Short answer: Deuteronomy 31:6 urges God's people to be strong and courageous and not to fear their enemies — because the reason for their courage is God's own presence: He goes with them and will never fail or abandon them. Confidence rests not on their strength but on His unfailing companionship.
The context: Moses hands off to Joshua
Deuteronomy records Moses' final words to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. In chapter 31 Moses is 120 years old and about to die; leadership will pass to Joshua, and the people face powerful nations in Canaan. Into that uncertainty Moses speaks verse 6 to the whole nation, then repeats similar words directly to Joshua (31:7-8) and again in Joshua 1. The command to be courageous is grounded every time in the same promise — God will be with them.
What it means, phrase by phrase
The World English Bible reads: "Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you." The King James Version reads: "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not... for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
- "Be strong and courageous" — A command, but not a demand to manufacture bravery from within. The basis follows.
- "Don't be afraid or scared of them" — "Them" refers to the nations Israel would face. Fear is addressed honestly, not dismissed.
- "Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you" — The heart of the verse. God's personal presence, not superior numbers or weapons, is the reason for courage.
- "He will not fail you nor forsake you" — A double promise of constancy. God will neither let them down nor walk away.
Cross-references
- Joshua 1:9 — "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
- Hebrews 13:5 — quotes this promise: "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."
- Isaiah 41:10 — "Don't be afraid, for I am with you."
- Psalm 23:4 — "I will fear no evil, for you are with me."
- Matthew 28:20 — "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
How to apply it today
Deuteronomy 31:6 speaks to anyone facing a daunting transition or an intimidating obstacle. Notice the order: the command to be courageous rests entirely on a promise about God, not a pep talk about yourself. When you feel outmatched, the antidote is not to summon more grit but to remember who goes with you. The New Testament applies this very promise to believers (Hebrews 13:5), so its comfort is not limited to ancient Israel. God's presence is the settled ground of courage in every generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deuteronomy 31:6 a promise for Christians today? Yes. Hebrews 13:5 directly applies this promise — "I will never leave you nor forsake you" — to New Testament believers as a reason for contentment and confidence. Its assurance of God's abiding presence extends to all who belong to Him.
Does this verse promise I will never face hardship? No. Israel still had to face real enemies and difficult battles. The promise is not the absence of challenges but the presence of God through them — He will not fail or abandon His people, whatever they face.
How can I be courageous when I still feel afraid? The verse does not pretend fear away; it gives a reason bigger than the fear. Courage here means acting in trust because God is with you, even while emotions lag behind. Feeding your mind on His promises steadily grows that confidence.