Deuteronomy 31:6
What does Deuteronomy 31:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 31:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 31:6 means
Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful call to courage and trust in God’s unfailing presence. The command to "be strong and courageous" is rooted in the promise that "Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you." This divine companionship is the ultimate source of strength, assuring believers that they do not face challenges alone. The verse explicitly states that God "will not fail you nor forsake you," emphasizing His unwavering faithfulness and commitment. This provides a profound sense of security and eliminates any rational basis for fear, even in the face of daunting adversaries. The imagery is one of a divine warrior leading His people, guaranteeing victory and steadfast support.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for Jehovah thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for Jehovah thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be strong and take heart, and have no fear of them: for it is the Lord your God who is going with you; he will not take away his help from you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862be strong and courageous, fear not, nor be terrified because of them, for Jehovah thy God <FI>is<Fi> He who is going with thee; He doth not fail thee nor forsake thee.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Do manfully and be of good heart: fear not, nor be ye dismayed at their sight: for the Lord thy God he himself is thy leader, and will not leave thee nor forsake thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be strong and courageous, fear them not, neither be afraid of them; for Jehovah thyGod, he it is that goeth with thee; he will not leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Context
Immediately preceding Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses has just delivered a final address to the entire Israelite community, reaffirming the covenant and preparing them for his imminent death and Joshua’s succession as leader. This specific verse is part of Moses’s charge to the people, and particularly to Joshua, as they stand on the verge of entering the promised land. Following this verse, Moses continues to commission Joshua publicly, transferring leadership and emphasizing the same divine promise of presence and assistance. The flow of the chapter is focused on the leadership transition and the reassurance needed for the Israelites to face the conquest ahead with faith rather than fear, despite the absence of their long-standing leader.
v.5And Jehovah will deliver them up before you, and ye shall do unto them according unto all the commandment which I have commanded you.
v.6This passage
v.7And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of good courage: for thou shalt go with this people into the land which Jehovah hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
- Revelation 21:8
But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
- Psalms 27:1
Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
- Zechariah 8:13
And it shall come to pass that, as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.
- Isaiah 41:10
fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Deuteronomy 4:31
for Jehovah thy God is a merciful God; he will not fail thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
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