Psalms 31:24

KJV

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be of good courage {H2388}, and he shall strengthen {H553} your heart {H3824}, all ye that hope {H3176} in the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be strong, and fill your hearts with courage, all of you who hope in ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.

American Standard Version

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All ye that hope in Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:24 serves as a climactic, universalizing exhortation within a psalm that transitions from profound lament to unwavering trust. It calls all who place their confident expectation in the LORD to actively embrace courage, promising that God Himself will supernaturally strengthen their inner being—their intellect, will, and emotions—enabling them to endure trials, maintain steadfastness, and face adversity with divine fortitude, knowing that true resilience is divinely supplied to those whose hope is anchored in His unfailing character and promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 31 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged psalm, traditionally attributed to David, which traverses the spectrum from intense distress to profound trust. The preceding verses detail the psalmist's severe anguish, his feeling of being forgotten, and the persecution by his enemies, as seen in his desperate cries in [Psalms 31:9-13](/psalms/31-9-13 "Psalms 31:9-13 - David's Distress and Prayer for Deliverance"). Despite this overwhelming anguish, the psalmist consistently affirms his unwavering reliance on God as his refuge and deliverer, declaring his trust from the very beginning of the psalm in [Psalms 31:1-5](/psalms/31-1-5 "Psalms 31:1-5 - David's Trust and Plea for Deliverance"). The psalm then shifts dramatically from a plea for rescue to a declaration of confidence in God's steadfast love and wondrous works for those who fear Him, culminating in a burst of praise in [Psalms 31:19-23](/psalms/31-19-23 "Psalms 31:19-23 - God's Goodness to Those Who Trust Him"). Verse 24 acts as a climactic, universalizing conclusion, transforming David's intensely personal journey of faith into a timeless, communal truth, inviting all believers to share in the courage and strength found in hoping in the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in ancient Israel, likely during a period of intense personal or national distress for David, this psalm reflects the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of a deity's role in protecting and sustaining their people. The concept of "heart" (Hebrew: _lêbâb_) in this context is crucial; it does not refer merely to the physical organ but encompasses the entire inner person—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Therefore, to "strengthen the heart" implies a comprehensive renewal and fortification of one's entire inner being. "Hope" (Hebrew: _yâchal_) in the biblical sense is not passive optimism or wishful thinking, but an active, confident expectation rooted in God's covenant faithfulness, His revealed character, and His past acts of deliverance. This hope was a vital cultural and spiritual anchor for a people often surrounded by hostile nations and facing internal challenges, providing stability and purpose in an often tumultuous world.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 31:24 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Encouragement and Empowerment**, highlighting that true courage is not self-generated but divinely imparted, a direct gift from God to His people. Secondly, it emphasizes **Hope as a Foundational Virtue**, positioning it as the prerequisite for receiving God's strength; this hope is an active, confident expectation rooted in God's character and promises, not fleeting circumstances. This resonates powerfully with the call to wait patiently on the Lord found in [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the LORD"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **God's Active Involvement in Sustaining His People**, promising that He "shall strengthen your heart," signifying His personal and comprehensive work in fortifying the inner person against adversity. This aligns with broader themes of God as a refuge and deliverer, as seen in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"). Finally, it subtly points to the **Communal Nature of Faith**, as the exhortation is directed to "all ye that hope in the LORD," extending the psalmist's personal experience into a universal truth for the entire community of faith, echoing the collective worship and reliance on God found throughout [the Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **courage (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** Derived from a primitive root, this verb means "to fasten upon," "to seize," and hence, "to be strong" or "courageous." In its imperative form, as used here, it is a direct command to be resolute, firm, and to hold fast. It implies not merely a momentary burst of bravery but a sustained, inner steadfastness and resolve in the face of daunting circumstances, an active choice to maintain one's spiritual and emotional grip.
* **strengthen (Hebrew, _ʼâmats'_):** This primitive root signifies "to be alert, physically or mentally," and "to be courageous" or "strong." When used in the Hiphil stem, as in this verse, it means "to make strong," "to strengthen," or "to encourage." It highlights God's active, causative role in imparting inner fortitude, resilience, and steadfastness to the believer, making them strong.
* **hope (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** This primitive root means "to wait," and by implication, "to be patient" or "to hope." It is far more than passive optimism or wishful thinking; it is an active, confident expectation and trust in God's character, promises, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem dire. It implies a steadfast reliance on God's future action and intervention, a patient tarrying for His deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be of good courage":** This is a direct command, an imperative call to the listener. It is not merely a suggestion but an active summons to cultivate and maintain inner strength and resolve. It implies a conscious decision to trust and stand firm, even when circumstances might tempt one to despair, requiring an intentional act of the will.
* **"and he shall strengthen your heart":** This clause presents the divine promise and consequence of the preceding command. God (the implicit "he") is the active agent who will supernaturally empower the believer's inner being. This strength is not self-generated but divinely imparted, enabling resilience, perseverance, and inner peace, fortifying the very core of one's intellect, will, and emotions.
* **"all ye that hope in the LORD":** This phrase identifies the specific audience and the essential condition for receiving the promised divine strength. The exhortation and promise are directed to those who actively and confidently place their trust and expectation in YHWH (Jehovah), the covenant God of Israel. This "hope" is the foundational disposition upon which divine courage and strength are built, distinguishing those who will receive this unique divine enablement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is the **Imperative** ("Be of good courage"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the active role and choice required of the believer. This is followed by a clear instance of **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and he shall strengthen your heart") expands upon and completes the thought of the first, revealing the divine enablement that undergirds the human command. The phrase "strengthen your heart" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "heart" (Hebrew: _lêbâb_) stands for the entire inner person—encompassing mind, will, and emotions—emphasizing a holistic, internal fortification rather than merely physical strength. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Exhortation**, serving as a climactic call to faith and endurance that summarizes the psalm's profound journey from lament to trust, providing a universal truth for the community of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:24 profoundly articulates the dynamic interplay between human responsibility and divine enablement in the life of faith. It teaches that while courage is commanded, the capacity to truly embody it is a gift from God, contingent upon active hope in Him. This hope is not a passive waiting but a confident, unwavering expectation rooted in God's character as faithful, powerful, and loving. The verse underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, promising to fortify their inner being against the onslaughts of fear, despair, and adversity. It is a testament to the truth that our ultimate strength and resilience are found not in human willpower, but in divine sustenance, freely given to those who anchor their souls in the unshakeable reality of God's presence and promises, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness.

* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")
* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and profound personal struggles, Psalms 31:24 offers a timeless and deeply comforting anchor for the soul. It reminds us that courage is not merely the absence of fear, but the active choice to trust God and move forward despite fear. This courage is not self-generated, a mere act of willpower, but supernaturally imparted by the LORD Himself to those who place their hope—their confident, active expectation and unwavering reliance—in Him. When we hope in the LORD, we are acknowledging His sovereignty, His goodness, and His unfailing faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak or overwhelming. This divine strength fortifies our "heart"—our entire inner being, encompassing our intellect, will, and emotions—enabling us to persevere through trials, maintain inner peace amidst chaos, and face the future with resilience. It is a powerful call to release our grip on self-reliance and instead lean fully into the divine power that sustains and empowers, knowing that God is actively at work on our behalf, strengthening us from within for every challenge we encounter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does biblical "hope" in the LORD differ from worldly optimism or wishful thinking, and what practical implications does this distinction have for your daily life and decision-making?**
* **In what specific area of your life—be it a current challenge, a difficult decision, or a season of prolonged waiting—do you most urgently need God to "strengthen your heart" today?**
* **What practical steps can you commit to taking this week to more intentionally cultivate a deeper, more active "hope in the LORD" as the foundational source of your courage and resilience?**

### FAQ
**Is "courage" something we generate ourselves, or is it given by God?**

Answer: Psalms 31:24 presents courage as both a command and a divine enablement, highlighting a beautiful partnership between human responsibility and divine provision. The phrase "Be of good courage" is an imperative, an active summons to the believer to make a conscious choice to be resolute and steadfast in their faith. However, the subsequent promise, "and he shall strengthen your heart," clarifies that the ultimate source and power for this courage come from God. It's not about mustering up strength from within ourselves through sheer willpower, but about actively choosing to place our hope in the LORD, thereby opening ourselves to His supernatural strengthening of our inner being. So, it's a human choice to obey the command, empowered by God's divine provision, ensuring that our courage is rooted in His unfailing strength, not our own fleeting abilities.

**What does "hope in the LORD" truly mean in this context, and how does it relate to receiving strength?**

Answer: "Hope in the LORD" (Hebrew: _yâchal l'YHWH_) in this context is far more than passive optimism or a vague wish. It signifies a confident, active expectation and steadfast trust in God's character, His promises, and His proven faithfulness, even when circumstances are bleak or challenging. It implies a patient waiting and an unwavering reliance on God's future action and intervention, a firm anchoring of one's soul in His unchanging nature. This active hope is the essential prerequisite for receiving God's strength because it demonstrates faith and dependence on Him. When we genuinely hope in the LORD, we align our will with His, acknowledge His sovereignty, and position ourselves to receive the inner fortitude He promises to impart, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord"), where those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. It is through this posture of confident expectation that God pours His empowering strength into our "heart."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied both the command to "be of good courage" and the promise of divine strengthening. He is the supreme example of one who "hoped in the LORD" amidst unimaginable suffering, enduring the cross "for the joy that was set before Him," despising its shame, as recounted in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith"). His courage in Gethsemane, facing the full weight of sin and separation from the Father, was not a mere human feat but a divine strength sustained by His perfect obedience and unwavering trust in the Father's will. For believers, Christ is not only the model but also the very source of this courage and strength. Through His atoning work on the cross, we are reconciled to God, and the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, indwells us, empowering us to live courageously in a fallen world. Our hope is no longer merely in the abstract "LORD" but specifically in the person and finished work of Jesus, our resurrected Savior and returning King, who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). It is through Christ that we "can do all things through him who strengthens" us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")), and it is God, through His Spirit, who strengthens us with power in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith ([Ephesians 3:16-17](/ephesians/3-16-17 "Ephesians 3:16-17 - Strengthened with Power Through His Spirit")). Thus, the promise of Psalms 31:24 is fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our ultimate hope and the wellspring of all true courage and strength.

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

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 146:5

¶ Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:

Isaiah 35:3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Hebrews 12:13

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.