The promise to Joshua is repeated by the use of a negative rhetorical question, “Have I not commanded you?” (Revised Standard Version). Good News Translation has transformed the difficult rhetorical question into a positive statement: Remember that I have commanded you. One may also render “Do not forget that…” or “I tell you once again: Be brave and strong!”

The two verbs of verse 6 (“be strong and be brave”) are now followed by two synonyms denoting fear: “tremble” (the Hebrew verb used only here in the book) and “be afraid.” Good News Translation represents these verbs by the adjectives afraid and discouraged. One may also translate “Do not tremble with fear” or “Do not let fear conquer you.” Idiomatic expressions may also be available in some languages.

I, the LORD your God: it should be noticed that in Hebrew the phrase is simply “the LORD your God.” Since God is the speaker, Good News Translation has used the more natural style of first person. The possessive pronoun “your” is singular, but the language seems more appropriate if Israel is being addressed, not just Joshua.

Wherever you go is the same phrase used at the end of verse 7.

The parts of this verse lend themselves to different arrangements, depending upon what is the most natural order in the receptor language. For example, “Remember that I am the LORD your God, and I have commanded you to be determined and confident! So do not be afraid or discouraged, for I am with you wherever you go.” Or, “Remember that I the LORD your God have commanded you to be determined and confident! I will be with you wherever you go, so do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .