Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.Deuteronomy 31:6
What does Deuteronomy 31:6 mean?
Moses tells Israel to be strong, courageous, and unafraid of the nations ahead of them, because God goes with them and will not fail or abandon them. It's courage grounded specifically in God's continued presence, not in Israel's own strength.
Context
This verse is part of Moses' final address to Israel, delivered as he prepares to hand leadership to Joshua and as the people are about to cross into the land God promised them (Deuteronomy 31:1-8). Moses repeats this charge directly to Joshua as well (v.7-8), and it echoes into Joshua's own commissioning in Joshua 1:9.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Bible study
- What is the significance of Moses giving this charge just before his death and Joshua's succession?
- How does 'he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee' address the fear of entering unfamiliar, difficult territory?
- Where do you need this same reassurance of God's continued presence?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, as I face what's unfamiliar or difficult ahead, remind me that You go with me and will not forsake me. Give me courage for today. Amen.
Memorize this verse
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
When did Moses say this?
It's part of his final address to Israel, given as he prepared to hand leadership to Joshua and the people stood ready to enter the promised land (Deuteronomy 31).
How does this verse connect to Joshua 1:9?
Moses gives this same charge directly to Joshua in the verses that follow (Deuteronomy 31:7-8), and God repeats a similar charge to Joshua directly in Joshua 1:9 as he begins to lead.