Deuteronomy 31:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068}, he it is that doth go {H1980} before {H6440} thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail {H7503} thee, neither forsake {H5800} thee: fear {H3372} not, neither be dismayed {H2865}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI - it is he who will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you, so don't be afraid or downhearted."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:8 delivers a profound divine assurance from the LORD to His people, particularly as they stand on the precipice of a momentous transition into the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, promising His active leadership, intimate presence, and absolute faithfulness, which will never falter or abandon them. Consequently, it issues a powerful imperative to release all fear and discouragement, grounding human courage firmly in the unshakeable character and reliability of God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 31:8 is situated within the final, climactic section of Moses' farewell addresses to the Israelites, immediately preceding his death and their entry into Canaan. Chapters 29-31 mark a covenant renewal and a solemn charge to the new generation. Specifically, this verse follows Moses' public commissioning of Joshua as his successor in [Deuteronomy 31:7](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Deuteronomy 31:7 - Moses Commissions Joshua"), where Moses directly encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous. The promise in verse 8, though addressed primarily to Joshua in its immediate context, serves as a foundational assurance for the entire nation as they face the daunting task of conquering the land and establishing themselves. It reinforces the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing divine initiative and faithfulness as prerequisites for their success.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are poised to cross the Jordan River, leaving behind forty years of wilderness wandering and confronting the formidable challenges of dispossessing the Canaanite nations. This was a generation that had not personally witnessed the Exodus or the giving of the Law at Sinai, but had grown up under the direct care of God in the wilderness. Moses, their revered leader and mediator of the covenant, is about to depart. The task ahead involved military conquest against seasoned, often larger, and idolatrous peoples, as well as the immense responsibility of establishing a nation under God's law. In such a volatile and uncertain environment, the promise of God's constant, active, and unfailing presence was not merely a comfort but a critical strategic and psychological necessity for a people facing overwhelming odds.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's **covenant faithfulness** (He will not fail or forsake), underscoring His unwavering commitment to His promises despite human weakness. The theme of **divine presence** is paramount, portraying God as actively "going before" His people and being "with" them, a concept central to Israel's identity as a people set apart by God (cf. [Exodus 33:14](/exodus/33-14 "Exodus 33:14 - God's Presence Will Go With You")). Furthermore, it addresses the theme of **leadership succession**, providing divine validation and empowerment for Joshua's new role, thereby ensuring continuity of God's plan. Finally, the imperative to "fear not, neither be dismayed" speaks directly to the theme of **courage and trust in God**, presenting it not as an inherent human trait, but as a direct consequence of understanding and relying on God's character and promises, particularly as seen in [Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws of Warfare").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go before (Hebrew, _halak liphnei'_):** This phrase signifies active, pioneering leadership. It's not merely that God precedes them in time, but that He actively clears the path, removes obstacles, and leads the way as a shepherd leads his flock or a general leads his army. It implies divine initiative and strategic guidance, ensuring the way is prepared for His people.
* **Fail (Hebrew, _raphah'_):** This verb means to slacken, to let go, to abandon, or to weaken. When applied to God, it emphatically denies any possibility of Him losing strength, becoming lax in His commitment, or withdrawing His support. It assures His sustained, vigorous engagement.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _azab'_):** This word carries the meaning of deserting, leaving behind, or abandoning. Its strong negative here emphasizes the absolute certainty that God will not leave His people alone, unprotected, or without His presence, even in the most challenging circumstances. It speaks to the permanence of His relationship and commitment.
* **Dismayed (Hebrew, _chathath'_):** This term describes a state of being broken, shattered, or terrified. It goes beyond simple fear to encompass a profound sense of hopelessness, despair, or utter collapse of spirit. The command "neither be dismayed" is a direct antidote to such crippling emotional and spiritual states, promising inner fortitude grounded in God's reliability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee":** This opening clause establishes God's sovereign initiative and active role as the divine leader. It emphasizes that the LORD (Yahweh), the covenant-keeping God, is not a passive observer but the one who actively leads the way, charting the course and ensuring safe passage into the unknown. This divine precedence is the foundation for all subsequent promises.
* **"he will be with thee":** This phrase directly affirms God's intimate and constant presence. It speaks to a personal, supportive, and empowering companionship. It's not just that God leads from afar, but that He is immanently present alongside His people, sharing in their journey, challenges, and triumphs. This promise of "God with us" (Immanuel) is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.
* **"he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee":** This powerful double negative provides an absolute guarantee of God's unwavering faithfulness and steadfast commitment. Using two distinct but complementary verbs, "fail" (to slacken/weaken) and "forsake" (to abandon/desert), the text eliminates any possibility of God's support diminishing or His presence being withdrawn. It underscores the permanence and reliability of His covenant love.
* **"fear not, neither be dismayed":** This is the imperative command that flows directly from the preceding divine promises. Because the LORD is the active leader, constantly present, and absolutely faithful, there is no legitimate basis for fear or despair. This command is not a mere suggestion but a logical consequence of trusting in God's character, calling His people to courageous action rooted in divine assurance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:8 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to amplify its message of divine assurance. The verse exhibits strong **Parallelism**, especially in the negative commands ("will not fail thee, neither forsake thee" and "fear not, neither be dismayed"), which reinforce the certainty of God's action and the resulting human response. The **Repetition** of "he will" ("he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee") creates a rhythmic emphasis on God's active and continuous involvement. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** structure: because God acts in certain ways (going before, being with, not failing, not forsaking), the human response should be courage (not fearing, not being dismayed). The verse also functions as a **Divine Oracle** or a **Promise Formula**, characteristic of biblical covenant language, where God's declaration serves as a binding guarantee. The structure moves from God's initiative to His sustained presence, to His unfailing commitment, culminating in the human imperative, creating a comprehensive statement of divine reliability and its call to faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:8 is a cornerstone text for understanding God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His immanent presence with His people. It establishes a theological principle that reverberates throughout the biblical narrative: God's character is steadfast, and His promises are immutable. This verse underscores that human courage and success are not predicated on inherent strength or wisdom, but on the divine initiative and sustained companionship of Yahweh. It prefigures the concept of "Immanuel" (God with us) and serves as a foundational promise upon which future generations of believers, facing their own "promised lands" and transitions, can confidently stand. It affirms that the God who leads, empowers, and sustains His people is eternally reliable, providing the ultimate antidote to fear and discouragement.

* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave or Forsake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:8 transcends its immediate historical context to offer timeless spiritual nourishment for believers navigating the uncertainties of life. In a world characterized by rapid change, economic instability, relational challenges, and personal anxieties, the assurance that "the LORD... doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee" provides an unshakeable anchor for the soul. This verse calls us to shift our focus from the daunting nature of our circumstances to the unchanging character of our God. Whether facing a new career, a significant life transition, a health crisis, or simply the daily demands of life, we are reminded that we are never alone. The same faithful God who empowered Joshua to lead a nation is present with us, actively leading, sustaining, and upholding us. This truth liberates us from the paralysis of fear and the burden of dismay, empowering us to step forward in faith, knowing that our ultimate security rests not in our abilities, but in His unfailing presence and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's active leading ("go before thee") shape your approach to new ventures or challenges in your life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently experience fear or dismay, and how can the truth of God's unfailing presence address those anxieties?**
* **Considering the phrase "he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee," what practical steps can you take to more fully trust in God's steadfast commitment during times of doubt or loneliness?**

### FAQ
**Is this promise only for leaders like Joshua, or for all believers?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 31:8 was initially given in the specific context of commissioning Joshua as Moses' successor, its theological principles extend to all believers. The promise of God's presence, leading, and unfailing faithfulness is rooted in His unchanging character, not merely in the recipient's leadership role. The New Testament explicitly affirms this broader application, as seen in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave or Forsake"), which directly quotes and applies this Deuteronomic promise to all Christians, assuring them, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Therefore, while the immediate historical context is specific, the spiritual truth is universal for all who are in covenant with God.

**How does God "go before" us today?**

Answer: Today, God continues to "go before" believers in various ways, though not always through visible, miraculous interventions as in the Exodus. He leads us primarily through His Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers us (as promised in [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). He also leads through His inspired Word, the Bible, which serves as "a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" ([Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - The Word as a Lamp")). Furthermore, God orchestrates circumstances through His divine providence, opening doors, closing others, and directing our steps in ways we may not immediately perceive ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")). Ultimately, God's going before us means He has prepared the way, knows the future, and is actively working all things together for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "one who goes before" us, not merely as a leader but as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer of Faith")). In His incarnation, Jesus is the very embodiment of "God with us" (Immanuel), as prophesied in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel") and fulfilled in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly demonstrated God's unwavering faithfulness; He did not fail in His mission, nor did the Father forsake Him in His suffering, ultimately raising Him from the dead. His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His promise to send the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) ensure His continuous, empowering presence with believers until the end of the age. Thus, the command "fear not, neither be dismayed" is fully realized in Christ, who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and promised His disciples, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). He is the living guarantee that God will never fail or forsake His people, for in Him, all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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.

Cross-References

Exodus 33:14

And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest.

Deuteronomy 31:6

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.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.