Bible Verse
Deuteronomy 31:6
Moses is giving his final address to Israel before his death. They're about to enter the Promised Land without him, facing formidable enemies.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
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Other Translations
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
— ESV
"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."
— KJV
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
— NLT
Understanding the Context
Book Context
Deuteronomy 31 records Moses' final encouragements to Israel and Joshua. This verse is Moses' charge to all Israel before commissioning Joshua specifically.
Historical Background
Around 1400 BC, Israel stands on the Jordan River's edge after 40 years of wilderness wandering. They face the daunting task of conquering Canaan without their long-time leader Moses.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown
"Be strong and courageous"
'Strong' (chazaq) means to prevail, be firm. 'Courageous' (amats) means bold, alert, determined. This is a command—courage is a choice empowered by God's presence, not absence of fear but faith despite fear.
"Do not be afraid or terrified because of them"
'Them' refers to the Canaanite nations with fortified cities and giant warriors. Fear and terror are natural human responses, but God commands Israel not to be controlled by these emotions because of His presence.
"for the LORD your God goes with you"
'Goes with' (halak) means accompanies, walks alongside. God doesn't send them alone but goes Himself. Present tense—He is currently going with them. The foundation for courage: God's personal presence in the battle.
"he will never leave you nor forsake you"
Double negative in Hebrew for emphasis—absolutely, under no circumstances will God abandon you. 'Leave' (raphah) means loosen grip, release. 'Forsake' (azab) means abandon, desert. God's presence is permanent and certain.
Key Themes
Applying This Verse to Your Life
- 1
Face intimidating challenges with courage rooted in God's promise to be with you.
- 2
When feeling alone or abandoned, remember God's promise: He will never leave or forsake you.
- 3
Choose courage over fear by focusing on God's presence rather than the size of obstacles.
- 4
Trust God's companionship in new seasons of life or leadership transitions.
- 5
Encourage others facing daunting tasks with this promise of God's unfailing presence.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fortified city' or 'giant' are you facing that requires courage from God's presence?
- Do you truly believe God will never leave or forsake you, even in your darkest moments?
- How does knowing God 'goes with you' change your approach to current challenges?
- When have you experienced God's faithfulness to stay with you through difficulty?
Related Scripture
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Hebrews 13:5
"God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."
Matthew 28:20
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
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