Meaning of the Name Joshua
From the Hebrew name Yehoshua, meaning 'the LORD saves, the LORD is salvation'. Yeshua, the root of the name Jesus, is its shortened form — the two names carry the same meaning.
Origin
The name Joshua is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Joshua in the Bible?
Joshua is Moses' assistant and successor, leading the people across the Jordan into the promised land. The book bearing his name opens with the call 'Be strong and courageous', and the word he left his generation is famous: 'as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.'
The story of Joshua in the Bible
We first meet Joshua at Moses' side: his aide on the journey out of Egypt, the young man who would not leave the tent of meeting. He was one of the twelve sent to scout the promised land, and with Caleb he stood against the fearful majority, urging the people to trust God. That heart made him Moses' successor: at the LORD's command Moses laid his hands on him, entrusting him with leading the people into the land. The book bearing his name opens with the famous charge addressed to him: be strong and courageous, for God is with you wherever you go. Joshua led the people across the Jordan, from the fall of Jericho to the dividing of the land among the tribes. At the end of his life he gathered Israel at Shechem, set a clear choice before them, and declared his own answer: he and his household would serve the LORD. His name fits his story; Hebrew Yehoshua means 'the LORD saves,' and Yeshua, the root of the name Jesus, is its shortened form.
Is Joshua mentioned in the Quran?
The name Joshua is not mentioned by name in the Quran; Islamic tradition usually identifies Moses' unnamed young companion there with Yusha. In the Bible, Joshua is Moses' successor and the central figure of the book bearing his name, the leader who brought Israel into the promised land.
Verses where Joshua appears
- Joshua 1:9 —
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Joshua 24:15 —
If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me…
- Numbers 27:18-23 —
Yahweh said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and commission him in their sight. You shall…