Old Testament
Joshua 22:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But be very careful to follow the commandment and the law that Moses, the servant of the LORD, gave you: love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, keep his commandments, hold tightly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.
Compare translations
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.
What Joshua 22:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments as given by Moses. He instructs the Israelites to love God wholeheartedly, to follow His ways, and to keep His laws. This means not just a superficial adherence but a deep, committed relationship with God. The call to 'cleave' to God suggests a strong bond, indicating that they should rely on Him and prioritize their service to Him above all else. This verse serves as a reminder that true faith involves action—loving God, walking in His ways, and serving Him with sincerity and dedication. It highlights the holistic nature of faith, encompassing heart, soul, and actions, urging the people to remain faithful and devoted to God as they continue their journey in the Promised Land.
How to apply Joshua 22:5 to your life
To apply this verse, we should evaluate our own lives and ensure we are loving God genuinely. This involves actively following His teachings, serving others, and maintaining a close relationship with Him. Regular prayer and reflection can help strengthen this bond.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 22:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 22:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 22:5 teach about obedience?
Joshua 22:5 emphasizes the importance of diligently following God's commandments and laws as given by Moses. It teaches that obedience is not just about following rules but involves a heartfelt commitment to love God, walk in His ways, and serve Him wholeheartedly. This verse encourages believers to actively engage in their faith through actions that reflect their love for God.
How can I apply the teachings of Joshua 22:5 in my daily life?
To apply Joshua 22:5, start by assessing how you express your love for God in daily actions. Make a conscious effort to follow His teachings, engage in regular prayer, and serve others selflessly. Building a strong relationship with God through worship and reflection will help you cleave to Him and live out the commandments with sincerity and dedication.
What does 'cleave unto Him' mean in Joshua 22:5?
The phrase 'cleave unto Him' in Joshua 22:5 signifies forming a strong, unwavering bond with God. It suggests that believers should rely on God for strength and guidance, prioritizing their relationship with Him above all else. This deep connection involves trust, loyalty, and a commitment to serve Him faithfully in all aspects of life.
Why is loving God important according to Joshua 22:5?
Loving God is central to Joshua 22:5 because it forms the foundation of a believer's relationship with Him. This love drives obedience to His commandments and motivates individuals to walk in His ways and serve Him wholeheartedly. It highlights that true faith is expressed through love, which leads to genuine actions that reflect God's character.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.