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    Courage & God's Faithfulness

    Deuteronomy 31:6 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)
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    Deuteronomy 31:6 — Quick Answers

    What does Deuteronomy 31:6 mean?
    Moses commands Israel to be courageous as they prepare to enter Canaan without him, and grounds their courage in God's promise: 'he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.' Their bravery is not self-confidence — it is trust that the same God who brought them out of Egypt is going ahead of them.
    Who is Deuteronomy 31:6 spoken to?
    Moses speaks first to the whole nation of Israel on the plains of Moab, then repeats the charge to Joshua personally (v.7) and again to the priests (v.8). Hebrews 13:5 lifts the same promise — 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' — and applies it to every Christian.
    What does "He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" mean?
    The Hebrew doubles the negation for emphasis: God will absolutely not let go and absolutely not abandon. The verse is one of the strongest covenant promises in the Old Testament. It is not that hardship will not come — it is that God will not leave you alone in it.
    How is Deuteronomy 31:6 used in the New Testament?
    Hebrews 13:5-6 quotes it directly to encourage believers facing financial pressure and persecution: 'Let your conversation be without covetousness… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' The promise survives every covenant change — it still belongs to Christians today.
    How do I apply Deuteronomy 31:6 today?
    Name the specific 'Canaan' you are facing — the new job, the surgery, the conversation you are dreading — and pray the verse over it: 'Lord, You go with me; You will not fail me.' Courage in the Bible is rarely the absence of fear. It is the decision to step forward because of who is with you.

    Introduction

    Deuteronomy 31:6 captures Moses' final charge to Israel as they stood on the edge of the Promised Land. After 40 years of wilderness wandering, Moses would not cross the Jordan with them. His parting words were not strategy or logistics but a command to be courageous, grounded in one unshakeable truth: God goes with you and will never fail or forsake you. This verse has carried countless believers through their own 'Jordan crossings.'

    Historical Context

    Moses was 120 years old and about to die. The Israelites were preparing to invade Canaan — a land occupied by fortified cities and powerful armies. The generation that left Egypt had perished in the wilderness due to unbelief. This new generation needed assurance that the God who parted the Red Sea and provided manna would be with them in the battles ahead. Moses' words were a transfer of confidence from human leadership to divine presence.

    Original Language Insights

    The Hebrew 'chazaq' (חָזַק) for 'strong' means to be firm, resolute, and seized with courage. 'Amats' (אָמַץ) for 'good courage' means to be bold, alert, and determined. 'Lo yarpekha' (לֹא יַרְפְּךָ) — 'will not fail thee' — literally means 'will not let go of you' or 'will not let His grip on you weaken.' 'Lo ya'azvekha' (לֹא יַעַזְבֶךָּ) — 'nor forsake thee' — means He will never abandon or desert you.

    Theological Significance

    This verse establishes a pattern repeated throughout Scripture: God commands courage because He promises presence. Biblical courage is never self-generated — it is always a response to God's faithfulness. The promise 'He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee' is quoted in Hebrews 13:5 as applicable to all believers, making it one of the most enduring promises in the Bible. It bridges covenants, generations, and circumstances.

    Practical Application

    What 'Promised Land' is God calling you to enter? What 'Jordan River' stands between you and the next step of faith? Whatever challenge you face, the same God who went before Israel goes before you. He has not failed anyone who trusted Him, and He will not start with you. Let this verse be your courage — not because the challenge isn't real, but because the God who goes with you is greater than anything that opposes you.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, I hear Your command to be strong and courageous, and I choose to obey. I will not fear what lies ahead because You go before me. You will not fail me. You will not forsake me. Your grip on me will not weaken. With that assurance, I step forward in faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    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."

    God repeating the same charge directly to Joshua, Moses' successor

    Hebrews 13:5

    "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

    The New Testament quotation applying this promise to all believers

    Isaiah 41:10

    "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God"

    God's repeated assurance of presence as the basis for courage

    Prayer Response

    Lord, I hear Your command to be strong and courageous, and I choose to obey. I will not fear what lies ahead because You go before me. You will not fail me. You will not forsake me. Your grip on me will not weaken. With that assurance, I step forward in faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who was Moses speaking to?

    Moses was addressing the entire nation of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land without him. He would die on Mount Nebo, and Joshua would lead them across the Jordan. His words were his final encouragement to the nation he had led for 40 years.

    Does this promise apply to Christians today?

    Yes. Hebrews 13:5 directly quotes this promise and applies it to all believers: 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' The principle of God's unfailing, unforsaking presence transcends the original context and belongs to every child of God.

    What does 'he will not fail thee' mean in Hebrew?

    The Hebrew literally means 'He will not let His grip on you weaken' or 'He will not let you go.' It's a picture of God holding you firmly — His commitment to you is not dependent on your grip on Him but on His grip on you.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Deuteronomy 31 verse by verse:

    After · Deuteronomy 31:8Exact verse

    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.

    Theme: God's Presence

    Nearest commentary in Deuteronomy

    Earlier · 2 ch back · Deuteronomy 29:29Nearest chapter

    The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

    Theme: Wisdom & Guidance

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Deuteronomy 30:19Nearest chapter

    I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.

    Theme: Choice and Obedience

    Later · 1 ch forward · Deuteronomy 32:4Nearest chapter

    He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

    Theme: God's Perfection

    Later · 2 ch forward · Deuteronomy 33:12Nearest chapter

    And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

    Theme: Safety & Beloved

    Later · 2 ch forward · Deuteronomy 33:27Nearest chapter

    The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

    Theme: God as Refuge

    Read Deuteronomy 30Commentary: Deuteronomy 30:19
    Read Deuteronomy 31 (full)Nearest commentary: Deuteronomy 31:8
    Read Deuteronomy 32Commentary: Deuteronomy 32:4
    Previous commentary: Deuteronomy 30:19Next commentary: Deuteronomy 31:8

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    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.

    Read answer

    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.

    Read answer

    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.

    Read answer

    How to Overcome Fear Biblically?

    Believers overcome fear by replacing it with the truth of God's presence, His promises, and His perfect love — through Scripture, prayer, and active trust.

    Read answer

    What Is the Tabernacle?

    The Tabernacle was the portable tent sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites during their wilderness journey and early settlement in Canaan.

    Read answer

    What Is the Ark of the Covenant?

    The Ark of the Covenant was a gold-covered wooden chest containing the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and manna — representing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Deuteronomy 31:6 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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."

    Deuteronomy 31:6 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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."

    Deuteronomy 31:6 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    Samson Pulls Down the Pillars

    Blind and bound, Samson prayed once more and brought the temple of Dagon down on his enemies.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army

    Elisha prays and the Syrian army is struck blind, then led into Samaria and shown mercy.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate

    Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful.

    Read the miracle

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