Deuteronomy 31:6

KJV

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 (with Strong's)

Be strong {H2388} and of a good courage {H553}, fear {H3372} not, nor be afraid {H6206} of them {H6440}: for the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, he it is that doth go {H1980} with thee; he will not fail {H7503} thee, nor forsake {H5800} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be strong, be bold, don't be afraid or frightened of them, for ADONAI your God is going with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Berean Standard Bible

Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

American Standard Version

Be 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:6 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering presence and covenant faithfulness, delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This verse serves as a powerful charge to courage and an antidote to fear, assuring both the entire nation and their new leader, Joshua, that their ultimate strength and success rest not in their own might, but in the unfailing commitment of the LORD God, who promises never to abandon or fail His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' final discourse to the nation of Israel, recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. As Moses approaches his death and the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River into Canaan, he delivers a series of exhortations, laws, and blessings. Chapter 31 specifically marks a pivotal transition, with Moses formally commissioning Joshua as his successor in the presence of all Israel. Verses 1-8 detail Moses' final words of encouragement to the people and to Joshua, emphasizing God's continued leadership and faithfulness. This particular verse, Deuteronomy 31:6, serves as a foundational promise underpinning the subsequent command to Joshua in [Deuteronomy 31:7-8](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Deuteronomy 31:7-8 - Moses Commissions Joshua"), where Moses reiterates the same message of strength and courage, assuring Joshua that the LORD will go before him. The charge here directly anticipates and sets the stage for the book of Joshua, particularly [Joshua 1:1-9](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-9 - God's Commission to Joshua"), where God Himself echoes and expands upon this very command to Joshua.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a momentous and daunting threshold. Forty years of wilderness wandering were concluding, and the formidable task of conquering Canaan lay immediately ahead. This was a land inhabited by powerful, often idolatrous, nations with fortified cities and superior military technology. The memory of their parents' failure to enter the land due to fear and unbelief ([Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment")) loomed large. Culturally, leadership transitions were critical, and the transfer of authority from a figure as monumental as Moses to Joshua would naturally induce apprehension. Moses' words were not mere platitudes but a necessary spiritual and psychological anchor for a people facing immense challenges, reminding them that their victory would not be by human might but by divine presence and power, a concept central to their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 31:6 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Presence** is central, declaring that "the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee," signifying God's active, personal, and guiding involvement in the life and endeavors of His covenant people. This presence is the basis for the theme of **Courage and Fearlessness**, as the repeated imperative "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them" directly counters the human tendency towards apprehension in the face of overwhelming odds, grounding bravery in God's faithfulness rather than human strength. Finally, the promise, "he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee," underscores the theme of **God's Unfailing Faithfulness** and covenant loyalty. This assurance that God will never abandon His people or renege on His promises, regardless of the obstacles or their own shortcomings, is a foundational truth that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative, from the covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham") to the New Covenant promises in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This verb means "to be strong, firm, resolute, to seize, to prevail." It implies not just physical strength but also moral and spiritual fortitude. When paired with "courage," it suggests a comprehensive inner resolve that enables one to stand firm and act decisively in the face of adversity. It's an active command to take hold of one's inner resources, empowered by God.
* **Courage (Hebrew, _'amats'_):** This verb means "to be strong, bold, courageous, to be alert." It often appears alongside _chazaq_ and emphasizes the inner quality of bravery and determination. It speaks to the fortitude of spirit required to face a daunting task without shrinking back. The combination of _chazaq_ and _'amats_ forms a powerful hendiadys, emphasizing the absolute necessity of both inner resolve and outward boldness.
* **Fail (Hebrew, _rapha'_):** This verb means "to let go, relax, abandon, sink down." In this context, it speaks of God never slackening His grip or weakening His resolve concerning His people. It implies a steadfastness that will not diminish or become negligent.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _'azav'_):** This verb means "to abandon, leave, desert, neglect." It conveys the idea of complete withdrawal or severance of relationship. The promise that God will not _'azav_ His people is a profound assurance of His enduring presence and covenant commitment, signifying that He will never turn away from them, even when they face their greatest challenges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be strong and of a good courage":** This is a direct, imperative command to the Israelites, and by extension, to Joshua. It is a call to inner fortitude and outer resolve, not based on self-reliance but on the subsequent promise of God's presence. It acknowledges the natural human tendency towards fear in the face of overwhelming odds and actively counters it with a divine mandate for bravery.
* **"fear not, nor be afraid of them":** This negative command reinforces the positive command to be strong and courageous. "Them" refers to the formidable inhabitants of Canaan whom Israel was about to confront. It directly addresses the apprehension and terror that could paralyze the people, assuring them that their enemies, despite their strength, are not to be feared.
* **"for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee":** This clause provides the foundational reason and ultimate source for the commands preceding it. The Israelites' strength and courage are not inherent but derived from the active, personal, and leading presence of Yahweh, their covenant God. He is not merely observing but actively accompanying them into battle and into the future.
* **"he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee":** This is a powerful double negative promise, emphasizing God's absolute and unwavering faithfulness. "Fail" implies a weakening of support or a letting go, while "forsake" implies abandonment or desertion. God guarantees that He will neither weaken His commitment nor withdraw His presence from His people, ensuring His perpetual support and loyalty.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:6 is rich in **Imperative Language**, with direct commands like "Be strong," "be of a good courage," "fear not," and "be afraid not." These imperatives emphasize the urgency and divine authority of Moses' message. The verse also employs **Repetition** and **Parallelism**, particularly in the pairing of "Be strong and of a good courage" and "fear not, nor be afraid," which creates a powerful and memorable exhortation. The negative commands "fear not, nor be afraid" serve as a **Litotes**, emphasizing the positive assurance of God's presence by negating the opposite. Furthermore, the two clauses "he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" form a strong **Merism**, encompassing the full spectrum of God's steadfast loyalty—He will neither weaken His grip nor abandon His people entirely. The entire verse functions as a **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A'): A (command to courage), B (reason for courage: God goes with you), B' (God will not fail), A' (God will not forsake), subtly reinforcing the central idea of God's unwavering presence as the basis for human courage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:6 offers a profound theological statement about the character of God and His relationship with humanity. It reveals God as eternally faithful, actively present, and the ultimate source of strength for His people. This promise is not contingent on human merit but on God's unchanging covenant loyalty. It underscores the biblical principle that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of faith in a God who promises to never leave nor abandon His own. This foundational truth about God's steadfastness is woven throughout the entire tapestry of Scripture, forming the bedrock of trust for believers across all generations.

* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Joshua")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:6 remains a timeless beacon of hope and a powerful call to faith for believers today. In a world fraught with uncertainty, personal challenges, and daunting tasks, this verse reminds us that our strength and courage are not self-generated but flow from the unfailing presence of the Almighty God. It challenges us to confront our fears, not by denying their existence, but by consciously choosing to trust in God's unwavering promise. Whether facing a new career, a difficult diagnosis, a relational struggle, or the general anxieties of life, this verse calls us to step forward with confidence, knowing that the same God who led Israel through the wilderness and into the Promised Land is actively with us, committed to our well-being, and will never abandon us. It invites us to rest in His faithfulness, allowing His presence to transform our apprehension into resolute trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "giants" or "unknown territories" are you facing in your life right now that might be causing fear or apprehension?**
* **How does the promise "the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee" change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you "be strong and of a good courage" this week, relying on God's presence rather than your own strength?**
* **How does the assurance that God "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" impact your trust in Him during times of waiting or difficulty?**

### FAQ

**What does "fail thee, nor forsake thee" mean in practical terms for believers today?**

Answer: In practical terms, "fail thee, nor forsake thee" means that God will never let go of His commitment to you, nor will He abandon you in times of need. He will not withdraw His support, His love, or His presence. This promise assures us of His constant provision, guidance, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak or when we feel alone. It means He will always uphold His covenant with us, just as He promised Israel He would lead them into the Promised Land and never leave them. This truth is powerfully echoed in the New Testament, such as in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You"), which directly quotes this promise to encourage believers to be content and free from the love of money, because God is always with them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While a direct promise to Israel under the Old Covenant, the assurance that God "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" culminates in the New Covenant through Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God's presence, for He is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). His incarnation means that God literally "went with us" into the human experience, sharing our weaknesses and trials. The ultimate demonstration of God's unfailing commitment is seen in Christ's atoning death and resurrection, where He secured eternal life and an unbreakable relationship for all who believe. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ continually fulfills the promise of divine presence, assuring His followers, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Believers are now "in Christ," a union so profound that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ([Romans 8:39](/romans/8-39 "Romans 8:39 - God's Unbreakable Love")). Thus, the courage and fearlessness commanded in Deuteronomy 31:6 are now empowered by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, who guarantees God's eternal faithfulness and presence, ensuring that He will never fail or forsake His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.