Joshua 22:5
New International Version
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

New Living Translation
But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”

English Standard Version
Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Berean Standard Bible
But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

King James Bible
But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

New King James Version
But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

New American Standard Bible
Only be very careful to follow the commandment and the Law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways, and keep His commandments and cling to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

NASB 1995
“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

NASB 1977
“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Only keep yourselves very carefully to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, to love Yahweh your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and cling to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Amplified Bible
Only be very careful and diligently observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD has commanded you to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul [your very life].”

Christian Standard Bible
Only carefully obey the command and instruction that Moses the LORD’s servant gave you: to love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, keep his commands, be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Only carefully obey the command and instruction that Moses the LORD’s servant gave you: to love the LORD your God, walk in all His ways, keep His commands, remain faithful to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.”

American Standard Version
Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded you, to love Jehovah your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Contemporary English Version
Moses taught you to love the LORD your God, to be faithful to him, and to worship and obey him with your whole heart and with all your strength. So be very careful to do everything Moses commanded.

English Revised Version
Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Carefully follow the commands and teachings that the LORD's servant Moses gave you. Love the LORD your God, follow his directions, and keep his commands. Be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul."

Good News Translation
Make sure you obey the law that Moses commanded you: love the LORD your God, do his will, obey his commandments, be faithful to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul."

International Standard Version
Only be very careful to keep the commands and the Law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you—that is, to love the LORD your God, to follow in all of his ways, to keep his commands, to stay close to him, and to serve him with all your heart and soul."

Majority Standard Bible
But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.?

NET Bible
But carefully obey the commands and instructions Moses the LORD's servant gave you. Love the LORD your God, follow all his instructions, obey his commands, be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and being!"

New Heart English Bible
Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Webster's Bible Translation
But take diligent heed to perform the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave to him, and to serve him with all your heart, and with all your soul.

World English Bible
Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Only, be very watchful to do the command and the Law which Moses, servant of YHWH, commanded you, to love your God YHWH, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commands, and to cleave to Him, and to serve Him, with all your heart, and with all your soul.”

Young's Literal Translation
Only, be very watchful to do the command and the law which Moses, servant of Jehovah, commanded you, to love Jehovah your God, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commands, and to cleave to Him, and to serve Him, with all your heart, and with all your soul.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Only watch greatly to do the command and the law which Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded you, to love Jehovah your God and to go in all his ways, and to watch his commands, and to cleave to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Yet so that you observe attentively, and in work fulfil the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you: that you love the Lord your God, and walk in all his ways, and keep all his commandments, and cleave to him, and serve him with all your heart, and with all your soul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And may you continue to observe attentively, and to work to fulfill, the commandment and the law that Moses, the servant of the Lord, instructed to you, so that you may love the Lord your God, and walk in all his ways, and keep all his commandments, and cling to him, and serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

New American Bible
But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses, the servant of the LORD, commanded you: love the LORD, your God, follow him in all his ways, keep his commandments, hold fast to him, and serve him with your whole heart and your whole self.”

New Revised Standard Version
Take good care to observe the commandment and instruction that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, and to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But only take diligent heed to observe the commandments and the laws which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, to keep his commandments, and to cleave to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Only be very aware and perform the commandments and the Law that Moshe the Servant of LORD JEHOVAH commanded you, to love LORD JEHOVAH your God and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave unto Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But take great heed to do the commands and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you to do; to love the Lord our God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commands, and to cleave to him, and serve him with all your mind, and with all your soul.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Eastern Tribes Return Home
4And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as He promised them, you may return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you across the Jordan. 5But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 6So Joshua blessed them and sent them on their way, and they went to their homes.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:5
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, / and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ...

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

John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.

Deuteronomy 11:13
So if you carefully obey the commandments I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,

1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,

Psalm 119:2
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.

Deuteronomy 30:16
For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess.

1 Kings 8:61
So let your heart be fully devoted to the LORD our God, as it is this day, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments.”

2 John 1:6
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

1 Samuel 12:20-24
“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. / Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. / Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. ...

Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Psalm 119:34
Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.


Treasury of Scripture

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to hold to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

take

Exodus 15:26
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

Deuteronomy 4:1,2,6,9
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you…

Deuteronomy 6:6-9,17
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: …

love

Exodus 20:6
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 6:5
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 10:12,13
And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, …

cleave

Joshua 23:8
But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.

Deuteronomy 4:4
But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.

Deuteronomy 10:20
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

serve

Joshua 24:14,15
Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD…

1 Samuel 7:3
And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 12:20,24
And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; …

Jump to Previous
Charged Cleave Commanded Commandment Commandments Diligent Heart Heed Hold Law Moses Servant Serve Soul Walk Ways
Jump to Next
Charged Cleave Commanded Commandment Commandments Diligent Heart Heed Hold Law Moses Servant Serve Soul Walk Ways
Joshua 22
1. The two tribes and a half with a blessing are sent home,
10. They build the altar of testimony in their journey
11. The Israelites are offended thereat
21. They vindicate their conduct, and give them good satisfaction














But be very careful
This phrase underscores the importance of vigilance and intentionality in spiritual matters. The Hebrew root for "careful" is "shamar," which means to guard, keep, or observe. It implies a proactive stance in maintaining one's faith and obedience. In the historical context, the Israelites were entering a new phase of life in the Promised Land, and the call to be careful was a reminder to remain steadfast in their covenant with God amidst new challenges and temptations.

to keep the commandment and the law
The "commandment and the law" refer to the Torah, the divine instructions given through Moses. The Hebrew word for "keep" is "shamar," which also means to watch over or preserve. This highlights the necessity of not just knowing God's laws but actively preserving and living by them. Historically, this was crucial for the Israelites to maintain their identity and relationship with God in a land filled with pagan influences.

that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you
Moses is referred to as "the servant of the LORD," a title of honor that signifies his role as a faithful leader and mediator between God and Israel. This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the commandments, as they were delivered through God's chosen servant. It also serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's covenant from Moses to Joshua and the people.

to love the LORD your God
The command to "love" God is central to the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and is foundational to the covenant relationship. The Hebrew word for love, "ahav," implies deep affection and commitment. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through obedience and devotion. In the scriptural context, loving God is the primary motivation for all other commandments.

to walk in all His ways
"To walk" in God's ways means to live a life that reflects His character and commandments. The Hebrew word "halak" means to go or walk, indicating a continuous, active lifestyle. This phrase calls believers to model their lives after God's righteousness and holiness, embodying His principles in every aspect of life.

to keep His commandments
Reiterating the importance of obedience, this phrase emphasizes the need to adhere to God's specific instructions. The commandments are not burdensome but are given for the well-being and flourishing of God's people. Historically, obedience to these commandments distinguished Israel from surrounding nations and was a testimony to God's wisdom and justice.

to hold fast to Him
The phrase "hold fast" comes from the Hebrew "dabaq," meaning to cling or adhere closely. It conveys a sense of loyalty and unwavering commitment. In the context of Israel's history, holding fast to God was crucial for maintaining their covenant relationship, especially when faced with external pressures and internal doubts.

and to serve Him
Service to God is an act of worship and devotion. The Hebrew word "abad" means to work or serve, indicating that serving God involves active participation in His purposes. This service is not limited to religious rituals but encompasses all aspects of life, reflecting a heart fully devoted to God.

with all your heart and with all your soul
This phrase calls for complete and undivided devotion. The "heart" (Hebrew "lev") represents the center of one's thoughts, emotions, and will, while the "soul" (Hebrew "nephesh") signifies one's entire being. Together, they emphasize total commitment to God, leaving no part of life untouched by His influence. This holistic devotion is the essence of true worship and the fulfillment of the greatest commandment.

Verse 5. - But take diligent heed. This passage is a quotation from the Book of Deuteronomy (Joshua 6:5; Joshua 10:12; Joshua 11:13, 22; 30:6, 16, 20, etc.) The expressions, as Keil well remarks, are "crowded together, so that obedience to God's commands may be the more deeply impressed on their hearts." It is worthy of remark, that while beginning with the love of God, Joshua does not end there. The best proof of love is our conduct towards the person loved. If love be genuine, it is the practical principle which produces diligent service, punctual obedience, faithful attachment, the devotion of the heart and soul. Commandment and law. The first of these words, derived from a root signifying to set up, has rather the force of what we call a positive precept, referring to single acts. The word translated law, derived from the root to cast, hence to stretch out the hand, to point out, refers rather to moral precepts. The Greek νόμος and our law are used in the same sense. Cleave unto Him. The Hebrew is stronger, cleave into Him, as though regarding not so much isolated actions as principles of life. Our life was to be "rooted and grounded," to use an apostolic phrase, in His. But the full significance of these words could not be understood till One had come who enabled us by faith to "eat His flesh and drink His blood," and so be united to Him as the branch to its root.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
רַ֣ק ׀ (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

be very
מְאֹ֗ד (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

careful
שִׁמְר֣וּ (šim·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

to observe
לַעֲשׂ֨וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

the commandment
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה (ham·miṣ·wāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4687: Commandment

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

the law
הַתּוֹרָה֮ (hat·tō·w·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

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

Moses
מֹשֶׁ֣ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

the servant
עֶֽבֶד־ (‘e·ḇeḏ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

of the LORD
יְהוָה֒ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

gave you:
צִוָּ֣ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

to love
לְ֠אַהֲבָה (lə·’a·hă·ḇāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

the LORD
יְהוָ֨ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God,
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֜ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

to walk
וְלָלֶ֧כֶת (wə·lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in all
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

His ways,
דְּרָכָ֛יו (də·rā·ḵāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to keep
וְלִשְׁמֹ֥ר (wə·liš·mōr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

His commandments,
מִצְוֺתָ֖יו (miṣ·wō·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4687: Commandment

to hold fast
וּלְדָבְקָה־ (ū·lə·ḏā·ḇə·qāh-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1692: To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit

to Him,
ב֑וֹ (ḇōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 0: 0

and to serve Him
וּלְעָבְד֕וֹ (ū·lə·‘ā·ḇə·ḏōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave

with all
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

your heart
לְבַבְכֶ֖ם (lə·ḇaḇ·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

and all
וּבְכָל־ (ū·ḇə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

your soul.?
נַפְשְׁכֶֽם׃ (nap̄·šə·ḵem)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


Links
Joshua 22:5 NIV
Joshua 22:5 NLT
Joshua 22:5 ESV
Joshua 22:5 NASB
Joshua 22:5 KJV

Joshua 22:5 BibleApps.com
Joshua 22:5 Biblia Paralela
Joshua 22:5 Chinese Bible
Joshua 22:5 French Bible
Joshua 22:5 Catholic Bible

OT History: Joshua 22:5 Only take diligent heed to do (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 22:4
Top of Page
Top of Page