What Does the Bible Say About Courage?
What Does the Bible Say About Courage? The Bible repeatedly commands 'Be strong and of good courage'—true courage comes not from self-confidence but from trusting in God's presence and promises.
Key verse: Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
The Bible repeatedly commands 'Be strong and of good courage'—true courage comes not from self-confidence but from trusting in God's presence and promises.
The Bible repeatedly commands 'Be strong and of good courage'—true courage comes not from self-confidence but from trusting in God's presence and promises.
"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." — Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Courage is a frequent theme in Scripture, especially tied to God's promise of His presence. When Joshua assumed leadership of Israel, God told him three times to 'be strong and of a good courage' (Joshua 1:6-9), assuring him, 'The LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.' David demonstrated courage when he faced Goliath, declaring his trust in 'the LORD of hosts' (1 Samuel 17:45). Isaiah 41:10 encourages, 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.' Biblical courage is not the absence of fear but faithful action in spite of fear, grounded in the knowledge that God goes before His people.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Fear?
The Bible commands believers not to fear over 365 times and teaches that perfect love casts out fear, offering God's peace and presence as the antidote.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Courage?
Daily Living
What Is Encouragement in the Bible?
Daily Living
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 — Meaning & Devotional
Courageous Living
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Marriage & Family
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
Homeschooling Your Children
Scriptures for parents who homeschool, offering encouragement and biblical found
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Joshua. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Joshua on day 58 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Courage?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.