King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:29 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:29 in the King James Version says “Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.

Deuteronomy 1:29 · KJV


Context

27

And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. discouraged: Heb. melted

29

Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.

30

The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;

31

And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' exhortation 'Dread not, neither be afraid of them' addresses both emotional (dread) and rational (fear) responses to overwhelming circumstances. The command not to fear isn't denial of danger but trust in a greater reality—God's presence and power. This principle recurs throughout Scripture: God's 'fear not' always grounds in His character and promises, not in minimizing difficulties.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses himself had overcome fear to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 3-12) and had seen God's power repeatedly demonstrated. His credibility came from experience—he spoke not theory but tested truth that God proves faithful to those who trust Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What past experiences of God's faithfulness can anchor you in current fears?
  2. How do you practically transfer focus from circumstances to God's character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וָֽאֹמַ֖ר1 of 7

Then I said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵכֶ֑ם2 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֹא3 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעַרְצ֥וּן4 of 7

unto you Dread

H6206

to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass

וְֽלֹא5 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִֽירְא֖וּן6 of 7

not neither be afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵהֶֽם׃7 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 1:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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