What Does the Bible Say About Courage?
What Does the Bible Say About Courage? The Bible commands courage rooted not in self-confidence but in God's presence — 'Be strong and of a good courage' because the Lord goes with you.
Key verse: Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
The Bible commands courage rooted not in self-confidence but in God's presence — 'Be strong and of a good courage' because the Lord goes with you.
The Bible commands courage rooted not in self-confidence but in God's presence — 'Be strong and of a good courage' because the Lord goes with you.
"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
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The Biblical Answer
Biblical courage is not the absence of fear but acting faithfully despite fear, grounded in God's promises. When Joshua assumed leadership after Moses' death, God told him three times to 'be strong and of a good courage' (Joshua 1:6,7,9), adding 'the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.' David told Solomon, 'Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee' (1 Chronicles 28:20). The psalmist urged, 'Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart' (Psalm 27:14). Esther risked death to save her people, resolving 'if I perish, I perish' (Esther 4:16). The apostles prayed for boldness in the face of threats (Acts 4:29). Paul wrote, 'God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind' (2 Timothy 1:7). Biblical courage flows from knowing who God is and trusting that His purposes cannot be thwarted.
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."
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Does the Bible Mean by 'Fear of the Lord'?
The fear of the Lord is not terror but reverent awe — a deep respect for God's holiness, power, and authority that is the foundation of true wisdom.
Who Was Caleb in the Bible?
Caleb was one of the twelve spies who brought a good report about the Promised Land, and at age 85 he claimed his inheritance with the same faith and vigor he had at 40.
What is the difference between faith and works?
Faith is trusting in God for salvation; works are the righteous actions that flow from genuine faith. The Bible teaches salvation by faith alone, but true faith always produces good works.
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.
Deep Dive Commentary
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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
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