Deuteronomy 20:3

Deuteronomy 20:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.

King James Version KJV

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

American Standard Version ASV

and shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye draw nigh this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint; fear not, nor tremble, neither be ye affrighted at them;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Give ear, O Israel: today you are going forward to the fight; let your heart be strong; do not let uncontrolled fear overcome you because of those who are against you;

Free Bible Version FBV

He is to tell them, “Listen, men of Israel! Today you are going to fight your enemies. Don't be nervous or afraid; don't be panicked or terrified by them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And shall say vnto them, Heare, O Israel: ye are come this day vnto battell against your enemies: let not your heartes faynt, neither feare, nor be amased, nor adread of them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and said unto them, Hear, Israel, ye are drawing near to-day to battle against your enemies, let not your hearts be tender, fear not, nor make haste, nor be terrified at their presence,

World English Bible WEB

and shall tell them, “Hear, Israel, you draw near today to battle against your enemies. Don’t let your heart faint! Don’t be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And shall say to them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day to battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Hear, O Israel, you join battle this day against your enemies, let not your heart be dismayed, be not afraid, do not give back, fear ye them not:

Translation for Translators T4T

He must say to them, ‘You Israeli men, listen to me! Today you are going to fight against your enemies. Do not be timid or afraid [DOU] or tremble or panic [DOU],

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 20:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אָמַ֤ר אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ שְׁמַ֣ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַתֶּ֨ם קְרֵבִ֥ים הַ/יּ֛וֹם לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה עַל אֹיְבֵי/כֶ֑ם אַל יֵרַ֣ךְ לְבַבְ/כֶ֗ם אַל תִּֽירְא֧וּ וְ/אַֽל תַּחְפְּז֛וּ וְ/אַל תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶֽם

וְ/אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

שְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אַתֶּ֨ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

קְרֵבִ֥ים qârêb H7131 approaching Adj

הַ/יּ֛וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אֹיְבֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

יֵרַ֣ךְ râkak H7401 be tender V-Qal-Juss-3ms

לְבַבְ/כֶ֗ם lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms | Suff

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תִּֽירְא֧וּ yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Juss-2mp

וְ/אַֽל ʼal H408 not Conj | Part

תַּחְפְּז֛וּ châphaz H2648 to hurry V-Qal-Juss-2mp

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 not Conj | Part

תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ ʻârats H6206 to tremble V-Qal-Juss-2mp

מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶֽם pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 20:3

וְ/אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

שְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אַתֶּ֨ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

קְרֵבִ֥ים qârêb H7131 "approaching" Adj

This Hebrew word means to approach or come near, and is used in the Bible to describe drawing near to God or a physical location. In Psalm 69:18, it describes the psalmist's desire to draw near to God.

Definition: near, approaching

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: approach, come (near, nigh), draw near. See also: Numbers 17:28; 2 Samuel 18:25; Ezekiel 45:4.

הַ/יּ֛וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֹיְבֵי/כֶ֑ם ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

יֵרַ֣ךְ râkak H7401 "be tender" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

To be tender means to be soft or weak, often describing a heart that is penitent or fearful. In the Bible, it is used to describe a person who is timid or soft-hearted. The KJV translates it as faint-hearted or soft.

Definition: 1) to be tender, be soft, be weak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be tender, be weak (of heart) 1a1a) to be timid, be fearful 1a1b) to be softened, be penitent 1a2) to be soft (of treacherous words) 1b) (Pual) to be softened 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be weak 1d) (Niphal) tender

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (be) faint(-hearted), mollify, (be, make) soft(-er), be tender. See also: Deuteronomy 20:3; Psalms 55:22; Isaiah 1:6.

לְבַבְ/כֶ֗ם lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms | Suff

The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תִּֽירְא֧וּ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Juss-2mp

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

וְ/אַֽל ʼal H408 "not" Conj | Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תַּחְפְּז֛וּ châphaz H2648 "to hurry" V-Qal-Juss-2mp

This Hebrew word means to hurry or flee in fear, like when someone is startled or alarmed. It appears in the Bible when describing people rushing away in panic. The KJV translates it as 'haste' or 'tremble'.

Definition: 1) to hurry, flee, hasten, fear, be terrified 1a) (Qal) to be in a hurry, be alarmed 1b) (Niphal) to be in a hurry

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste (away), tremble. See also: Deuteronomy 20:3; Job 40:23; Psalms 31:23.

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 "not" Conj | Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ ʻârats H6206 "to tremble" V-Qal-Juss-2mp

To tremble or dread means to feel fear or be terrified, like being in awe of something or someone, as described in various Bible stories.

Definition: 1) to tremble, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, break, be terrified, cause to tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cause to tremble, terrify 1b2) to tremble, feel dread 1b) (Niphal) to be awesome, be terrible 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard or treat with awe, regard or treat as awful 1c2) to inspire with awe, terrify

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: be affrighted (afraid, dread, feared, terrified), break, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, shake terribly. See also: Deuteronomy 1:29; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 89:8.

מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶֽם pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 20:3

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Context
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Deuteronomy 20:3 Summary
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:3
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Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:3
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Context — Laws of Warfare

1When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. 2When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,

3saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.

4For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” 5Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 13:6	So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
2	Psalms 3:6	I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.
3	Revelation 2:10	Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
4	Psalms 27:1–3	The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.
5	Joshua 23:10	One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.
6	Isaiah 8:12–13	“Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread. The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.
7	Ephesians 6:11–18	Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
8	Matthew 10:28	Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
9	Hebrews 12:12–13	Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
10	1 Timothy 6:12	Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

Deuteronomy 20:3 Summary

Deuteronomy 20:3 is a reminder that God is with us, even in the midst of challenges and battles, and that we don't have to be afraid. The priest's words to the army were meant to encourage them to trust in God's power and presence, rather than their own strength, as seen in other verses like Psalm 28:7. We can apply this message to our own lives by trusting in God's promise to be with us and help us, as encouraged in verses like Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5. By remembering God's presence and power, we can face our own 'battles' with faith and confidence, rather than fear and faintheartedness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the priest speaking to the army before battle in Deuteronomy 20:3?

The priest's words were a reminder to the army of God's presence and promise to fight for them, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:4, and to trust in His power rather than their own strength, as encouraged in Psalm 20:7.

Why are the Israelites told not to be fainthearted or afraid in Deuteronomy 20:3?

The Israelites were told not to be afraid because God was with them, and He would give them the victory, as stated in Deuteronomy 20:4, and as seen in other battles, such as the one in Exodus 14:13-14 where God fought for them against the Egyptians.

How can we apply the message of Deuteronomy 20:3 to our own lives?

We can apply this message by remembering that God is always with us, even in the midst of challenges and battles, and trusting in His power and promise to help us, as encouraged in Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 8:31.

What is the relationship between faith and fear in Deuteronomy 20:3?

In Deuteronomy 20:3, faith and fear are presented as opposites, with faith in God's power and presence being the antidote to fear, as seen also in Isaiah 12:2 and 2 Timothy 1:7.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'battles' I am facing in my life right now, and how can I trust in God's presence and power to help me?
In what ways do I struggle with fear and faintheartedness, and how can I replace these with faith and trust in God?
How can I remember and apply the promise of God's presence and help in my daily life, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 20:3 and other verses like Joshua 1:9?
What are some ways I can 'hear' and respond to God's words of encouragement and comfort, like the priest's words in Deuteronomy 20:3, in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:3

And shall say unto them, hear, O Israel,.... Exciting their attention to what he was about to say, and which, as Jarchi observes, was spoken in the holy tongue, or in the Hebrew language: you

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:3

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:3

Faint, Heb. be soft or tender. Softness or tenderness of heart towards God is commended, , but towards enemies it is condemned, here and .

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:3

Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;Ver. 4. For the Lord your God is he.] Quid metuit homo in sinu Dei positus, Deo armatus? Creatures of an inferior nature will be courageous in the presence of their masters: and shall not men, when they have God with them? Xerxes was wont to pitch his tent on high, and stand looking on his army when in fight, to encourage them. So God.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:3

(3) Let not your hearts faint, fear not.—In these words Isaiah strengthened Ahaz (Deuteronomy 7:4): “fear not, neither be faint-hearted.” Tremble.—As in the Margin, “make haste.” (Comp. 2 Samuel 4:4, and 2 Kings 7:15.) Be ye terrified.—A strong word. The idea is, “do not even be unnerved, much less alarmed, at the sight of them.”

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:3

3. fear not, etc.] neither the standing phrase of Pl. nor that of Sg.: see on Deuteronomy 1:29.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:3

	Sermon	Description
	Through the Bible - Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Deuteronomy and its three main themes: looking back at God's faithfulness, looking upwards at God's laws, and looking forward to G
	(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting the repetition of God's laws and the importance of remembering His faithfulness. It emphasizes the need to look back a
	Anything Too Hard for God by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in his sermon 'Anything Too Hard for God,' addressing the discouragement that often plagues believers when faced with over
	Moses Pointing to the Lord for Battle by Bob Hoekstra	Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of relying on the sufficiency of God in the midst of battles, using Moses as an example who pointed Israel to the Lord for battle. Despite f
	He Will Help You! by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the assurance of God's presence and help in times of weakness and struggle, encouraging believers to trust in His will and find rest in Christ.
	No Fear on the Journey by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of following Jesus wholeheartedly, even in the face of fear, trembling, and uncertainty, urging believers to trust in God's stren
	Let Compassion Swallow Your Fear by Ray Comfort	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about injuring his arm while running to the house. Despite the pain, he continued to preach the gospel with his son-in-law outsi