Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.Deuteronomy 31:8
What does Deuteronomy 31:8 mean?
Moses assures Joshua that the LORD Himself goes ahead of him, will be with him, and will not fail or abandon him — so there's no reason to fear or be discouraged. Courage here rests entirely on God's active presence going first.
Context
This verse is spoken directly to Joshua as Moses commissions him to lead Israel, right after Moses gives a similar charge to the whole nation (Deuteronomy 31:1-6). It's echoed again when God speaks almost identical words directly to Joshua in Joshua 1:5, reinforcing the promise across the leadership transition.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
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.
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.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Bible study
- What does it mean that God goes 'before' Joshua, rather than just alongside him?
- How does the repetition of this promise (to Israel, then to Joshua, then again in Joshua 1) affect its weight?
- Where do you need to trust that God is going ahead of you into something uncertain?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, go before me into what I'm facing. Thank You that You will not fail or forsake me — let that truth remove my fear and discouragement. Amen.
Memorize this verse
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
Who is Moses speaking to in this verse?
He's speaking directly to Joshua, commissioning him as Israel's next leader, just after giving a similar charge to the whole nation (Deuteronomy 31:1-6).
Is this promise repeated elsewhere?
Yes — God speaks almost identical words directly to Joshua in Joshua 1:5, reinforcing the same promise as Joshua begins to lead.