King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:6 in the King James Version says “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;...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

4

And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.

5

And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.

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.

7

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

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.

Read Deuteronomy 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This exhortation contains one of Scripture's most beloved promises of divine presence and faithfulness. The command chizqu ve'imtsu (חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ, 'be strong and of good courage') combines two Hebrew verbs emphasizing inner fortitude and resolute determination. The double negative—'fear not, nor be afraid'—reinforces the command to reject anxiety. The Hebrew lo tira ve'lo ta'arots (לֹא תִירָא וְלֹא תַעֲרֹץ) literally means 'do not fear and do not be terrified.' The basis for courage is not self-confidence but divine presence: 'the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee' (YHWH Elohekha hu haholek immakh). The verb halakh (הָלַךְ, 'go') in participial form indicates continuous action—God is constantly accompanying His people. The double promise—'he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee' (lo yarphka ve'lo ya'azveka)—uses two verbs meaning 'let drop/abandon' and 'forsake/leave behind.' This assurance has echoed through redemptive history, quoted to Joshua (Joshua 1:5), referenced in Hebrews 13:5, and providing comfort to countless believers facing daunting circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses spoke these words on the plains of Moab as Israel prepared to cross the Jordan and conquer Canaan. The immediate audience faced the intimidating prospect of warfare against fortified cities and powerful nations. Moses, their leader for forty years, was about to die, leaving them to proceed under Joshua's leadership. The transition from Moses to Joshua, from wilderness wandering to military conquest, from known routines to uncertain battles—all created anxiety demanding divine reassurance. The 'them' who might inspire fear refers to the Canaanite nations listed in Deuteronomy 7:1—peoples greater and mightier than Israel by human standards. Yet God's presence transforms military odds: divine accompaniment guarantees victory. This promise was fulfilled in Joshua's conquests and has sustained God's people through subsequent generations facing their own battles and transitions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific fears or challenges in your life does God's promise of constant presence address?
  2. How does understanding that courage is rooted in God's presence rather than our own strength change how we face difficulties?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
חִזְק֣וּ1 of 17

“Be strong”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְאִמְצ֔וּ2 of 17

“and of a good courage”

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

אַל3 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּֽירְא֥וּ4 of 17

“fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאַל5 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ6 of 17

“not nor be afraid”

H6206

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

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם7 of 17

“of them”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּ֣י׀8 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֣ה9 of 17

“for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ10 of 17

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

ה֚וּא11 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַֽהֹלֵ֣ךְ12 of 17

“he it is that doth go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עִמָּ֔ךְ13 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לֹ֥א14 of 17
H3808

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

יַרְפְּךָ֖15 of 17

“with thee he will not fail”

H7503

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

וְלֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

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

יַֽעַזְבֶֽךָּ׃17 of 17

“thee nor forsake”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

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 31:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 31:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 1:9Ephesians 6:10Psalms 27:141 Chronicles 28:20Isaiah 41:10Luke 12:32

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