Deuteronomy 20:3 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 20:3 mean?

Deuteronomy 20:3 records instructions given to the Israelites before going into battle, telling them not to let their hearts grow faint, not to fear, not to tremble, and not to be terrified by their enemies. The verse is a call for courage and calm, assuring the people as they face the threat of war.

In this verse, a leader (often understood as a priest) speaks to the Israelite soldiers as they prepare to fight. The speaker addresses all of Israel, reminding them that even though they are about to face their enemies in battle, they should not be overcome by fear or panic. The verse sets the tone for the following instructions about warfare and trust.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 20:3

• "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying close attention and taking the message to heart. The command calls for focused attention from the people.
• "Hearts" (לֵבָב, levav): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of emotion, thought, and will. The instruction not to let their "hearts faint" (רַךְ, rakh, from the tag faint H7401) is about inner resolve, not just outward bravery.
• "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare’), "tremble" (חָפַז, chafaz), and "terrified" (עָרַץ, ‘arats): These three words each describe different shades of fear, from anxiety to panic to being completely overwhelmed. The verse uses a series of words to cover every possible reaction of fear, emphasizing a thorough call to courage.

Why Deuteronomy 20:3 matters

• Deuteronomy 20:3 clarifies that the Israelites were not expected to rely on their own strength or numbers but were encouraged to face danger with confidence, likely because of their trust in God.
• The verse helps explain the emotional and psychological preparation for battle in ancient Israel, showing that leadership addressed the fears of ordinary people directly.
• This verse is part of a larger passage about the conduct of war, highlighting that inner attitude and morale were considered as important as strategy or weapons.