The Church Fathers on this verse

Joshua 1:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let not the book of this law depart from thy mouth: but thou shalt meditate on it day and night, that thou mayst observe and do all things that are written in it: then shalt thou direct thy way, and understand it.

Douay-Rheims

לֹֽא־יָמ֡וּשׁ סֵפֶר֩ הַתּוֹרָ֨ה הַזֶּ֜ה מִפִּ֗יךָ וְהָגִ֤יתָ בּוֹ֙ יוֹמָ֣ם וָלַ֔יְלָה לְמַ֙עַן֙ תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת כְּכָל־הַכָּת֖וּב בּ֑וֹ כִּי־אָ֛ז תַּצְלִ֥יחַ אֶת־דְּרָכֶ֖ךָ וְאָ֥ז תַּשְׂכִּֽיל׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Gregory the Theologian

4th centuryChurch Father

What should we reflect upon, and to what degree? We should focus on what is within our grasp, taking into account the readiness and capacity of those who listen. Just as excessive noise or rich foods can harm a person's hearing or health, so too can listeners feel overwhelmed and weakened by difficult teachings. It is important to highlight what should always be in our thoughts regarding God; let us not allow hasty individuals to challenge us on this matter. Remembering God is of utmost importance, as vital as breathing itself; without this remembrance, there is little else that should occupy our minds.

Read more (175 words)

I resonate with the instruction to meditate on His word continually (Psalms 1:2), recounting His deeds at all times of the day (Psalms 54:18), and praising the Lord on every occasion (Psalms 33:2). Furthermore, as Moses instructed, we should remember God while lying down, rising, walking, and during all aspects of life (Deuteronomy 6:7), allowing this remembrance to guide us toward purity. Thus, I do not prohibit the continuous remembrance of God, but rather the study of theology itself. Even then, it is not the act of theology that I deem ungodly, but its improper timing; it is not the teaching of doctrine that I reject, but the neglect of moderation. Just as overeating or indulging in honey, even when sweet, can lead to discomfort, everything has its appointed time (Ecclesiastes 3:1), as Solomon wisely noted. Even beautiful things lose their appeal when out of season; flowers in winter, outfits meant for one gender worn by the other, geometry lessons offered during sorrow, or tears shed at a celebration are all discordant in their timing.

Apostolic Constitutions

4th centuryChurch Father

"Be resolute and brave" Do not be like those who roam aimlessly in the streets, peering at the lives of the wicked. Instead, as you commit yourself to your work or vocation, strive to do what pleases God, and always remember the teachings of Christ, continually learning from them. The Scriptures also instruct us, "Study the law day and night, whether you are in the field or at home, going to sleep or waking up, so that you may grasp all things (Num. 1:8)." If you are wealthy and find no necessity for a trade to support yourself, do not wander or loiter; rather, seek out those who share your faith and engage in conversation, exchanging words that bring life. Otherwise, stay at home and immerse yourself in the Law, the Books of Kings, the Prophets, recite the Psalms, and diligently study the Gospel, which brings fulfillment to these Scriptures.

Pachomius the Great

4th centuryChurch Father

Stand strong and be bold. Observe how, when Joshua, the son of Nun, displayed strength and courage, the Lord placed his adversaries in his grasp. However, if you allow fear to dictate your actions, you will distance yourself from God’s commands. This fear will envelop you in garments of complacency, doubt, and disregard, leading to your downfall.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.