What Does the Bible Say About Courage? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Bible verses about courage are Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalms 27:14 and 1 Chronicles 28:20. Joshua 1:9 is the most quoted: "Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go". Deuteronomy 31:6 repeats the command with the same reason: "He will not fail you nor forsake you". Psalms 27:14 ties courage to waiting. 1 Chronicles 28:20 applies all of it to a long project. This page collects 8 Bible verses about courage with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
Joshua received the same command three times in the first chapter of his book: be strong and courageous. He was stepping into Moses' place and had every reason to tremble. Biblical courage is never the absence of fear; it is the decision to act in spite of it, resting on a promise: "Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go". David says to wait for the Lord and let your heart take courage; God takes Israel by the right hand and says "Don't be afraid. I will help you". The verses on this page are for the interview, the apology, the diagnosis, the career change, the first day — any moment when the next step weighs heavy. Read one before leaving the house and take the step with Someone going ahead.
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9Be 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.”
Deuteronomy 31:6Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.
Psalms 27:14David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed, for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of Yahweh’s house is finished.
1 Chronicles 28:20For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’
Isaiah 41:13Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.
Psalms 31:24Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
1 Corinthians 16:13Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Ephesians 6:10
Frequently asked questions
Which verse says "be strong and courageous"?
Joshua 1:9, repeating Joshua 1:6-7 and Deuteronomy 31:6. The sentence also appears in 1 Chronicles 28:20, said by David to Solomon.
Which verse gives courage for a decision?
Psalm 27:14 ("Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage") and Isaiah 41:13 ("will hold your right hand").
Is biblical courage the absence of fear?
No. It is acting despite fear, trusting in God's presence. Almost every "do not fear" in the Bible is followed by "for I am with you".
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.