Courage is a focus generator.
Courage is a focus generator and this focus is required for you to maintain your heart in faith.
Now, Courage doesn't come easily. This is what our KJV bible verses about courage will show today. But, How do you get courage?
- Prayer is needed.
- Studying the Scripture is needed.
- Believing God's word is needed.
- Faith in God is needed.
- Understanding His love is needed.
We understand from scripture, that courage is essential. It is essential to having good success. For in the scriptures God says in the book of Joshua that by having strength and courage that Joshua would keep the law and by that would make his own way successful.
Joshua 1:7-8 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Are you looking for success in life? Then you need courage in order to do what the Spirit of the Lord says you should do. So today, these Bible verses that we provide here about courage are here to inspire and give you the assurance that God is a good God, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. And that by having courage in the Word of The Lord, you can make your way successful in Jesus' Name. Enjoy the Bible verses about courage.
Scriptures About Courage For You To Read
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.
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.
Deuteronomy 31:6
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.
1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
More On Courage
Deuteronomy 31:8
And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Hebrew And Greek Word Studies Of Courage as Used In Scripture
| Hebrew/Greek Word + Transliteration + Meaning | Verse + Snippet | View / Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|
| חָזַק — chazaq — “be strong, prevail” | Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and of good courage…” | The verb chazaq conveys firm, resilient strength rooted in God rather than self. It frequently appears in covenantal contexts where God commands inner fortitude. Scholars note its emphasis on active, deliberate strengthening of one’s resolve. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament (1891) |
| אָמֵץ — amets — “be courageous, resolute” | Joshua 1:7 — “Only be strong and very courageous…” | Amets highlights inward determination and steadfastness under pressure. It pairs with chazaq to express a complete picture of biblical courage. Scholars emphasize its moral orientation—courage to obey. — C. F. Keil, Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the OT (1885) |
| לֵב — lev — “heart, inner will” | Psalm 27:14 — “He shall strengthen thy heart…” | Lev in this context refers to the inner core of volition and emotional stability. Courage flows from a heart made firm by God. Scholars see this as an internal strengthening rather than outward bravado. — Wilhelm Gesenius, Hebrew Lexicon (1847) |
| בָּטַח — batach — “trust, feel secure” | Psalm 56:3 — “In God I will trust…” | Batach expresses confidence that dispels fear. Courage grows where trust is anchored in God’s character. Scholars note its root sense of reliance and unshakable security. — James Strong, Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary (1890) |
| יָאַל — ya’al — “be willing, take initiative” | Judges 5:2 — “the people willingly offered themselves…” | Ya’al describes courageous willingness to step forward. It reflects proactive bravery rather than passive endurance. Scholars identify it in contexts of voluntary risk for God’s cause. — Samuel Rolles Driver, Notes on the Hebrew Text (1892) |
| θαρσέω — tharseō — “take courage, be confident” | John 16:33 — “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” | Tharseō conveys courage arising from Christ’s victory, not human confidence. It appears in moments of fear where divine reassurance is needed. Scholars observe that the verb imparts strength by Christ’s authoritative command. — Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
| ἰσχύω — ischyō — “be strong, have power” | Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things…” | Ischyō stresses empowered capability through divine strength. Courage manifests as the ability to endure and act under God’s enabling. Scholars view the word as pointing to God’s infused strength. — Richard C. Trench, Synonyms of the NT (1896) |
| ἀνδρίζομαι — andrizomai — “act like a man, be courageous” | 1 Corinthians 16:13 — “Quit you like men, be strong.” | Andrizomai is a call to mature, steadfast courage. It emphasizes decisive action shaped by strength of character. Scholars note it as a virtue-based exhortation rooted in faithfulness. — Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887) |
| καρδία — kardia — “heart, inner life” | Luke 12:32 — “Fear not, little flock…” | Kardia in this passage reflects the emotional center needing courage. Jesus’ reassurance removes fear at its source. Scholars highlight its frequent tie to trust and fearlessness. — B. F. Westcott, Lessons from Work (1901) |
| πλήρης παρρησίας — plērēs parrēsias — “full of boldness” | Acts 4:31 — “They spoke the word of God with boldness.” | Parrēsia signifies open, fearless speech empowered by the Spirit. Early Christians displayed courage under threat because their confidence rested in divine authority. Scholars mark it as a hallmark of apostolic witness. — Joseph H. Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
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.
Joshua 1:6
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
More On Courage
Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
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.
Biblical Scholars on Courage
| Scholar | Verse Reference | View |
|---|---|---|
| Franz Delitzsch | Joshua 1:9 | Delitzsch writes that God’s command to “be strong and of good courage” anchors Israel’s confidence not in human valor but in God’s abiding presence. Courage grows as faith perceives divine companionship. For Delitzsch, fear dissolves when the soul realizes God Himself walks with His people. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament |
| C. F. Keil | Deuteronomy 31:6 | Keil teaches that Israel’s courage arises from God’s covenant fidelity rather than natural strength. The exhortation “fear not” is rooted in Yahweh’s immutability. Courage, therefore, is obedience to the reality of God’s nearness. — C. F. Keil, Commentary on the Pentateuch |
| Matthew Henry | Psalm 27:1 | Henry explains that David’s courage flows from acknowledging the Lord as “light and salvation.” Fear loses its ground when God is seen as fortress and deliverer. True boldness is the fruit of trust. — Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible |
| John Calvin | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Calvin notes that Paul contrasts timidity with the Spirit’s imparted power. Courage is not natural but divinely conferred through the Spirit of “power, love, and sound mind.” For Calvin, spiritual fortitude is a gift enabling steadfast witness. — John Calvin, Commentaries on the Epistles to Timothy |
| Charles Hodge | 1 Corinthians 16:13 | Hodge teaches that Paul’s call to “stand fast in the faith” demands courageous perseverance amid pressure. Courage is fidelity to revealed truth. It stands firm because the gospel itself is unshakeable. — Charles Hodge, Commentary on 1 Corinthians |
| Albert Barnes | Isaiah 41:10 | Barnes stresses that courage flows from divine protection—“I am with thee.” Human frailty meets divine strength in this promise. Courage comes from the assurance that God sustains His people. — Albert Barnes, Notes on Isaiah |
| F. B. Meyer | Daniel 3:17–18 | Meyer highlights that the Hebrew youths’ courage arises from absolute surrender to God’s will. Their “but if not” reveals courage rooted in purity of devotion, not guaranteed deliverance. Faith stands fearless before fire. — F. B. Meyer, Expository Studies on Daniel |
| A. B. Davidson | Psalm 56:3–4 | Davidson states that courage arises not from absence of fear but from trust that overrides fear. The psalmist turns terror into testimony. Courage is the decision to rely on God’s word in crisis. — A. B. Davidson, The Psalms |
| Joseph Benson | Joshua 10:25 | Benson explains that Joshua’s exhortation “fear not, nor be dismayed” reveals courage as participation in God’s triumph. Confidence rests in God fighting for His people. Courage is grounded in divine warfare. — Joseph Benson, Commentary on the Old and New Testaments |
| John Lange | Psalm 31:24 | Lange notes that courage is a moral strengthening given by God to those who wait on Him. Hope animates the fainting heart. God imparts courage as believers anchor themselves in His promises. — John Peter Lange, Commentary on the Holy Scriptures |
| Basil the Great | Psalm 27:14 | Basil teaches that courage grows through waiting patiently upon God. Strength is renewed as the soul clings to divine goodness. Fear is conquered through contemplation of God’s power. — Basil of Caesarea, Homilies on the Psalms |
| John Chrysostom | Acts 4:13 | Chrysostom marvels that the apostles’ courage astonished the rulers because it came not from education but from the Spirit. Boldness is the mark of those who have been with Christ. Courage reveals divine empowerment. — John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts |
| Theodoret of Cyrus | Deuteronomy 20:1 | Theodoret teaches that courage in battle stems from God’s sovereign presence. Israel faces great armies without fear because the Lord marches ahead. Courage is imitation of divine steadfastness. — Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on Deuteronomy |
| B. F. Westcott | John 16:33 | Westcott explains that Christ’s triumph over the world is the foundation of Christian courage. Courage springs from union with the Victor. Peace and bravery flow from the same indwelling Christ. — Brooke Foss Westcott, The Gospel of John |
| Henry Alford | Philippians 1:28 | Alford states that the believers’ courage is a sign of their salvation and the adversaries’ destruction. Fearlessness reflects divine reality at work. Courage is eschatological confidence. — Henry Alford, The Greek Testament |
| R. C. Trench | Ephesians 6:10 | Trench notes that Paul’s command to “be strong in the Lord” indicates strength drawn from Christ, not oneself. Courage is the overflow of union with Him. Divine armor enables fearless standing. — Richard Chenevix Trench, New Testament Synonyms |
| Herman Bavinck | Psalm 46:2–3 | Bavinck argues that courage comes from knowing God as refuge amid cosmic upheaval. Faith interprets danger through the lens of divine sovereignty. Courage replaces fear when God’s supremacy is grasped. — Herman Bavinck, The Doctrine of God |
| J. J. Stewart Perowne | Psalm 112:7 | Perowne highlights that the righteous man’s courage comes from confidence in God, not circumstances. His heart is “fixed,” unshaken by evil tidings. Courage stems from stable trust. — J. J. Stewart Perowne, The Book of Psalms |
| Keil & Delitzsch (joint note) | Deuteronomy 31:23 | They write that God’s charge to Joshua grants courage through divine appointment and promise. Courage is receiving strength from God’s command itself. Leadership requires divinely infused boldness. — Keil & Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament |
| Walter C. Kaiser Jr. | 1 Chronicles 28:20 | Kaiser teaches that David’s words to Solomon reveal courage as confidence in God’s faithfulness to complete His work. God’s unfailing presence produces unwavering bravery. Courage is stewardship strengthened by promise. — Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Toward an Old Testament Theology |
Isaiah 41:13
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee
Deuteronomy 31:6-8
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. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Psalm 27:13-14
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Luke 12:4
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
More Scriptures On Courage
Isaiah 54:4
Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
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?
Psalm 138:3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
Philippians 1:12-14
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
More Scriptural Quotes on Courage For You
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of…
Joshua 10:8
And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.
Daniel 10:19
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Hebrews 13:5-6
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. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
Joshua 1:7
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
More Scriptural Quotes on Courage For You
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Numbers 13:20
And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Have courage. That's what we hope these verses on courage will help to give you.
Isn't it interesting that courage shows up when you're in the midst of something difficult? Courage shows up to help you to see that the circumstance doesn't have to be the end result and that with the belief and the assurance that you have on the inside, you can turn or change that wrong situation into the right situation.
God wants us as believers to have courage. We know from the book of Joshua, that God told Joshua to be very strong and courageous. The Bible also says that the righteous are as bold as a lion. And we know the Lord Jesus and the courage that He had to suffer the pain that he did on the cross and paying that price for our sins. Thank you Jesus!
God is a God of great comfort. But in the Name of Christ Jesus, we have to have courage in order for him to strengthen our hearts. The Bible says that He will strengthen our hearts.
Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
So we are to believe His Word, trust in His Word, and know that he will come through!
Thank God for the Lord Jesus Christ and the example that He set during His earthly ministry, death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. God wants us to have good courage, irrespective of what is going on around us.
Courage is A Big Part Of The Secret To Success in The Christian Life
Many times in the Word of God, you will see that God would tell a person to do something impossible. Why is it that in the New Testament, as well as the Old Testament, that we would see God giving a specific task to someone to perform an impossible feat? Why does God do that?
- Why does He say that we are to be of good cheer?
- Why does He say that we are to be of good courage?
- Why does He say that perfect love casts out fear?
- Why does He say that He will be with us in times of trouble?
- Why does He say that He will never leave us nor forsake us?
- Why does He say that he gives us peace, not as the world gives peace, but He gives us His peace?
- Why does He say that in Him we have Life?
- Why does He say that in this life, we shall suffer persecution, but at the same time asks us to be courageous.
God wants us to be courageous because the courageous person will follow through with the intents of God for their lives and for the lives of others, irrespective of what he or she sees with their natural eyes.
When God called up Peter to walk on the water, Peter had to take courage. He couldn't look at the waves. If he looked at the waves, he would not have stepped out on the water but he looked at Jesus. And we see that when He lost courage, by looking at the waves and where he was, that was the time when he lost his focus.
May you never lose focus in Jesus' Name.
