Deuteronomy 3:22
New International Version
Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”

New Living Translation
Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the LORD your God will fight for you.’

English Standard Version
You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you.’

Berean Standard Bible
Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you.”

King James Bible
Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.

New King James Version
You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.’

New American Standard Bible
Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the One fighting for you.’

NASB 1995
‘Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.’

NASB 1977
‘Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Do not fear them, for Yahweh your God is the one fighting for you.’

Amplified Bible
Do not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who is fighting for you.’

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t be afraid of them, for the LORD your God fights for you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t be afraid of them, for the LORD your God fights for you.”

American Standard Version
Ye shall not fear them; for Jehovah your God, he it is that fighteth for you.

English Revised Version
Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't be afraid of them, because the LORD your God himself will fight for you."

Good News Translation
Don't be afraid of them, for the LORD your God will fight for you.'

International Standard Version
You are not to fear them, because the LORD your God will fight for you.'"

NET Bible
Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God will personally fight for you."

New Heart English Bible
Do not fear them, for the LORD your God himself will fight for you."

Webster's Bible Translation
Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you.”

World English Bible
You shall not fear them; for Yahweh your God himself fights for you.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
do not fear them, for your God YHWH—He is fighting for you.

Young's Literal Translation
fear them not, for Jehovah your God, He is fighting for you.

Smith's Literal Translation
Ye shall not be afraid of them, for Jehovah, your God, he shall fight for you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Fear them not: for the Lord your God will fight for you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You should not fear them. For the Lord your God will fight on your behalf.’

New American Bible
Do not fear them, for it is the LORD, your God, who will fight for you.”

New Revised Standard Version
Do not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You shall not fear them; for it is the LORD your God who is fighting for you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You shall not be afraid of them, because LORD JEHOVAH your God is The One fighting for your persons'.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Ye shall not fear them; for the LORD your God, He it is that fighteth for you.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Ye shall not be afraid of them, because the Lord our God himself shall fight for you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Land Division East of the Jordan
21And at that time I commanded Joshua: “Your own eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms you are about to enter. 22Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you.”

Cross References
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

1 Samuel 17:47
And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, 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 when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

You shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.

shall not

Isaiah 43:1,2
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine…

for the Lord

Deuteronomy 1:30
The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;

Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Exodus 14:14
The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Jump to Previous
Afraid
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Afraid
Deuteronomy 3
1. The conquest of Og, king of Bashan
11. This size of his bed
12. The distribution of his lands to the two tribes and half
23. Moses prays to enter into the land
26. He is permitted to see it














Do not be afraid of them
This command is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing trust in God over fear of adversaries. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, facing formidable enemies. The phrase "do not be afraid" is a divine reassurance, echoing God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It reflects the covenant relationship where God is the protector and provider. This command is also seen in Joshua 1:9, where God encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous.

for the LORD your God Himself
This phrase underscores the personal and covenantal nature of God’s relationship with Israel. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the God of the covenant, who is faithful to His promises. The term "your God" personalizes this relationship, indicating that God is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved with His people. This reflects the theological foundation of monotheism in Israel, distinguishing their faith from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations.

will fight for you.
This assurance of divine intervention is a central theme in the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan. It highlights God's sovereignty and power, as seen in previous victories such as the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:14) and the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). The concept of God as a warrior is prevalent in the Old Testament, portraying Him as one who actively participates in the battles of His people. This foreshadows the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ, who conquers sin and death, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:57. The promise that God will fight for His people is a call to faith and reliance on divine strength rather than human might.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's message to the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are on the brink of entering Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors.

3. Canaan
The Promised Land, a place of both opportunity and challenge, inhabited by various nations that the Israelites are to conquer.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises to fight for His people.

5. The Enemies of Israel
The nations residing in Canaan, representing obstacles and fears that the Israelites must overcome.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control and fights on behalf of His people. This trust should alleviate fear and anxiety about the future.

Courage in the Face of Adversity
Believers are called to be courageous, knowing that God is with them. This courage is not based on personal strength but on God's promises.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Reflect on God's faithfulness throughout history. Just as He fought for Israel, He remains faithful to His promises today.

Spiritual Warfare
Understand that believers face spiritual battles, and God equips and fights for them. Prayer and reliance on God's Word are crucial.

Community Support
Encourage one another in faith, reminding each other of God's promises and presence in times of fear and uncertainty.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 3:22?

2. How does Deuteronomy 3:22 encourage us to trust God in our battles?

3. What does "the LORD your God Himself will fight for you" mean today?

4. How can we apply Deuteronomy 3:22 to spiritual warfare in our lives?

5. What other Bible verses emphasize God's role in fighting for His people?

6. How can Deuteronomy 3:22 strengthen our faith during personal challenges?

7. How does Deuteronomy 3:22 encourage believers to face their fears with faith in God?

8. What historical context surrounds the command in Deuteronomy 3:22?

9. How does Deuteronomy 3:22 reflect God's role as a protector in the Old Testament?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 3?

11. Is killing in war considered murder?

12. What is the origin of Friday the 13th superstition?

13. What is the biblical definition and example of faith?

14. Joshua 17:12: Why couldn't Manasseh drive out the Canaanites if God had already promised total victory?
What Does Deuteronomy 3:22 Mean
Do not be afraid of them

• Moses is speaking to Israel just after recounting victories over Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 3:1–21). “Them” points forward to the Canaanite nations still ahead.

• Fear is the reflex of looking at enemies instead of God. By commanding “Do not be afraid,” the Lord removes any option for timid retreat.

• Cross-references show this is a steady drumbeat:

– “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

– “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

– David echoes it: “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).

• The instruction is literal and present-tense; God expected Israel—and expects us—to obey it in real time, not merely see it as history.


for the LORD your God Himself

• The phrase places the focus on God’s personal involvement. He is not delegating; He is present.

• “Himself” underscores covenant intimacy: this is “your God,” the One who brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 20:2).

• Scripture keeps pairing God’s presence with courage:

– “Do not be afraid… for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).

– Jesus continues the pattern: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

• Because Scripture is accurate and literal, believers today can count on the same personal, hands-on care from the Lord.


will fight for you

• The verb is active and assuring. God is the Warrior-King stepping into the battle line.

• Israel had just witnessed this reality in the defeat of the Amorite kings (Deuteronomy 2–3). Past victories guarantee future faithfulness.

• Other passages echo the promise:

– “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).

– Jahaziel’s word to Jehoshaphat: “For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).

– Paul applies the principle spiritually: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

• Practical implications:

– We engage obediently, yet victory rests on divine action.

– Confidence replaces anxiety when we anchor in the certainty of God’s defense.


summary

Deuteronomy 3:22 compresses a full theology of courage into one sentence. We refuse fear because the living, covenant-keeping Lord personally enters every conflict on behalf of His people. Past triumphs prove His reliability, present battles reveal His nearness, and future challenges will likewise be won by His undefeated hand.

Verse 22. - The "he" here is emphatic; as God himself would fight for them, why should they be afraid?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Do not
לֹ֖א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be afraid of them,
תְִּירָא֑וּם‪‬‪‬‪‬ (tî·rā·’ūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

for
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

Himself
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will fight
הַנִּלְחָ֥ם (han·nil·ḥām)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

for you.”
ס (s)
Punctuation
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 3:22 You shall not fear them (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 3:21
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