Old Testament
Joshua 11:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God reassures Joshua, the leader of Israel, not to fear the enemy forces they are about to face.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them. By this time tomorrow, I will deliver them all dead before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire."
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reassures Joshua, the leader of Israel, not to fear the enemy forces they are about to face. God promises that by the next day, He will defeat the enemy completely, leaving them dead before the Israelites. The instruction to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots signifies a complete victory and the removal of any future threat from these military resources. Hamstringing the horses would render them useless for battle, while burning the chariots would eliminate the enemy's means of warfare. This passage emphasizes God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people from their adversaries, encouraging them to trust in His promises and act decisively against their enemies.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 11:6 to your life
In our lives, we may face daunting challenges that cause fear and anxiety. This verse reminds us to trust in God's promises and His ability to deliver us from our troubles. We should take decisive action against our fears, knowing that God is with us and will provide victory.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 11:6 mean?
Joshua 11:6 conveys God's reassurance to Joshua, instructing him not to fear the enemy. God promises a complete victory over the enemy forces by the next day, emphasizing His power and faithfulness.
What is the significance of hamstringing horses in Joshua 11:6?
Hamstringing the horses in Joshua 11:6 symbolizes rendering the enemy's military resources ineffective. It ensures that the defeated enemy cannot regroup or pose a future threat to Israel.
What does the phrase 'burn their chariots with fire' mean in Joshua 11:6?
The instruction to 'burn their chariots with fire' signifies total destruction of the enemy's means of warfare. This act represents a decisive victory and the elimination of future military capabilities.
How can I apply Joshua 11:6 to my life?
You can apply Joshua 11:6 by trusting in God's promises during challenging times. It encourages you to confront your fears decisively, knowing that God supports you in overcoming obstacles.

The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
Unlock the full Joshua summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.