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 31:6KJV
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Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:6 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages the people to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid, because God Himself will go with them and will not abandon or fail them. This verse reassures the listeners that they do not face their challenges alone; God’s presence and faithfulness are promised.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to all Israel as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan, knowing he will not go with them. The people are about to face new and intimidating enemies, but Moses reminds them that the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) their God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) will personally go with them, and they can trust that He will not leave them on their own.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:6

  • The word “strong” (חָזַק, chazaq) means to be firm or resolute, not just physically strong but also steadfast in spirit. Moses is urging the people to hold fast and not waver.
  • “Courage” (אָמַץ, amats) carries the sense of being bold and determined, not shrinking back in the face of fear. This is about inner resolve.
  • “Fail” (רָפָה, raphah) literally means to let go or slacken. The assurance is that God will not let them down or leave them unsupported.
  • “Forsake” (עָזַב, azav) means to abandon or leave behind. Moses is emphasizing that God will not desert them, even when things get difficult.

Why Deuteronomy 31:6 matters

  • This verse clears up the fear that God might leave His people when things get hard; Moses directly promises that God will not fail or forsake them.
  • The emphasis on both strength and courage shows that God’s presence is meant to change how the people face their challenges, not just what happens to them.
  • In the wider passage, this is a turning point as leadership transitions from Moses to Joshua, and the people are reminded that God’s faithfulness does not depend on any one human leader.

Where else these words appear

“afraid” Hebrew H6206 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
  • Job 13:25 Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
  • Isaiah 2:21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

“courage” Hebrew H553 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • 1 Kings 12:18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
  • Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

“fail” Hebrew H7503 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 4:26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
  • 2 Samuel 4:1 And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
  • Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.