Joshua 23:10
Joshua 23:10 in Multiple Translations
One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.
One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.
One man of you shall chase a thousand; for Jehovah your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he spake unto you.
One man of you is able to put to flight a thousand; for it is the Lord your God who is fighting for you, as he has said to you.
Just one of you can chase away a thousand enemies, for the Lord your God is fighting for you, as he promised you.
One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, he fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.
one man of you doth pursue a thousand, for Jehovah your God [is] He who is fighting for you, as He hath spoken to you;
One man of you shall chase a thousand; for it is the LORD your God who fights for you, as he spoke to you.
One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.
One of you shall chase a thousand men of the enemies: because the Lord your God himself will fight for you, as he hath promised.
Each of you will be able to cause 1,000 of them to run away, because Yahweh your God will fight for you, just like he promised to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 23:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 23:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִישׁ
אֶחָ֥ד
מִ/כֶּ֖ם
יִרְדָּף
אָ֑לֶף
כִּ֣י
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֗ם
ה֚וּא
הַ/נִּלְחָ֣ם
לָ/כֶ֔ם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
דִּבֶּ֥ר
לָ/כֶֽם
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מִ/כֶּ֖ם
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
יִרְדָּף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֗ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
ה֚וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/נִּלְחָ֣ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Art | V-Niphal
לָ/כֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לָ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 23:10
אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מִ/כֶּ֖ם
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
יִרְדָּף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/כֶ֗ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
ה֚וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/נִּלְחָ֣ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Art | V-Niphal
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
לָ/כֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לָ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Joshua 23:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 23:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 23:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 23:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 23:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
- Sermons on Joshua 23:10
Context — Joshua’s Charge to Leaders
8Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.
9The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and to this day no one can stand against you.
10One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.
11Therefore watch yourselves carefully, that you love the LORD your God. 12For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:30 | How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:8 | Five of you will pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you will pursue ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 3:22 | Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you.” |
| 4 | Exodus 14:14 | The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” |
| 5 | Psalms 35:1 | Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 20:4 | For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” |
| 7 | Romans 8:31 | What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? |
| 8 | Psalms 46:7 | The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah |
| 9 | Joshua 23:3 | “and you have seen everything that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, because it was the LORD your God who fought for you. |
| 10 | Psalms 44:4–5 | You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. |
Joshua 23:10 Summary
[This verse, Joshua 23:10, reminds us that God is our powerful Helper and Defender, and with His help, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. Just like the Israelites, we can trust that God will fight for us, as He promised in Deuteronomy 28:7. As we face our own battles and enemies, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is with us and will give us the victory, as seen in Romans 8:37. By trusting in God's power and promises, we can live with confidence and courage, just like the Israelites did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that one of us can put a thousand to flight?
This phrase, found in Joshua 23:10, means that with God's help, we can overcome great challenges and enemies, just as He promised in Deuteronomy 28:7 and Leviticus 26:8.
Is this promise only for the Israelites or is it for all believers?
While this specific promise was given to the Israelites, the principle that God fights for His people is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 46:11 and Romans 8:31, and applies to all believers who trust in Him.
How can we have confidence that God will fight for us?
We can have confidence that God will fight for us because He has made promises to His people, such as in Joshua 23:10, and has proven Himself faithful throughout history, as seen in Exodus 14:14 and Isaiah 43:2-3.
What role do we play in God fighting for us?
While God is the one who fights for us, we are called to trust in Him, obey His commands, and stand firm in our faith, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 1 Corinthians 16:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God to fight for me, and how can I trust Him to do so?
- How does the promise that God fights for us impact my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I be a witness to others of God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Joshua 23:10?
- What are some spiritual enemies or challenges that I face, and how can I apply the principle of God fighting for me to those areas?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 23:10
One man of you shall chase a thousand,.... Here Kimchi and Ben Melech observe, that the future tense is put for the past, and that the sense is, one of them had chased a thousand in their war with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 23:10
Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
He it is that fighteth for you; impute not this therefore to your own valour, as you will be apt to do, but to God’ s gracious and powerful assistance.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
Joshua 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he [it is] that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.Ver. 10. He it is that fighteth for you.] He who alone is a whole army of men, van and rear, both. He who "strengtheneth" and weakeneth "the arm" of either party, and rendereth their weapons vain or prosperous.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
(10) One man of you shall chase a thousand.—See Deuteronomy 28:7.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
Verse 10. One man of you shall chase a thousand] Do not remain inactive on the supposition that you must be much more numerous before you can drive out your enemies, for it is the Lord that shall drive out nations great and strong; and under his direction and influence one of you shall chase a thousand.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 23:10
10. One man of you] Comp. Leviticus 26:8; Judges 3:31; Judges 15:15; 2 Samuel 23:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 23:10
10. One shall chase a thousand — An enlargement of the promise in Leviticus 26:8, and nearly identical with Deuteronomy 32:30, signifying that a few shall vanquish a great multitude. See the night attack of Gideon. Judges 7:22.
Sermons on Joshua 23:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
One a Majority! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that one person with God is a majority, illustrating that divine strength can overcome any odds. He references biblical examples such as Gideon, Abram, Mos |
|
Praise by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when w |
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America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin | Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's |
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"Stronger Than he." by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that Christ, the 'Stronger than he,' empowers believers to overcome sin and Satan through the Holy Spirit. He stresses the necessity of maintaining our posi |
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Parables of Jesus - 02 Paying the Price by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parables of Jesus in Mark's Gospel, specifically the parables related to paying the price to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The firs |
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Isaiah Chapter 30 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of having a hard heart and not helping those in need. He tells a story of a brother who watched another brother drown multiple times |
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God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio |