand, right side'; adverbial, paired with שְׂמֹאול for the merism 'right or left' = any deviation whatsoever.
וּשְׂמֹ֑אולor to the leftconj וְ + N m sg abs · שְׂמֹאול (H8040)Adverbial accusative (direction, coordinate with יָמִין)שְׂמֹאול (H8040) 'left hand, left side'; with יָמִין forms a merism forbidding deviation in either direction — total fidelity to the torah's path.
לְמַ֣עַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose/result conjunction (introduces the goal of obedience)לְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that, so that'; introduces the intended result of unwavering torah obedience — success/wisdom.
תַּשְׂכִּ֔ילyou may act wiselyHiphil impf 2ms · שָׂכַל (H7919)Predicate verb (purpose clause)→ Yiqtol (purpose/result): the promised outcome of torah fidelityשָׂכַל (H7919) Hiphil 'to act wisely, prosper, have success'; the result of unwavering obedience — wisdom and effectiveness, not military cunning.
בְּכֹ֖לin allprep בְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (scope)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the relative clause specifying the scope — 'in everything you do/wherever you go'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying בְּכֹל)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תֵּלֵֽךְyou goQal impf 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: general/habitual — wherever Joshua's path leadsהָלַךְ (H3212, irregular Qal) 'to go, walk'; generalizes the promise of success/wisdom to every undertaking, everywhere Joshua goes.
8
לֹֽא יָמ֡וּשׁ סֵפֶר֩ הַתּוֹרָ֨ה הַזֶּ֜ה מִפִּ֗יךָ וְהָגִ֤יתָ בּוֹ֙ יוֹמָ֣ם וָלַ֔יְלָה לְמַ֨עַן֙ תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת כְּכָל הַכָּת֖וּב בּ֑וֹ כִּי אָ֛ז תַּצְלִ֥יחַ אֶת דְּרָכֶ֖ךָ וְאָ֥ז תַּשְׂכִּֽיל
This book of the torah shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will act wisely.
The chapter's most cited verse: the torah scroll is to remain literally in Joshua's MOUTH (recited aloud) and be the object of continual הָגָה ('murmur, meditate' — the same verb used of a lion's growl and later of the righteous in Ps 1:2). Success and wisdom are explicitly consequent ('for then... and then') on this practice, not on martial skill.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate יָמוּשׁלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
יָמ֡וּשׁshall departQal impf 3ms · מוּשׁ (H4185)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: future — a binding, ongoing prohibition/promiseמוּשׁ (H4185) 'to depart, move away'; the torah scroll is not to move away from — i.e. remain constantly in — Joshua's mouth.
סֵפֶר֩the book ofN m sg constr · סֵפֶר (H5612)Subject of יָמוּשׁ (construct head)סֵפֶר (H5612) 'book, scroll'; construct with הַתּוֹרָה, naming the physical torah document as a defined, existing text.
הַתּוֹרָ֨הthe torahart + N f sg abs · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Genitive (construct chain with סֵפֶר)תּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law'; the written torah in scroll form, the chapter's programmatic reference point.
הַזֶּ֜הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive modifier of סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָהזֶה (H2088) 'this'; points to a specific, identifiable scroll.
מִפִּ֗יךָfrom your mouthprep מִן + N m sg constr/2ms suff · פֶּה (H6310)Prepositional phrase (source, complement of יָמוּשׁ)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; with 2ms suffix — the torah must remain in Joshua's mouth, i.e. constantly recited aloud, not merely possessed as a written object.
וְהָגִ֤יתָbut you shall meditateconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · הָגָה (H1897)Predicate verb (coordinate, continuing the charge)→ Weqatal: continuing volitional/future force — an ongoing charged practiceהָגָה (H1897) 'to murmur, growl, meditate'; used of a lion's growl (Isa 31:4) and the righteous person's meditation (Ps 1:2) — low, continuous vocal engagement with the text.
בּוֹ֙on itprep בְּ + 3ms suff · בObject of preposition (complement of וְהָגִיתָ)Preposition בְּ with 3ms suffix, referring to the torah scroll — the object of continual meditation.
יוֹמָ֣םdayadv · יוֹמָם (H3119)Adverbial accusative (temporal, coordinate with וָלַיְלָה)יוֹמָם (H3119) 'by day'; paired with לַיְלָה for the merism 'day and night' = constantly, without interruption.
וָלַ֔יְלָהand nightconj וְ + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative (temporal, coordinate with יוֹמָם)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; with יוֹמָם forms the merism for unceasing meditation — echoed in Ps 1:2.
לְמַ֨עַן֙so thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose/result conjunctionלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that'; introduces the purpose of constant meditation — practical obedience.
תִּשְׁמֹ֣רyou may keepQal impf 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (purpose clause)→ Yiqtol (purpose): the intended outcome of meditationשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, observe'; paired again with לַעֲשׂוֹת — meditation is meant to issue in careful practice, not remain private contemplation.
לַעֲשׂ֔וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitive of purpose (coordinate with תִּשְׁמֹר)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — completing the 'keep and do' pairingעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the practical outworking that meditation on the torah must produce.
כְּכָלaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (standard/norm)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct, 'according to all that is written' — total conformity to the written text.
הַכָּת֖וּבthat is writtenart + Qal pass ptc m sg abs · כָּתַב (H3789)Substantival passive participle (object of כְּכָל, headless relative)→ Passive participle: durative/resultant state — the standing, written contentכָּתַב (H3789) Qal passive participle 'written'; substantival, 'that which is written' — the fixed, textual form of the torah as the norm for action.
בּ֑וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suff · בObject of preposition (complement of הַכָּתוּב)Preposition בְּ with 3ms suffix, referring to the torah scroll — 'written in it'.
כִּיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (introduces the resulting benefit)כִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the consequence of torah fidelity — success and wisdom.
אָ֛זthenadv · אָז (H227)Temporal/consequential adverb (correlative with the second אָז)אָז (H227) 'then'; marks the consequence as following specifically FROM torah observance, not from any other cause.
תַּצְלִ֥יחַyou will make prosperousHiphil impf 2ms · צָלַח (H6743)Predicate verb (consequential clause)→ Yiqtol (result): the promised outcome of torah fidelityצָלַח (H6743) Hiphil 'to make prosperous, cause to succeed'; success is presented as consequent on torah obedience, not a precondition for it.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking דְּרָכֶךָ as the definite direct object of תַּצְלִיחַ.
דְּרָכֶ֖ךָyour wayN c sg constr/2ms suff · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Direct object of תַּצְלִיחַדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, path'; with 2ms suffix — the whole course of Joshua's life/undertaking, made prosperous through torah fidelity.
וְאָ֥זand thenconj וְ + adv · אָז (H227)Temporal/consequential adverb (coordinate with the first אָז)אָז (H227) 'then'; repeated for emphasis, pairing prosperity with wisdom as twin results.
תַּשְׂכִּֽילyou will act wiselyHiphil impf 2ms · שָׂכַל (H7919)Predicate verb (consequential clause, closing the verse)→ Yiqtol (result): the second promised outcome of torah fidelityשָׂכַל (H7919) Hiphil 'to act wisely, prosper'; closes the verse with the same verb used to close v. 7, framing torah meditation as the source of true wisdom/success.
9
הֲל֤וֹא צִוִּיתִ֨יךָ֙ חֲזַ֣ק וֶאֱמָ֔ץ אַֽל תַּעֲרֹ֖ץ וְאַל תֵּחָ֑ת כִּ֤י עִמְּךָ֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תֵּלֵֽךְ
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified or dismayed, for YHWH your God is with you wherever you go.
'Have I not commanded you?' is a rhetorical question underscoring that the charge is not new information but authoritative reminder. The paired prohibitions 'do not be terrified or dismayed' name the emotional undertow strength must overcome, resolved by the closing grounding clause — an inclusio with v. 5's 'I will be with you.'
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
הֲל֤וֹאhave not?interrogative + negative · הֲ...לֹא (H3808)Rhetorical-question marker (introduces the whole clause)הֲ interrogative + לֹא (H3808); rhetorical question expecting 'yes' — underscores that the charge is a reaffirmed prior command, not new information.
צִוִּיתִ֨יךָ֙I commanded youPiel perf 1cs/2ms suff · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (rhetorical-question clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of commanding, now recalledצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; 1cs subject (YHWH), 2ms object (Joshua) — recalling the commission just given.
חֲזַ֣קbe strongQal impv 2ms · חָזַק (H2388)Volitional predicate (charge #3 of 3, quoted content of the command)→ Volitional: final repetition of the courage command, closing the divine speechחָזַק (H2388) 'to be strong'; the third and final occurrence of the doublet in this speech.
וֶאֱמָ֔ץand courageousconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · אָמַץ (H553)Volitional predicate (coordinate with חֲזַק)→ Volitional: closes the threefold repetition begun in vv. 6-7אָמַץ (H553) 'to be courageous'; completes the third and final חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ of YHWH's speech.
אַֽלdo notnegative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negation of the jussive תַּעֲרֹץאַל (H408), volitive negative particle, prohibiting the emotional state of dread.
תַּעֲרֹ֖ץbe terrifiedQal jussive 2ms · עָרַץ (H6206)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Jussive (negated): prohibition against an emotional/psychological stateעָרַץ (H6206) 'to tremble, be terrified, dread'; names the fear Joshua must resist, paired with תֵּחָת.
וְאַלand do notconj וְ + negative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Coordinating negation (second prohibition)אַל (H408) joined by וְ, negating the second verb of the pair.
תֵּחָ֑תbe dismayedNiphal jussive 2ms · חָתַת (H2865)Predicate verb (prohibition, coordinate with תַּעֲרֹץ)→ Jussive (negated): prohibition against a second, related emotional stateחָתַת (H2865) Niphal 'to be shattered, dismayed, terrified'; paired with עָרַץ, together naming the paralysis of fear the courage command counters.
כִּ֤יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the prohibition against fear)כִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the reason fear is unwarranted — YHWH's presence.
עִמְּךָ֙with youprep עִם + 2ms suff · עִם (H5973)Predicate (verbless clause: subject יְהוָה, predicate עִמְּךָ, fronted)עִם (H5973) 'with', with 2ms suffix; fronted before the subject for emphasis — 'WITH YOU is YHWH your God'.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject (verbless clause)יְהוָה (H3068); subject of the grounding clause, the reason fear must yield to courage.
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָyour GodN m pl constr/2ms suff · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', with 2ms suffix, in apposition to יְהוָה — personal covenant language, 'YHWH, your God'.
בְּכֹ֖לin allprep בְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (scope)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the relative clause specifying the extent of YHWH's accompanying presence.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying בְּכֹל)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תֵּלֵֽךְyou goQal impf 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (relative clause, closes the divine speech)→ Yiqtol: general/habitual — wherever Joshua's path leadsהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; closes YHWH's speech (vv. 2-9) with the same universalizing formula as v. 7 — courage and presence extend to every place Joshua goes.
10
וַיְצַ֣ו יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ אֶת שֹׁטְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר
Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying:
The scene shifts from YHWH's speech (vv. 2-9) to Joshua's own command, marking his first act as leader: he immediately exercises the authority just granted, delegating through the officers (שֹׁטְרִים) rather than addressing the people directly.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיְצַ֣וand he commandedwayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative resumption)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Joshua's first executive actצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; the narrative resumes with Joshua now exercising the authority just conferred.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיְצַויְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); now acting in his own commanding capacity for the first time in the book.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking שֹׁטְרֵי הָעָם as the definite direct object.
שֹׁטְרֵ֥יthe officers ofN m pl constr · שֹׁטֵר (H7860)Direct object of וַיְצַו (construct head)שֹׁטֵר (H7860) 'officer, official'; construct with הָעָם, the administrative officials Joshua addresses rather than the people directly.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive (construct chain with שֹׁטְרֵי)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the nation whose officers receive Joshua's command.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of speech introduction (quotation marker)→ Infinitive construct: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard formula introducing the quoted command of vv. 11ff.
11
עִבְר֣וּ בְּקֶ֣רֶב הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֗ה וְצַוּ֤וּ אֶת הָעָם֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר הָכִ֥ינוּ לָכֶ֖ם צֵידָ֑ה כִּ֞י בְּע֣וֹד שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים אַתֶּם֙ עֹֽבְרִים֙ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֔ה לָבוֹא֙ לָרֶ֣שֶׁת אֶת הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם נֹתֵ֥ן לָכֶ֖ם לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ
Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land that YHWH your God is giving you to possess.'
The order embeds a second-level quotation (Joshua's command to the officers, which itself quotes what the officers must say to the people). The participle 'crossing' expresses imminent future ('you are about to cross'), and the three-day notice creates real narrative urgency before the crossing narrated in chs. 3-4.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
עִבְר֣וּpass throughQal impv 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Volitional predicate (main clause, first command to the officers)→ Volitional: direct imperative opening Joshua's orderעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass, cross'; here 'pass through' the camp — the same root as the Jordan-crossing verb, applied first to internal circulation.
בְּקֶ֣רֶבthrough the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, interior'; construct, 'in/through the midst of' — thorough circulation through the whole camp.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֗הthe campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Genitive (construct chain with בְּקֶרֶב)מַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; Israel's organized encampment, still functioning as in the wilderness period.
וְצַוּ֤וּand commandconj וְ + Piel impv 2mp · צִוָּה (H6680)Volitional predicate (coordinate with עִבְרוּ)→ Volitional: second command, directed at the people via the officersצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; the officers must relay Joshua's order to the people.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָעָם as the direct object of וְצַוּוּ.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of וְצַוּוּעַם (H5971) 'people'; recipient of the officers' relayed command.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of speech introduction (quotation marker)→ Infinitive construct: introduces the embedded quotationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the content of the command the officers must relay.
הָכִ֥ינוּprepareHiphil impv 2mp · כּוּן (H3559)Volitional predicate (main clause of the embedded quotation)→ Volitional: the actual command content — direct imperative to the peopleכּוּן (H3559) Hiphil 'to prepare, make ready'; practical logistical instruction ahead of the crossing.
לָכֶ֖םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suff · לIndirect object (dative of advantage) of הָכִינוּPreposition לְ with 2mp suffix, 'for yourselves' — the people prepare provisions for their own journey.
צֵידָ֑הprovisionsN c sg abs · צֵידָה (H6720)Direct object of הָכִינוּצֵידָה (H6720) 'provisions, food for a journey'; practical supplies for the crossing and campaign ahead.
כִּ֞יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the provisioning command)כִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the reason — the imminent, three-day-away crossing.
בְּע֣וֹדwithinprep בְּ + adv · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal prepositional phrase (countdown)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet'; with בְּ, 'within [a further period of]' — introduces the three-day countdown.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreecardinal num m constr · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Construct head (numeral modifying יָמִים)שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; construct form governing יָמִים, the countdown to the crossing (cf. 3:2).
יָמִ֗יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive (construct chain with שְׁלֹשֶׁת)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural, completing 'three days' — the narrative's urgent timetable.
אַתֶּם֙youindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of עֹבְרִים (fronted, emphatic)אַתֶּם (H859) 2mp pronoun; fronted for emphasis before the participle — 'YOU are about to cross'.
עֹֽבְרִים֙are about to crossQal ptc m pl abs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (participial clause — imminent future)→ Participle: imminent future — an action about to occurעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; participle expressing near-future certainty, 'you are (about) to cross' within the stated three days.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַיַּרְדֵּן as the direct object of עֹבְרִים.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct object of עֹבְרִיםיַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan'; the river named again as the imminent crossing point.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive modifier of הַיַּרְדֵּןזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictic, the specific river before them.
לָבוֹא֙to enterprep לְ + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive of purpose (coordinate with לָרֶשֶׁת)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — why they crossבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the crossing's immediate purpose — entering the land.
לָרֶ֣שֶׁתto possessprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Infinitive of purpose (coordinate with לָבוֹא)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the ultimate goal of the crossingיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, inherit, dispossess'; the crossing's ultimate purpose — taking possession of the promised land.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the direct object of לָרֶשֶׁת.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לָרֶשֶׁתאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the object of possession, specified by the relative clause that follows.
אֲשֶׁר֙thatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068); subject of the participial clause, actively giving the land.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔םyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suff · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', with 2mp suffix — 'YHWH your God', addressed now to the whole people through the officers.
נֹתֵ֥ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (relative clause — present/durative)→ Participle: durative present — an ongoing, currently valid act of givingנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; participle again presenting the land grant as a present, standing reality (cf. v. 2).
לָכֶ֖םto youprep לְ + 2mp suff · לIndirect object of נֹתֵןPreposition לְ with 2mp suffix, 'to you' (plural) — the whole people as recipients.
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּto possess itprep לְ + Qal inf constr/3fs suff · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Infinitive of purpose (resumptive, closing the verse)→ Infinitive construct: purpose, resuming הָאָרֶץ via the 3fs suffixיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess'; the infinitive with 3fs suffix ('it', referring to הָאָרֶץ) closes the verse, restating the crossing's goal.
12
וְלָרֽאוּבֵנִי֙ וְלַגָּדִ֔י וְלַחֲצִ֖י שֵׁ֣בֶט הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה אָמַ֥ר יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לֵאמֹֽר
And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, saying:
The fronted triple indirect object (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh) signals a new addressee group before the verb, marking a distinct sub-scene devoted to the tribes already settled east of the Jordan (cf. Num 32; Deut 3:12-20).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְלָרֽאוּבֵנִי֙and to the Reubeniteconj וְ + prep לְ + art + gentilic m sg abs · רְאוּבֵנִי (H7206)Indirect object (fronted, first of three coordinate addressees)רְאוּבֵנִי (H7206) 'Reubenite'; the tribe of Reuben, one of the three Transjordan-settled groups addressed here.
וְלַגָּדִ֔יand to the Gaditeconj וְ + prep לְ + art + gentilic m sg abs · גָּדִי (H1425)Indirect object (coordinate, second addressee)גָּדִי (H1425) 'Gadite'; the tribe of Gad, second of the Transjordan tribes.
וְלַחֲצִ֖יand to the half ofconj וְ + prep + N m sg constr · חֲצִי (H2677)Indirect object (coordinate, third addressee, construct head)חֲצִי (H2677) 'half'; construct with שֵׁבֶט, 'half the tribe of' — Manasseh alone was split between Transjordan and Cisjordan territory.
שֵׁ֣בֶטthe tribe ofN m sg constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Genitive (construct chain with חֲצִי)שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe, staff'; construct governing הַמְנַשֶּׁה.
הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֑הManassehart + proper noun · מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519)Genitive (construct chain with שֵׁבֶט)מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519), Joseph's firstborn son's tribe, uniquely divided between east and west of the Jordan.
אָמַ֥רsaidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of speaking, opening the new sceneאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Joshua's address to the Transjordan tribes.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of אָמַריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); speaking now to a specific tribal audience within the larger commissioning narrative.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of speech introduction (quotation marker)→ Infinitive construct: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard formula introducing the quoted reminder of vv. 13-15.
13
זָכוֹר֙ אֶת הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֛ם מֹשֶׁ֥ה עֶֽבֶד יְהוָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם֙ מֵנִ֣יחַ לָכֶ֔ם וְנָתַ֥ן לָכֶ֖ם אֶת הָאָ֥רֶץ הַזֹּֽאת
Remember the word that Moses the servant of YHWH commanded you, saying, 'YHWH your God is giving you rest and will give you this land.'
'Remember' invokes covenant memory formally (as elsewhere in Deuteronomy). The embedded quotation from Moses (going back to Num 32/Deut 3) is recast in Joshua's own voice, showing him now functioning as authoritative tradent of Mosaic instruction, not merely its recipient.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
זָכוֹר֙rememberQal inf abs (imperatival) · זָכַר (H2142)Volitional predicate (infinitive absolute used imperativally)→ Infinitive absolute (imperatival force): a formal, weighty command to recallזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the infinitive absolute functioning as a solemn imperative — 'remember!' — invoking covenant memory as in Deuteronomy.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַדָּבָר as the direct object of זָכוֹר.
הַדָּבָ֔רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of זָכוֹרדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; the specific instruction Moses gave, specified by the relative clause that follows.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying הַדָּבָר)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
צִוָּ֥הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of commandingצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; 3ms, Moses as subject — recalling the specific stipulation from Num 32/Deut 3.
אֶתְכֶ֛םyouobj marker/2mp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct object of צִוָּהאֵת (H853) with 2mp suffix, 'you' — the object marker doubles as the pronominal object here.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the original commander of the stipulation now being recalled.
עֶֽבֶדservant ofN m sg constr · עֶבֶד (H5650)Apposition to מֹשֶׁה (construct head)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; construct with יְהוָה, repeating Moses' honorific title from v. 1.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain with עֶבֶד)יְהוָה (H3068); completing 'servant of YHWH', Moses' title.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of speech introduction (quotation marker)→ Infinitive construct: introduces the embedded quotationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the specific content of Moses' earlier stipulation.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of מֵנִיחַיְהוָה (H3068); subject of the quoted assurance about rest and land.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם֙your GodN m pl constr/2mp suff · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', with 2mp suffix — 'YHWH your God', addressed to the tribes.
מֵנִ֣יחַis giving restHiphil ptc m sg abs · נוּחַ (H5117)Predicate verb (participial clause — present/durative)→ Participle: durative present — an act of rest-giving already underway/assuredנוּחַ (H5117) Hiphil 'to give rest, cause to settle'; the same root recurs in v. 15 as the condition for the Transjordan warriors' return — rest as covenant fulfillment.
לָכֶ֔םto youprep לְ + 2mp suff · לIndirect object of מֵנִיחַPreposition לְ with 2mp suffix, 'to you' — the Transjordan tribes as recipients of the rest already granted (their land east of Jordan).
וְנָתַ֥ןand will giveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (coordinate with מֵנִיחַ, continuing the promise)→ Weqatal: continuing future — the promise's next stageנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; weqatal continuing the participial clause's force into simple future — YHWH will also give the land to the west.
לָכֶ֖םto youprep לְ + 2mp suff · לIndirect object of וְנָתַןPreposition לְ with 2mp suffix, repeated — 'to you' again, the addressee of the land grant.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת as the direct object of וְנָתַן.
הָאָ֥רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of וְנָתַןאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; here likely referring to the land west of the Jordan yet to be given, in contrast to the Transjordan territory already possessed.
הַזֹּֽאתthisart + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive modifier of הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (f sg, agreeing with אֶרֶץ); deictic, pointing to the land under discussion.
14
נְשֵׁיכֶ֣ם טַפְּכֶם֮ וּמִקְנֵיכֶם֒ יֵשְׁב֕וּ בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָתַ֥ן לָכֶ֛ם מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּעֵ֣בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן וְאַתֶּם֩ תַּעַבְר֨וּ חֲמֻשִׁ֜ים לִפְנֵ֣י אֲחֵיכֶ֗ם כֹּ֚ל גִּבּוֹרֵ֣י הַחַ֔יִל וַעֲזַרְתֶּ֖ם אוֹתָֽם
Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you, all the mighty men of valor, shall cross over armed before your brothers, and you shall help them.
The verse pivots sharply on 'but as for you' from the settled households to the fighting men, who alone must cross 'armed, in battle array' in solidarity with the other tribes still to receive their inheritance west of the Jordan.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
נְשֵׁיכֶ֣םyour wivesN f pl constr/2mp suff · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject of יֵשְׁבוּ (first of three coordinate subjects)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; plural with 2mp suffix, first of the household members permitted to remain in Transjordan.
טַפְּכֶם֮your little onesN m sg constr/2mp suff · טַף (H2945)Coordinate subject of יֵשְׁבוּטַף (H2945) 'little ones, children' (collective singular); second of the household members remaining behind.
וּמִקְנֵיכֶם֒and your livestockconj וְ + N m pl constr/2mp suff · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Coordinate subject of יֵשְׁבוּמִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle'; third of the household assets remaining in the Transjordan territory.
יֵשְׁב֕וּshall remainQal impf 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: future/permissive — settled instruction for the household membersיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, remain'; the households are permitted/instructed to stay put while the warriors cross.
בָּאָ֕רֶץin the landprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; here the Transjordan territory already allotted, specified by the relative clause.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying בָּאָרֶץ)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
נָתַ֥ןgaveQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, already-accomplished grantנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; perfect — Moses' grant of Transjordan land is already an accomplished fact (cf. Num 32; Deut 3:12-17).
לָכֶ֛םto youprep לְ + 2mp suff · לIndirect object of נָתַןPreposition לְ with 2mp suffix, 'to you' — the Transjordan tribes as recipients.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of נָתַןמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the giver of the Transjordan inheritance, distinct from the land Joshua is yet to give west of the river.
בְּעֵ֣בֶרbeyondprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עֵבֶר (H5676)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, specifying בָּאָרֶץ)עֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'; construct, 'on the other side of' — the standard designation for Transjordan territory.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive (construct chain with בְּעֵבֶר)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan'; completing the phrase 'beyond the Jordan', i.e. the eastern bank.
וְאַתֶּם֩but youconj וְ + independent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of תַּעַבְרוּ (contrastive, fronted)אַתֶּם (H859) 2mp pronoun with adversative וְ — 'but as for YOU', sharply pivoting from the households to the fighting men.
תַּעַבְר֨וּshall cross overQal impf 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause, contrastive)→ Yiqtol: future/obligatory — a binding requirement for the warriorsעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the fighting men, unlike their households, must cross the Jordan with the rest of Israel.
חֲמֻשִׁ֜יםarmedQal pass ptc m pl abs · חָמַשׁ (H2571)Adverbial/predicative participle modifying the subject of תַּעַבְרוּ→ Passive participle: describes manner — the state of being battle-arrayedחָמַשׁ (H2571) 'to arm, array in battle order'; describes the warriors' military readiness for the crossing (cf. Exod 13:18).
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative — precedence)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of' — the Transjordan warriors go ahead of the rest of the army.
אֲחֵיכֶ֗םyour brothersN m pl constr/2mp suff · אָח (H251)Genitive (construct chain with לִפְנֵי)אָח (H251) 'brother'; plural with 2mp suffix — the other Israelite tribes, kin bound in solidarity across the Jordan.
כֹּ֚לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Apposition to אַתֶּם (construct head, restating the subject)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with גִּבּוֹרֵי, restating who must cross armed — every mighty warrior.
גִּבּוֹרֵ֣יthe mighty men ofadj m pl constr · גִּבּוֹר (H1368)Construct head of the fixed phrase גִּבּוֹרֵי הַחַיִל, appositional to the crossing vanguardגִּבּוֹר (H1368) 'mighty, valiant one'; with חַיִל the fixed idiom גִּבּוֹרֵי הַחַיִל, 'the mighty men of valor' — the fighting elite; the same title later given to Gideon (Judg 6:12) and David's champions.
הַחַ֔יִלvalorart + N m sg abs · חַיִל (H2428)Genitive (construct chain with גִּבּוֹרֵי)חַיִל (H2428) 'strength, army, valor'; completing the military term גִּבּוֹר חַיִל, 'mighty man of valor', the fighting elite.
וַעֲזַרְתֶּ֖םand you shall helpconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · עָזַר (H5826)Predicate verb (coordinate with תַּעַבְרוּ, continuing the instruction)→ Weqatal: continuing future/obligatory — an added duty beyond merely crossingעָזַר (H5826) 'to help, assist'; the Transjordan warriors' duty extends beyond crossing to active military assistance for their kin.
אוֹתָֽםthemobj marker/3mp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַעֲזַרְתֶּםאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — referring back to אֲחֵיכֶם, the brothers to be helped.
15
עַ֠ד אֲשֶׁר יָנִ֨יחַ יְהוָ֥ה לַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֮ כָּכֶם֒ וְיָרְשׁ֣וּ גַם הֵ֔מָּה אֶת הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם נֹתֵ֣ן לָהֶ֑ם וְשַׁבְתֶּ֞ם לְאֶ֤רֶץ יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם֙ וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם אוֹתָ֔הּ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָתַ֣ן לָכֶ֗ם מֹשֶׁה֙ עֶ֣בֶד יְהוָ֔ה בְּעֵ֥בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן מִזְרַ֥ח הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ
Until YHWH gives rest to your brothers, as to you, and they also possess the land that YHWH your God is giving them; then you shall return to the land of your possession and possess it, which Moses the servant of YHWH gave you beyond the Jordan, toward the sunrise.
The long temporal clause defines the duration of the Transjordan tribes' military obligation — until their brothers likewise receive rest — after which they may RETURN to their own inheritance already granted by Moses. The verse binds their earlier grant to ongoing solidarity with conquest still underway.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
עַ֠דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase (opens a subordinate clause)עַד (H5704) 'until'; introduces the temporal limit on the Transjordan warriors' obligation.
אֲשֶׁר[when]relative particle (temporal use) · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (with עַד, 'until')אֲשֶׁר (H834); with עַד forms the temporal conjunction עַד אֲשֶׁר 'until [the time when]'.
יָנִ֨יחַgives restHiphil impf 3ms · נוּחַ (H5117)Predicate verb (temporal clause)→ Yiqtol: future — the condition that terminates the obligationנוּחַ (H5117) Hiphil 'to give rest'; same verb as v. 13 — the promised rest now extended to 'your brothers' west of the Jordan.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יָנִיחַיְהוָה (H3068); the one who grants rest to all Israel, east and west.
לַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֮to your brothersprep לְ + N m pl constr/2mp suff · אָח (H251)Indirect object of יָנִיחַאָח (H251) 'brother'; with 2mp suffix — the tribes yet to receive their inheritance west of the Jordan.
כָּכֶם֒as to youprep כְּ + 2mp suff · כְּComparative prepositional phrase (complement of יָנִיחַ)כְּ 'as, like', with 2mp suffix — equating the rest still due the other tribes with the rest already granted the Transjordan tribes.
וְיָרְשׁ֣וּand they possessconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (coordinate, continuing the temporal clause)→ Weqatal: continuing future — the further condition alongside restיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess'; the brothers' rest is completed by their own possession of the land, paralleling the Transjordan tribes' own experience.
גַםalsoadv · גַּם (H1571)Adverbial intensifier (emphasizes הֵמָּה)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; underscores that the other tribes, too — like the Transjordan ones — will possess their land.
הֵ֔מָּהtheyindependent pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject of וְיָרְשׁוּ (emphatic, resumptive)הֵם/הֵמָּה (H1992) 3mp pronoun; emphatic subject, 'they too' — parallel to the Transjordan tribes already settled.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the direct object of וְיָרְשׁוּ.
הָאָ֕רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of וְיָרְשׁוּאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the territory west of the Jordan yet to be possessed by the other tribes.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068); subject of the participial clause, again presenting the land grant as an ongoing reality.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖םyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suff · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', with 2mp suffix — 'YHWH your God'.
נֹתֵ֣ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (relative clause — present/durative)→ Participle: durative present — the standing act of givingנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; participle, again casting the land grant as a present, ongoing reality.
לָהֶ֑םto themprep לְ + 3mp suff · לIndirect object of נֹתֵןPreposition לְ with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the other tribes, referring back to אֲחֵיכֶם.
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֞םthen you shall returnconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (apodosis — main clause resuming after the long temporal clause)→ Weqatal: consequent future — the permitted action once the condition is metשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the Transjordan warriors may go home only after fulfilling their obligation to their brothers.
לְאֶ֤רֶץto the land ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial prepositional phrase (destination, construct head)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct with יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם, 'the land of your possession' — their own already-granted inheritance.
יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם֙your possessionN f sg constr/2mp suff · יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425)Genitive (construct chain with לְאֶרֶץ)יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425) 'possession, inheritance'; with 2mp suffix — the Transjordan tribes' own already-secured land.
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣םand possessconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (coordinate with וְשַׁבְתֶּם)→ Weqatal: consequent future — completing the return with settled possessionיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess'; the return culminates in full possession of their own inheritance.
אוֹתָ֔הּitobj marker/3fs suff · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וִירִשְׁתֶּםאֵת (H853) with 3fs suffix, 'it' — referring back to אֶרֶץ יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying יְרֻשַּׁתְכֶם)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
נָתַ֣ןgaveQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, already-accomplished grantנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; perfect, recalling the already-completed Mosaic grant, framing this whole return.
לָכֶ֗םto youprep לְ + 2mp suff · לIndirect object of נָתַןPreposition לְ with 2mp suffix, 'to you' — the Transjordan tribes.
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of נָתַןמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the giver of the Transjordan inheritance, named a final time as this section closes.
עֶ֣בֶדservant ofN m sg constr · עֶבֶד (H5650)Apposition to מֹשֶׁהעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; construct with יְהוָה, the honorific title recurring through the chapter.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain with עֶבֶד)יְהוָה (H3068); completing 'servant of YHWH'.
בְּעֵ֥בֶרbeyondprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עֵבֶר (H5676)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, apposition specifying the land's location)עֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'; construct, locating the Transjordan grant precisely.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive (construct chain with בְּעֵבֶר)יַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan'; completing 'beyond the Jordan'.
מִזְרַ֥חthe rising ofN m sg constr · מִזְרָח (H4217)Apposition to בְּעֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן (construct head, further specification)מִזְרָח (H4217) 'rising, east'; construct with הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, the idiom for 'eastward' — precisely locating the Transjordan territory.
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Genitive (construct chain with מִזְרַח)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; completing the idiom 'sunrise' = east, closing the geographic description of the Transjordan inheritance.
16
וַֽיַּעֲנ֔וּ אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ לֵאמֹ֑ר כֹּ֤ל אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתָ֨נוּ֙ נַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְאֶֽל כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּשְׁלָחֵ֖נוּ נֵלֵֽךְ
And they answered Joshua, saying, 'All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.'
The reply is comprehensive ('all that... wherever'), matching in scope the totality of the torah obedience demanded of Joshua himself in vv. 7-8 — the people's fidelity to Joshua mirrors the fidelity Joshua owes to YHWH.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַֽיַּעֲנ֔וּand they answeredwayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · עָנָה (H6030)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative resumption)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the tribes' replyעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; introduces the Transjordan tribes' formal reply to Joshua's charge.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking יְהוֹשֻׁעַ as the direct object of וַיַּעֲנוּ.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Direct object of וַיַּעֲנוּיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); the recipient of the tribes' answer.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of speech introduction (quotation marker)→ Infinitive construct: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the quoted content of the tribes' pledge.
כֹּ֤לallN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object of נַעֲשֶׂה (fronted, headless relative)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; fronted, 'all that' — comprehensive scope of obedience pledged.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying כֹּל)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
צִוִּיתָ֨נוּ֙you have commanded usPiel perf 2ms/1cp suff · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of commanding, embracing all Joshua's instructions so farצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; 2ms subject (Joshua), 1cp object ('us') — the tribes now under Joshua's own commanding authority.
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֔הwe will doQal impf 1cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol (promissory): a pledged future actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the tribes' unconditional pledge of obedience, echoing the 'keep and do' language used of Joshua himself.
וְאֶֽלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination, coordinate clause)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the second half of the pledge — obedience in going wherever sent.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (object of preposition, headless relative)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct, 'anywhere that' — matching the comprehensive scope of the first half of the pledge.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying כָּל)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תִּשְׁלָחֵ֖נוּyou send usQal impf 2ms/1cp suff · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: future/general — wherever Joshua may direct themשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; 2ms subject (Joshua), 1cp object ('us') — the tribes place themselves fully at Joshua's directive.
נֵלֵֽךְwe will goQal impf 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis, closes the verse)→ Yiqtol (promissory): a pledged future action, closing the replyהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; completes the tribes' twofold pledge — total obedience in action (נַעֲשֶׂה) and total obedience in movement (נֵלֵךְ).
17
כְּכֹ֤ל אֲשֶׁר שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה כֵּ֖ן נִשְׁמַ֣ע אֵלֶ֑יךָ רַ֠ק יִֽהְיֶ֞ה יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיָ֖ה עִם מֹשֶֽׁה
Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so we will listen to you; only may YHWH your God be with you as he was with Moses.
The correlative 'just as... so' makes the analogy exact: Joshua's authority is measured against Moses'. 'Only' introduces the people's own wish, echoing back to Joshua the very promise YHWH made to him in v. 5 — the assurance has now passed through Joshua to become the whole community's shared hope.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כְּכֹ֤לjust as allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phrase (correlative with כֵּן)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; with כְּ, 'just as all' — opens the כְּ...כֵּן correlative comparison structuring the verse.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying כְּכֹל)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ֙we listenedQal perf 1cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed pattern of past obedienceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey, listen'; 1cp, the tribes' settled record of obedience to Moses, now the standard for their obedience to Joshua.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (complement of שָׁמַעְנוּ)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as the one obeyed/listened to.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the standard of obedience the tribes now transfer to Joshua.
כֵּ֖ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Correlative adverb (apodosis of כְּ...כֵּן)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; correlative with the opening כְּכֹל, completing the comparison — 'just as..., so...'.
נִשְׁמַ֣עwe will listenQal impf 1cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol (promissory): a pledged future obedience, matched exactly to the Mosaic precedentשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey'; the tribes pledge to Joshua the same obedience given to Moses.
אֵלֶ֑יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suff · אֶל (H413)Object of preposition (complement of נִשְׁמַע)אֶל (H413) with 2ms suffix, 'to you' — Joshua as the new object of the people's obedience.
רַ֠קonlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle (introduces the people's own wish/qualification)רַק (H7535) 'only'; pivots from pledge of obedience to the people's own prayer for Joshua — echoing the same particle in vv. 7, 18.
יִֽהְיֶ֞הmay he beQal impf (jussive-nuance) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause — optative/wish)→ Yiqtol (optative): a prayer-wish, not a mere predictionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here with optative force — 'may YHWH be with you', echoing YHWH's own promise to Joshua in v. 5.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִהְיֶהיְהוָה (H3068); subject of the people's prayer-wish for their new leader.
אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙your GodN m pl constr/2ms suff · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', with 2ms suffix — 'YHWH your God', the people addressing Joshua directly.
עִמָּ֔ךְwith youprep עִם + 2ms suff · עִם (H5973)Predicate complement of יִהְיֶהעִם (H5973) 'with'; completes the prayer-wish, verbally echoing YHWH's own promise in v. 5.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר 'just as'; introduces the closing comparison to Moses.
הָיָ֖הhe wasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (comparative subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a completed past state, the precedent grounding the people's wishהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; 3ms, recalling YHWH's presence with Moses as the model for what the people now wish for Joshua.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (complement of הָיָה)עִם (H5973) 'with'; marks accompaniment.
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); closes the verse — and echoes the tribes' answer — naming the precedent one final time, another instance of the Moses/Joshua comparison, this time from the people's own voice.
18
כָּל אִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר יַמְרֶ֣ה אֶת פִּ֗יךָ וְלֹֽא יִשְׁמַ֧ע אֶת דְּבָרֶ֛יךָ לְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר תְּצַוֶּ֖נּוּ יוּמָ֑ת רַ֖ק חֲזַ֥ק וֶאֱמָֽץ
Whoever rebels against your mouth and does not obey your words in all that you command him shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.
The chapter's final word transfers the courage-formula ('be strong and courageous') from YHWH's mouth (vv. 6, 7, 9) to the people's own, closing the chapter with Israel itself charging its new leader — the community internalizes and re-issues the divine command as its parting word.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (subject of the whole sentence)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with אִישׁ, 'every man/whoever' — universal scope of the sanction that follows.
אִ֞ישׁmanN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive (construct chain with כָּל); antecedent of the relative clauseאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the antecedent, 'whoever', resumed by the sentence's final passive verb יוּמָת.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying אִישׁ)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יַמְרֶ֣הrebels againstHiphil impf 3ms · מָרָה (H4784)Predicate verb (relative clause, first of two conditions)→ Yiqtol: general/habitual — a hypothetical but real possibility being legislated againstמָרָה (H4784) Hiphil 'to rebel, be defiant'; the same root used of Israel's wilderness rebellions, now applied to any future defiance of Joshua's authority.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking פִּיךָ as the direct object of יַמְרֶה.
פִּ֗יךָyour mouthN m sg constr/2ms suff · פֶּה (H6310)Direct object of יַמְרֶהפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; with 2ms suffix — 'your mouth' as metonymy for Joshua's spoken commands/authority.
וְלֹֽאand does notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the second condition (coordinate with the first)לֹא (H3808) joined by וְ, negating the second predicate — a doublet defining rebellion comprehensively.
יִשְׁמַ֧עobeyQal impf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (relative clause, second condition)→ Yiqtol: general/habitual — completing the definition of rebellionשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey'; the same verb the tribes just pledged in v. 17 — its negation here defines the punishable offense precisely.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking דְּבָרֶיךָ as the direct object of יִשְׁמַע.
דְּבָרֶ֛יךָyour wordsN m pl constr/2ms suff · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of יִשְׁמַעדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; plural with 2ms suffix — the full body of Joshua's spoken instructions.
לְכֹ֥לin allprep לְ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (scope)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the relative clause specifying the scope of required obedience.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause modifying לְכֹל)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תְּצַוֶּ֖נּוּyou command himPiel impf 2ms/3ms suff · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: general/habitual — any future command Joshua may giveצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; 2ms subject (Joshua), 3ms object ('him') — the full scope of Joshua's authority, extended to all future commands.
יוּמָ֑תshall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis — the sanction)→ Yiqtol (passive, legal-binding): the prescribed capital penalty for rebellionמוּת (H4191) Hophal (passive causative) 'to be caused to die, be put to death'; the severe legal sanction for defiance of Joshua's mouth — treason against the divinely appointed leader.
רַ֖קonlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle (pivots from the sanction to the closing exhortation)רַק (H7535) 'only'; the chapter's final and third use of this pivot particle, turning from the severe sanction back to encouragement.
חֲזַ֥קbe strongQal impv 2ms · חָזַק (H2388)Volitional predicate (closing exhortation, first imperative)→ Volitional: the people's final word to their leaderחָזַק (H2388) 'to be strong'; the chapter's closing occurrence of the doublet, here spoken not by YHWH but by the people themselves back to Joshua.
וֶאֱמָֽץand courageousconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · אָמַץ (H553)Volitional predicate (coordinate with חֲזַק, closes the chapter)→ Volitional: the chapter's final wordאָמַץ (H553) 'to be courageous'; the last word of the chapter — the community's own charge to Joshua, closing the circle begun in YHWH's charge of v. 6.