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.

DEUTERONOMY 31:8KJV
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Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:8 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:8 promises that the LORD will go ahead of the people, stay with them, and never abandon or let them down, so they should not be afraid or discouraged. The verse is meant to reassure those facing an uncertain future that God’s presence and support are certain.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to Joshua and the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan without Moses. The people are about to face new challenges, and Moses wants them to know that God Himself will lead them forward, not just a human leader. The verse emphasizes God’s faithfulness and the idea that His presence removes the need for fear or anxiety.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:8

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that it is the covenant God who promises to go with them, not a distant or generic deity.
  • go (הָלַךְ, halakh): This word means "to walk" or "to go," and here it shows that God is actively leading the way, not just watching from afar.
  • before (פָּנִים, panim): Often translated "before" or "in front of," this word literally means "face." It stresses that God is personally ahead of them, clearing the way.
  • fail (רָפָה, raphah): This word means "to let go" or "to become weak." The verse promises God will not relax His grip or become unreliable.
  • forsake (עָזַב, azav): This means "to abandon" or "leave behind." God assures them He will not desert them, even in difficult times.
  • fear (יָרֵא, yare): This word covers both fear and reverence. Here, it means they do not need to be afraid of what is coming.
  • dismayed (חָתַת, chatat): This means "to be shattered" or "discouraged." The verse tells them not to lose heart or become overwhelmed.

Why Deuteronomy 31:8 matters

  • Deuteronomy 31:8 clarifies that God’s promise is not just for past generations but continues with the new leader and the people as they move forward.
  • The verse addresses the natural fear of change and the unknown, showing that God’s presence is meant to give courage, not just comfort.
  • By using strong words for "fail" and "forsake," the verse emphasizes that God’s commitment is total and unbreakable, which is a key theme in the transition from Moses to Joshua.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“dismayed” Hebrew H2865 · used in 48 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
  • Job 32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
  • Jeremiah 17:18 Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.