Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” New Living Translation Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun with these words: “Be strong and courageous, for you must bring the people of Israel into the land I swore to give them. I will be with you.” English Standard Version And the LORD commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you.” Berean Standard Bible Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.” Berean Literal Bible And He commanded Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and be of good courage, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land that I swore to them, and I will be with you.” King James Bible And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. New King James Version Then He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.” New American Standard Bible Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.” NASB 1995 Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.” NASB 1977 Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.” Legacy Standard Bible Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.” Amplified Bible Then He commanded and commissioned Joshua, the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the sons of Israel into the land which I have sworn to give them, and I will be with you.” Berean Annotated Bible Then the LORD commissioned Joshua (YHWH saves) son of Nun (fish / posterity) and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites (God prevails) into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you. Christian Standard Bible The LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I swore to them, and I will be with you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I swore to them, and I will be with you.” American Standard Version And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. Contemporary English Version The LORD told Joshua, "Be brave and strong! I will help you lead the people of Israel into the land that I have promised them." English Revised Version And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD gave this command to Joshua, son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, because you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you." Good News Translation Then the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun and told him, "Be confident and determined. You will lead the people of Israel into the land that I promised them, and I will be with you." International Standard Version Then the LORD charged Nun's son Joshua, "Be strong and courageous, because you'll bring the Israelis to the land that I promised to them by an oath. I'll be with you." NET Bible and the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun, "Be strong and courageous, for you will take the Israelites to the land I have promised them, and I will be with you." New Heart English Bible He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, "Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you." Webster's Bible Translation And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.” World English Bible He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them. I will be with you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen He commands Joshua son of Nun, and says, “Be strong and courageous, for you bring in the sons of Israel to the land which I have sworn to them, and I am with you.” Berean Literal Bible And He commanded Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and be of good courage, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land that I swore to them, and I will be with you.” Young's Literal Translation and He commandeth Joshua son of Nun, and saith, 'Be strong and courageous, for thou dost bring in the sons of Israel unto the land which I have sworn to them, and I -- I am with thee.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will command Joshua the son of Nun, and will say, Be strong and active: for thou shalt bring in the sons of Israel to the land which I sware to them, and I will be with thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord commanded Josue the son of Nun, and said: Take courage, and be valiant: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I have promised, and I will be with thee. Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord instructed Joshua, the son of Nun, and he said: “Be strong and valiant. For you shall lead the sons of Israel into the land which I have promised, and I will be with you.” New American Bible Then he commissioned Joshua, son of Nun, and said to him, Be strong and steadfast, for it is you who will bring the Israelites into the land which I promised them on oath. I myself will be with you. New Revised Standard Version Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and bold, for you shall bring the Israelites into the land that I promised them; I will be with you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said to him, Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to their fathers; and I will be with you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he commanded Yeshua son of Nun and said to him: “Be strong and be strengthened because you are bringing the children of Israel into the land that I swore to them and I shall be with you.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said: 'Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore unto them; and I will be with thee.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he charged Joshua, and said, Be courageous and strong, for thou shalt bring the sons of Israel into the land, which the Lord sware to them, and he shall be with thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God Commissions Joshua…22So that very day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites. 23Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.” Cross References Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun Numbers 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. … Joshua 1:1-2 Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, / “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. Deuteronomy 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. and said, “Be strong and courageous, Joshua 1:6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. Joshua 1:7 Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” for you will bring the Israelites into the land Numbers 27:17 who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Deuteronomy 3:28 But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.” Joshua 1:11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’” that I swore to give them, Deuteronomy 11:9 and so that you may live long in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey. Deuteronomy 1:8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess the land that the LORD swore He would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants after them.” Exodus 6:8 And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD!’” and I will be with you.” Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Exodus 3:12 “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.” Genesis 26:3 Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. Joshua 1:16-18 So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. / Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. / Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!” Treasury of Scripture And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you. he gave Joshua Deuteronomy 31:7,8,14 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it… Joshua 1:5-9 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee… shalt bring Deuteronomy 31:3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said. Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. Acts 7:45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; Jump to Previous Charge Children Command Commanded Commandeth Commissioned Courage Courageous Head Heart Israel Israelites Joshua Nun Oath Orders Promised Strong Sware Swore SwornJump to Next Charge Children Command Commanded Commandeth Commissioned Courage Courageous Head Heart Israel Israelites Joshua Nun Oath Orders Promised Strong Sware Swore SwornDeuteronomy 31 1. Moses encourages the people7. He encourages Joshua 9. He delivers the law unto the priests to be read in the seventh year 14. God gives a charge to Joshua 19. and a song to testify against the people 24. Moses delivers the book of the law to the Levites to keep 28. He makes a protestation Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun This phrase marks a significant transition in leadership from Moses to Joshua. Joshua, the son of Nun, is being divinely appointed to lead the Israelites. This commissioning is a fulfillment of earlier promises and preparations, as Joshua had been Moses' assistant and had proven his faithfulness and leadership capabilities (Exodus 24:13, Numbers 27:18-23). The use of "commissioned" indicates a formal and authoritative appointment, emphasizing that Joshua's leadership is ordained by God, not merely a human decision. and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.” Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is faithful to His promises and commands. 2. Joshua son of Nun The appointed leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. The Israelites The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 4. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham as an everlasting possession. 5. Commissioning of Joshua A pivotal event where God formally appoints Joshua as the leader to succeed Moses and lead the people into their inheritance. Teaching Points Divine CommissioningGod personally commissions leaders for His purposes. Just as Joshua was chosen and empowered, believers are called and equipped for their unique roles in God's kingdom. Strength and Courage The repeated command to be strong and courageous is a reminder that God's work often requires boldness and reliance on His strength rather than our own. God's Faithfulness The promise of God's presence with Joshua underscores His faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will be with them as they walk in obedience to His calling. Leadership Transition The transition from Moses to Joshua highlights the importance of preparing and empowering new leaders to continue God's work. Mentorship and discipleship are crucial in the body of Christ. Entering the Promised Land For the Israelites, entering the Promised Land was a fulfillment of God's promise. For believers, it symbolizes entering into the fullness of God's promises through faith and obedience. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 31:23?2. How does Deuteronomy 31:23 encourage us to be strong and courageous today? 3. What role does God's promise play in Joshua's leadership in Deuteronomy 31:23? 4. How can we apply God's command to Joshua in our daily challenges? 5. What other Bible verses emphasize strength and courage in God's service? 6. How does God's presence in Deuteronomy 31:23 reassure us in difficult tasks? 7. How does Deuteronomy 31:23 emphasize God's promise and presence in leadership transitions? 8. What historical context surrounds the command given in Deuteronomy 31:23? 9. How does Deuteronomy 31:23 relate to the theme of courage in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 31? 11. If Moses wrote the Torah, why are there anachronisms such as references to kings in Genesis? 12. What does the Bible mention about hornets? 13. Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)? 14. What does 'We will serve the Lord' mean? What Does Deuteronomy 31:23 Mean Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun• Commissioning is God’s public transfer of leadership; Moses obediently passes the baton (Deuteronomy 31:14, Numbers 27:18–23). • Joshua’s authority rests not in personal ambition but in a divine mandate. Just as “Moses laid his hands on him” (Deuteronomy 34:9), the Lord Himself now speaks, underscoring that the assignment comes from heaven, not from human preference. • Every believer’s calling echoes this pattern: God initiates, equips, and confirms (Ephesians 2:10). Be strong and courageous • The phrase reappears often—Moses to Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6), God to Joshua (Joshua 1:6–9)—because courage must be continually renewed. • Strength here is moral and spiritual resolve, not mere bravado. The Lord says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that He gives “a spirit of power, love, and self-control,” enabling obedience when circumstances look daunting. • Notice the command form: courage is a choice rooted in trust, not a feeling that drifts in unbidden. for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them • God ties Joshua’s future success to His ancient oath to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). The promise is literal land, not an abstract ideal. • Joshua’s role is instrumental; the outcome is guaranteed by divine covenant (Exodus 3:8, Deuteronomy 30:20). • Assurance of completion fuels courage: when we know God’s objective cannot fail, we move forward with confidence (Philippians 1:6). and I will be with you • Presence is the bedrock of all earlier commands. As God told Moses, “My Presence will go with you” (Exodus 33:14), He now pledges the same to Joshua. • The promise echoes across Scripture—Joshua 1:5, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5—forming an unbreakable chain of divine companionship. • God’s presence means guidance, protection, and empowerment; it is the ultimate answer to fear (Psalm 23:4). summary Deuteronomy 31:23 shows God personally appointing Joshua, commanding ongoing courage, assuring fulfillment of a concrete promise, and pledging His unfailing presence. Leadership, bravery, accomplishment, and comfort all flow from the Lord’s initiative and covenant faithfulness, inviting every believer to trust and obey with the same confident expectation. (23) And he (Jehovah) gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge.--This is the first record of God's direct communion with Joshua. He was with Moses on the mount during the first forty days, and "departed not out of the Tabernacle" when they came down (Exodus 24:13; Exodus 33:11). But we have no note of any Divine communication made to Joshua apart from Moses before this. It ratifies Joshua's appointment as leader of Israel.Be strong . . .--Comp. Joshua 1:2; Joshua 1:6. Verse 23. - And he gave, etc. The subject here is God, not Moses, as is evident partly from ver. 14, and partly from the expression, the land which I aware unto them; and I will be with thee (cf. Exodus 3:12).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the LORD commissionedוַיְצַ֞ו (way·ṣaw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites son בִּן־ (bin-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Nun נ֗וּן (nūn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5126: Nun -- father of Joshua and said, וַיֹּאמֶר֮ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Be strong חֲזַ֣ק (ḥă·zaq) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer and courageous, וֶֽאֱמָץ֒ (we·’ĕ·māṣ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 553: To be stout, strong, bold, alert for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you אַתָּ֗ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you will bring תָּבִיא֙ (tā·ḇî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the Israelites בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son into אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the land הָאָ֖רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land I swore to give נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי (niš·ba‘·tî) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear them, לָהֶ֑ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew and I וְאָנֹכִ֖י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I will be אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה (’eh·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with you.” עִמָּֽךְ׃ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with Links Deuteronomy 31:23 NIVDeuteronomy 31:23 NLT Deuteronomy 31:23 ESV Deuteronomy 31:23 NASB Deuteronomy 31:23 KJV Deuteronomy 31:23 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 31:23 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 31:23 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 31:23 French Bible Deuteronomy 31:23 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 31:23 He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun (Deut. 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