Deuteronomy 7:21

KJV

Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God [is] among you, a mighty God and terrible.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not be affrighted {H6206} at {H6440} them: for the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} is among {H7130} you, a mighty {H1419} God {H410} and terrible {H3372}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to be frightened of them, because ADONAI your God is there with you, a God great and fearsome.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not be affrighted at them; for Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a great God and a terrible.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:21 delivers a pivotal command and profound reassurance to the Israelites on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. Moses, speaking with divine authority, instructs the people to dismiss any fear or intimidation they might feel when confronting the formidable Canaanite nations. This imperative is firmly grounded in the unwavering truth of God's active, immanent presence among His chosen people, coupled with His awe-inspiring and supreme power, which establishes Him as both an invincible ally to Israel and a terrifying adversary to their enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7 is an integral part of Moses's second major discourse, delivered on the plains of Moab as Israel prepared to cross the Jordan into Canaan. This chapter specifically details the stringent covenant stipulations concerning Israel's interaction with the land's indigenous inhabitants. Following God's declaration of Israel as His chosen, holy people (Deuteronomy 7:6), Moses commands the complete destruction of seven powerful nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). This severe measure is not arbitrary but is presented as an essential safeguard against the spiritual contamination of idolatry and assimilation, which would corrupt their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh (Deuteronomy 7:3-5). Verse 21 directly addresses the natural human apprehension that such a daunting task would evoke, providing the theological antidote to potential fear by emphasizing God's character and His active presence. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 7:17-20) explicitly acknowledge the very real fear Israel might experience, comparing the Canaanites to "greater nations" and strategically reminding Israel of God's past mighty acts in Egypt as a foundational basis for their future confidence and courage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this historical juncture, the Israelites were encamped on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, poised to invade Canaan. This land was home to numerous, well-established, and militarily superior nations, including the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (Deuteronomy 7:1). These groups possessed formidable fortified cities, advanced weaponry like chariots, and a long history of warfare, making them appear insurmountable to a nomadic people recently liberated from generations of slavery. Furthermore, Canaanite culture was deeply entrenched in polytheism, fertility cults, and abhorrent practices such as child sacrifice, posing a significant spiritual and moral threat to Israel's nascent monotheistic faith and their divinely ordained covenant identity. Historically, Israel had a clear precedent for fear leading to devastating failure, most notably at Kadesh-Barnea when the ten spies' report of formidable giants and impregnable cities led to widespread panic and a subsequent forty-year delay in entering the land (Numbers 13-14). Moses's powerful exhortation in [Deuteronomy 7:21](/deuteronomy/7-21 "Deuteronomy 7:21 - Do Not Be Afraid") directly counters this historical weakness, calling for a faith-driven courage that transcends human assessment.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 7:21](/deuteronomy/7-21 "Deuteronomy 7:21 - Do Not Be Afraid") powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Central to this verse is the theme of **Divine Presence**, explicitly articulated in the phrase "for the LORD thy God is among you." This underscores God's profound immanence and active involvement in the affairs of His people, portraying Him not as a distant, detached deity but as an ever-present helper, protector, and divine warrior. This theme resonates deeply with promises found in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise of Help") and [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Be Strong and Courageous"). Another crucial theme is the **Nature of God**, described as "a mighty God and terrible." This highlights His omnipotence, His absolute sovereignty, and His transcendent power, emphasizing that His might far surpasses that of any earthly foe. The term "terrible" (in its archaic sense) points to God's awe-inspiring majesty and the profound dread He inspires in His adversaries, a concept powerfully echoed in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God as Lord of Lords"). Finally, the verse strongly promotes **Courage Born of Faith**. The direct command "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them" is an unequivocal call to trust implicitly in God's character and unwavering promises, rather than succumbing to human fear or perceived limitations. This is a recurring lesson for Israel, consistently reminding them that their strength and ultimate victory derive solely from their steadfast reliance on Yahweh, not on their own military capabilities or numerical superiority, as profoundly articulated in [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Affrighted (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_):** This primitive root signifies to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass. It denotes a deep, paralyzing fear that can lead to being terrified, dreading, or shrinking from something. In the context of Deuteronomy 7:21, it specifically refers to the kind of debilitating terror that would cause Israel to lose heart, break their resolve, or abandon their divinely appointed mission due to the overwhelming appearance or perceived strength of their enemies. The command is not against natural apprehension, but against allowing that apprehension to become a debilitating fear that undermines faith and obedience.
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be great," this word, when applied to God, carries the connotation of immense power, strength, and superiority. It speaks to His omnipotence, His infinite capacity to accomplish anything He purposes, and His supreme authority over all creation and all nations. It emphasizes that no obstacle, no matter how formidable or "great" in human estimation, can possibly stand against His limitless might.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word is derived from a primitive root meaning "to fear" or, morally, "to revere." In its archaic usage and in this biblical context, "terrible" does not imply something negative or bad, but rather "awe-inspiring," "dreadful," or "inspiring profound reverence and holy fear." When applied to God, it signifies His majestic, overwhelming power that evokes deep awe and worship in His people and terror in His adversaries. It speaks to His unapproachable holiness, His absolute sovereignty, and His capacity to execute judgment with fearful and irresistible power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not be affrighted at them":** This is a direct, imperative command from God, delivered through Moses. It confronts the natural human tendency to succumb to fear when facing numerically superior forces or seemingly insurmountable challenges. The "them" refers specifically to the seven nations listed in [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to Be Conquered"), who were described as "greater and mightier" than Israel. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine injunction against allowing paralyzing fear to take root, as it would directly undermine their faith and obedience to God's clear command to conquer the land.
* **"for the LORD thy God [is] among you":** This clause provides the foundational reason and unwavering assurance for the preceding command. The Israelites are explicitly told not to fear because their God is not distant, detached, or indifferent, but actively and intimately present in their midst. This immanent presence signifies His unwavering solidarity with them, His divine protection, and His active participation in their battles. It implies that their strength and capacity for victory are not their own, but are entirely derived from the powerful, accompanying divine presence.
* **"a mighty God and terrible":** This phrase further elaborates on the majestic and awe-inspiring nature of the God who is "among you," profoundly reinforcing the basis for Israel's courage. He is described as "mighty" (Hebrew _gâdôwl'_), signifying His immense power, His capability to overcome any opposition, and His absolute supremacy. He is also "terrible" (Hebrew _yârêʼ'_), meaning He is awe-inspiring, inspiring profound reverence and holy fear in His people, and dread in His enemies. This dual description powerfully emphasizes His absolute sovereignty and irresistible power, establishing Him as an invincible ally and a terrifying, unassailable foe to those who oppose His will. The combined attributes assure Israel that no human or spiritual power can possibly withstand Him.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as Moses directly commands Israel with the imperative, "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them." This direct address and imperative tone underscore the urgency and divine authority behind the instruction. The verse also utilizes powerful **Contrast** by juxtaposing Israel's potential human fear and perceived weakness against the immense, transcendent power and intimate presence of Yahweh. The description of God as "mighty" and "terrible" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-understandable qualities of immense power and awe to emphasize His transcendent strength in terms comprehensible to human experience. The word "terrible" itself is a prime example of **Archaism** or **Semantic Shift**, as its meaning has significantly evolved in modern English. In its original context, it evokes a sense of profound awe, majesty, and dread, highlighting God's fearsome power rather than implying anything negative about His character. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Reassurance**, providing deep comfort and unshakeable confidence by anchoring Israel's courage squarely in God's immutable character and His active, unwavering presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:21 stands as a profound theological statement regarding the character of God and the ultimate basis of human courage. It unveils God as intimately involved with His people, dismantling any notion of a distant or indifferent deity, and unequivocally underscores His absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. The command not to fear is a direct challenge to human self-reliance and a radical call to unwavering trust in divine power. It teaches a timeless truth: true security and ultimate victory are found not in meticulously assessing the strength of one's adversaries, but in recognizing and relying upon the infinite superiority of one's God. This foundational principle transcends the specific historical context of Israel's conquest, speaking powerfully to the universal human experience of facing overwhelming challenges and the profound spiritual truth that God's active presence transforms paralyzing fear into courageous faith. The "terrible" nature of God, inspiring both awe and dread, serves as an immense comfort to His people, knowing that the One who fights for them is utterly irresistible and unassailable to their foes.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Help and Uphold")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:21 offers timeless encouragement and a vital spiritual principle for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life. Just as ancient Israel faced formidable giants and seemingly insurmountable odds in their physical conquest, we too encounter various "giants" in our modern world—be they personal struggles, societal pressures, spiritual battles, or daunting circumstances that threaten to "affright" us. This verse powerfully redirects our gaze from the intimidating magnitude of our problems to the infinite magnitude of our God. It serves as a profound reminder that our true strength is not derived from our own capabilities, limited resources, or inherent courage, but from the indwelling presence and omnipotent power of the Lord our God. When fear threatens to paralyze us, the divine call is to remember who is "among you"—a God who is not only mighty to save and deliver but also "terrible" in His majesty, inspiring deep awe in His people and profound dread in their adversaries. Our faith is not ultimately in our own ability to overcome, but in His unwavering commitment, supreme power, and divine faithfulness to fight on our behalf, securing ultimate victory over every foe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that tempt you to be "affrighted" or paralyzed by fear?**
* **How does intentionally remembering God's active, immanent presence ("the LORD thy God is among you") fundamentally change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what specific ways does understanding God as "mighty and terrible" (i.e., supremely powerful, awe-inspiring, and majestic) strengthen your faith and diminish your fear?**
* **What practical, actionable steps can you take this week to intentionally focus on God's unchanging character and abiding presence when fear begins to creep into your thoughts or circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "terrible" mean in this context, given its modern usage?**

Answer: In contemporary English, "terrible" typically conveys something bad, awful, or unpleasant. However, in [Deuteronomy 7:21](/deuteronomy/7-21 "Deuteronomy 7:21 - Do Not Be Afraid") and other biblical contexts, the Hebrew word `yârêʼ` (יָרֵא), from which "terrible" is translated, carries its older, more profound meaning. It signifies "awe-inspiring," "dreadful," or "inspiring profound reverence and holy fear." It describes God's majestic, overwhelming power and unapproachable holiness, which evokes deep awe and worship from His people, and terror and dread from His enemies. This understanding is crucial for grasping the full weight of God's character as a source of both comfort and righteous judgment, as seen in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God as Lord of Lords").

**How does this verse apply to spiritual warfare today?**

Answer: [Deuteronomy 7:21](/deuteronomy/7-21 "Deuteronomy 7:21 - Do Not Be Afraid") provides a powerful and enduring principle for understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare. Just as ancient Israel faced formidable physical enemies, believers today contend with spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:12). The command "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them" directly applies to the spiritual realm, urging believers not to be intimidated or paralyzed by the schemes, power, or threats of the enemy. The profound assurance "for the LORD thy God is among you" translates in the New Covenant to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in every believer, empowering them and providing divine backing. The description of God as "a mighty God and terrible" reminds us that the One who dwells within us and fights for us is infinitely more powerful than any spiritual foe. Therefore, our victory in spiritual battles is not based on our own strength or strategies, but on the supreme authority and power of God who is with us, a truth powerfully affirmed in [1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He That is in You").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament promise that "the LORD thy God [is] among you" powerfully foreshadows the incarnation of God in Jesus, who is truly "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Through Christ, God's immanent presence is no longer confined to a tabernacle or temple, nor is it merely a spiritual force, but a tangible, personal reality in the flesh. The "mighty God and terrible" of the Old Covenant is fully revealed in Jesus, who demonstrated absolute authority and power over sickness, sin, death, and all demonic forces (Mark 1:27; [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")). The command "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them" is gloriously realized in the New Covenant through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Believers are no longer called to face spiritual enemies in their own limited strength, but are empowered by the Spirit of Christ who dwells within them (Romans 8:11). Jesus Himself conquered the ultimate enemies—sin, death, and the devil—decisively on the cross and through His glorious resurrection (Colossians 2:15; [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Conquest of Death")). Therefore, the Christian's courage is rooted not merely in a historical promise, but in the living, abiding reality of Christ's decisive victory and His continuous, empowering presence, ensuring that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

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

Joshua 3:10

And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God [is] among you, and [that] he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

Nehemiah 1:5

¶ And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

Nehemiah 9:32

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Nehemiah 4:14

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.