Deuteronomy 31:6 — Be Strong and Courageous

Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV):
"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."

This verse offers a powerful reminder that we are never alone. God promises to be present and faithful in every moment of fear, challenge, or uncertainty. Deuteronomy 31:6 was first spoken to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. But the promise still speaks to us today.

The Context: Moses and the People of Israel

Moses, the leader of Israel, was about to pass leadership to Joshua. The Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River and face many battles in the land of Canaan. Moses knew the people might be afraid. So he spoke words of bold encouragement:

Be strong
Have courage
Do not fear
God is going with you

This verse was meant to calm hearts and build trust in God’s power, not in their own strength.

What It Means to "Be Strong and Courageous"

Strength and courage aren’t always about muscles or loud words. In the Bible, they come from trusting God.

Strength: Standing firm in what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Courage: Doing what God asks, even when it’s scary.

When we feel overwhelmed—by school, work, health, or family—we can remember this verse. God's presence is what gives us strength.

Supporting Scripture Verses

Verse	Text
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."
Isaiah 41:10	"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."
Psalm 27:1	"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Hebrews 13:5	"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
2 Timothy 1:7	"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Psalm 56:3-4	"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."
Romans 8:31	"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Isaiah 43:2	"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee..."

God Will Not Leave or Forsake You

This is the heart of Deuteronomy 31:6. God promises never to walk away.

“He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

God’s faithfulness isn’t based on our actions. He is steady even when we feel weak or lost. That’s what makes this promise so comforting.

Lamentations 3:22-23
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Real-Life Examples

A single mother afraid of her future can take courage from this verse.
A student facing anxiety about grades or friendships can trust God’s presence.
A soldier going into danger may find peace in these words.

This verse reminds us we don’t walk alone.

How to Live Out This Verse Daily

Practice	Description
Pray Daily	Ask God for strength and courage in your day.
Memorize the Verse	Hide God’s Word in your heart for when fear comes.
Encourage Others	Speak this promise to friends or family who are struggling.
Trust His Timing	Even in waiting seasons, God is near.
Write It Down	Place the verse on your mirror, fridge, or wall for daily encouragement.

A Verse to Hold Close

Deuteronomy 31:6 isn’t just a verse for Bible times. It’s a promise for now. No matter what lies ahead, we can walk forward—strong, brave, and sure that God goes with us.