Courage, rooted in faith and trust in God, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The scriptures inspire believers to face challenges with bravery, knowing that the Lord is their source of strength. In this compilation, we explore 30 Bible verses about courage, each accompanied by commentary.
As readers reflect on these verses, may they find encouragement to navigate life’s uncertainties with unwavering faith, fortified by the courage that stems from a deep relationship with the Almighty.
Bible verses about courage
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV):
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Commentary: Joshua 1:9 stands as a divine command to be courageous, with the assurance of God’s abiding presence. This verse challenges believers to draw strength from God’s companionship, banishing fear and embracing courage as they navigate life’s journeys.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV):
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Commentary: Deuteronomy 31:6 reinforces the call to courage in the face of challenges, emphasizing God’s unfailing presence. This verse challenges believers to confront fear with confidence, trusting that God remains steadfast and faithful in every circumstance.
Psalm 27:1 (NKJV):
“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?”
Commentary: Psalm 27:1 intertwines the concepts of light, salvation, and strength, inspiring believers to find courage in their relationship with God. This verse challenges individuals to view God as their ultimate source of courage, dispelling fear through a profound trust in His protective and illuminating presence.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV):
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Commentary: Isaiah 41:10 echoes the theme of God’s reassuring presence and active involvement in providing strength. This verse challenges believers to relinquish fear, drawing on God’s promise to fortify and sustain them through every trial.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV):
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
Commentary: 1 Corinthians 16:13 issues a call to bravery and strength anchored in unwavering faith. This verse challenges believers to remain vigilant, resolute in their faith, and resilient in their pursuit of courage through reliance on God.
Psalm 31:24 (NKJV):
“Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.”
Commentary: Psalm 31:24 encourages believers to align their courage with hopeful trust in the Lord. This verse challenges individuals to find strength and fortitude in God, allowing courage to flourish as a natural outcome of their confident hope in Him.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV):
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Commentary: 2 Timothy 1:7 contrasts fear with the empowering attributes bestowed by God. This verse challenges believers to recognize and reject the spirit of fear, embracing God’s gift of power, love, and a sound mind as the foundation of their courage.
Psalm 23:4 (NKJV):
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Commentary: Psalm 23:4 illustrates the courage derived from the unwavering presence of God in the face of life’s darkest moments. This verse challenges believers to traverse challenges with fearless confidence, finding comfort in God’s protective guidance.
Mark 6:50 (NKJV):
“For they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.'”
Commentary: Mark 6:50 recounts Jesus’ comforting words amidst fear, inspiring courage through His reassuring presence. This verse challenges believers to heed Christ’s invitation to be of good cheer, dispelling fear with the recognition of His abiding nearness.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV):
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Commentary: Philippians 4:13 declares the limitless potential for courage through Christ’s empowering strength. This verse challenges believers to undertake every task with confidence, relying on Christ’s strengthening influence in moments of challenge.
Psalm 138:3 (NKJV):
“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.”
Commentary: Psalm 138:3 recounts the transformative effect of God’s response, infusing the soul with boldness and strength. This verse challenges believers to approach God with their cries, experiencing a courageous transformation rooted in divine intervention.
Psalm 56:3-4 (NKJV):
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”
Commentary: Psalm 56:3-4 intertwines trust with the abandonment of fear, inviting believers to find courage in their reliance on God’s faithfulness. This verse challenges individuals to anchor their trust in God, rendering fear inconsequential in the face of divine protection.
John 16:33 (NKJV):
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Commentary: John 16:33 conveys Jesus’ assurance of peace and overcoming courage amid worldly challenges. This verse challenges believers to derive courage from Christ’s victory, maintaining a spirit of good cheer despite tribulations.
Psalm 112:7 (NKJV):
“He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Commentary: Psalm 112:7 describes the unwavering courage of those who trust in the Lord, unshaken by distressing news. This verse challenges believers to cultivate a steadfast heart, rooted in trust, and impervious to fear in the face of adversity.
Romans 8:31 (NKJV):
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Commentary: Romans 8:31 emphasizes the unassailable position of those supported by God, fostering courage through divine alignment. This verse challenges believers to face challenges with confidence, secure in the knowledge that God’s favor transcends any opposition.
Psalm 112:8 (NKJV):
“His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.”
Commentary: Psalm 112:8 portrays a courage anchored in a settled heart, unyielding until victory over adversaries is achieved. This verse challenges believers to persevere in their courage, anticipating the fulfillment of their desires despite opposition.
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV):
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Commentary: Ephesians 6:10 directs believers to draw strength from the Lord’s might, fostering a courage derived from divine empowerment. This verse challenges individuals to tap into God’s limitless strength, standing firm in the face of challenges.
Psalm 118:6 (NKJV):
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Commentary: Psalm 118:6 asserts the fearlessness that arises from the awareness of God’s support, rendering human threats inconsequential. This verse challenges believers to face opposition with boldness, confident in the assurance that God stands with them.
2 Samuel 10:12 (NKJV):
“Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”
Commentary: 2 Samuel 10:12 exhorts leaders to embody courage and strength for the benefit of their people, entrusting outcomes to the Lord. This verse challenges individuals in positions of influence to lead with courage, acknowledging God’s sovereignty in their endeavors.
Psalm 16:8 (NKJV):
“I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Commentary: Psalm 16:8 depicts a courageous stance resulting from keeping the Lord in constant focus, ensuring an unshakable foundation. This verse challenges believers to maintain an unwavering resolve, grounded in the awareness of God’s presence.
Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV):
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
Commentary: Isaiah 43:1-2 offers a profound reassurance of God’s protective presence amid trials, inspiring courage through divine companionship. This verse challenges believers to confront daunting circumstances with confidence, trusting that God’s redeeming love ensures their safety.
Bible verses about courage
Psalm 138:7 (NKJV):
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Commentary: Psalm 138:7 expresses the courage found in the expectation of God’s intervention and deliverance during troubled times. This verse challenges believers to maintain resilience, anticipating God’s saving hand amidst adversity.
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NKJV):
“And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.'”
Commentary: 1 Chronicles 28:20 recounts David’s charge to Solomon, emphasizing courage grounded in the unwavering presence of God. This verse challenges individuals undertaking significant tasks to draw courage from God’s abiding support, persisting until completion.
Psalm 112:6-8 (NKJV):
“Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.”
Commentary: Psalm 112:6-8 delineates the courage of the righteous, anchored in an unshakable trust in the Lord. This verse challenges believers to emulate the steadfastness of the righteous heart, undeterred by challenges and unwavering in their confidence in God.
1 Peter 3:14 (NKJV):
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.'”
Commentary: 1 Peter 3:14 acknowledges the courage found in enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness. This verse challenges believers to embrace the blessing embedded in righteous suffering, standing firm against threats with an untroubled heart.
Psalm 23:6 (NKJV):
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”
Commentary: Psalm 23:6 concludes the iconic psalm with a vision of enduring courage and security in God’s eternal presence. This verse challenges believers to anticipate a lifetime of goodness, mercy, and unwavering courage within the shelter of the Lord’s house.
Psalm 112:1-2 (NKJV):
“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed.”
Commentary: Psalm 112:1-2 introduces the connection between the fear of the Lord and courage, promising blessings to those who find delight in His commandments. This verse challenges believers to intertwine their reverence for God with a courageous pursuit of righteousness, securing blessings for themselves and future generations.
Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV):
“So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'”
Commentary: Hebrews 13:6 declares the courage found in acknowledging the Lord as the ultimate helper, rendering human threats inconsequential. This verse challenges believers to boldly affirm their trust in God, recognizing His supreme role as a helper and source of courage.
1 Corinthians 16:14 (NKJV):
“Let all that you do be done with love.”
Commentary: 1 Corinthians 16:14 introduces love as the driving force behind courageous actions. This verse challenges believers to approach every endeavor with love, recognizing it as the foundation of enduring courage.
Romans 15:13 (NKJV):
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Commentary: Romans 15:13 envisions the courage derived from a profound sense of hope, fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. This verse challenges believers to cultivate a courageous spirit through an unwavering belief in God’s promises, allowing joy, peace, and hope to abound in their lives.
Conclusion: Bible verses about courage
These 30 Bible verses about courage, accompanied by detailed commentaries, offer a rich exploration of the scriptural teachings on fortitude and bravery.
Woven throughout the Old and New Testaments, the theme of courage emerges as a vital component of a faithful and trusting relationship with God. May readers find inspiration, empowerment, and a deepened understanding of the transformative power of courage as they engage with these verses.
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