Deuteronomy 31:8
New International Version
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

New Living Translation
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

English Standard Version
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Berean Standard Bible
The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

New American Standard Bible
And the LORD is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.”

NASB 1995
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

NASB 1977
“And the LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Yahweh is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Amplified Bible
It is the LORD who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

American Standard Version
And Jehovah, 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.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don't ever be afraid of your enemies.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD is the one who is going ahead of you. He will be with you. He won't abandon you or leave you. So don't be afraid or terrified."

Good News Translation
The LORD himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid."

International Standard Version
Indeed, the LORD is the one who will keep on walking in front of you. He'll be with you and won't leave you or abandon you, so never be afraid and never be dismayed."

Majority Standard Bible
The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.?

NET Bible
The LORD is indeed going before you--he will be with you; he will not fail you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged!"

New Heart English Bible
The LORD, he it is who does go before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you, neither forsake you: do not be afraid, neither be dismayed."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and YHWH [is] He who is going before you, He Himself is with you; He does not fail you nor forsake you; do not fear, nor be frightened.”

Young's Literal Translation
and Jehovah is He who is going before thee, He himself is with thee; He doth not fail thee nor forsake thee; fear not, nor be affrighted.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah he goes before thee; he shall be with thee; he will not relax thee, and he will not forsake thee; thou shalt not fear, and thou shalt not be dismayed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord who is your leader, he himself will be with thee: he will not leave thee, nor forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord, who is your commander, will himself be with you. He will neither renounce nor abandon you. Do not be afraid, and do not dread.”

New American Bible
It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.”

New Revised Standard Version
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you, nor forsake you; fear not, neither tremble, nor be dismayed.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH, He went before you and he shall be with you; He shall not leave you and he shall not forsake you; do not fear and do not tremble and do not be terrified.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord that goes with thee shall not forsake thee nor abandon thee; fear not, neither be afraid.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joshua to Succeed Moses
7Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. 8The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

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.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

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.”

Psalm 23:4
Even 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.

Isaiah 43:2
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.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

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

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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?

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

Exodus 33:14
And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD, he it is that does go before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you, neither forsake you: fear not, neither be dismayed.

he it is that

Deuteronomy 31:3
The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

Deuteronomy 9:3
Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.

Exodus 13:21,22
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: …

he will be

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.

Joshua 1:5,9
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I 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.

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Deuteronomy 31
1. Moses encourages the people
7. He encourages Joshua
9. He delivers the law unto the priests to be read in the seventh year
14. God gives a charge to Joshua
19. and a song to testify against the people
24. Moses delivers the book of the law to the Levites to keep
28. He makes a protestation














The LORD Himself goes before you;
This phrase emphasizes God's active role in leading His people. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The assurance that God goes before them recalls His guidance during the Exodus, where He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). This leadership is not just physical but also spiritual, as God prepares the way for His people, ensuring their path aligns with His divine plan. This concept is echoed in Isaiah 45:2, where God promises to go before Cyrus, making the rough places smooth.

He will be with you.
The promise of God's presence is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the presence of a deity was often associated with protection and blessing. For the Israelites, God's presence was manifested in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This assurance is foundational for the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is also a precursor to the New Testament promise of Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who promises to be with His followers always (Matthew 28:20).

He will never leave you nor forsake you.
This promise of God's unwavering faithfulness is crucial for the Israelites as they face the uncertainty of conquering new lands. Historically, this assurance is vital as they transition from the leadership of Moses to Joshua. The phrase is repeated in Joshua 1:5, reinforcing God's commitment. It also resonates in the New Testament, where Hebrews 13:5 cites this promise, encouraging believers to trust in God's constant presence and provision, regardless of circumstances.

Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Fear and discouragement are natural human responses to challenges and the unknown. In the biblical narrative, these emotions are often countered by divine reassurance. The Israelites, having experienced God's deliverance from Egypt and His provision in the wilderness, are reminded to trust in His power and promises. This exhortation is similar to God's words to Joshua (Joshua 1:9) and is a common biblical encouragement, seen in passages like Isaiah 41:10. It points to a reliance on God's strength rather than human ability, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on God (1 Peter 5:7) and find peace in Christ (John 14:27).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering his final words of encouragement and instruction to the people before his death.

2. Joshua
The appointed successor of Moses, who will lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after years of wandering in the desert.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises His presence and guidance.
Teaching Points
God's Faithful Presence
God promises to go before us, ensuring that we are never alone in our journey. His presence is a constant source of comfort and strength.

Courage in the Face of Uncertainty
The command to not be afraid or discouraged is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when facing unknown or challenging circumstances.

The Unchanging Nature of God
Just as God was with Moses and Joshua, He remains with us today. His promises are timeless and applicable to all believers.

Trust in God's Leadership
As God led the Israelites into the Promised Land, He leads us in our spiritual journey. We are called to follow His guidance with confidence.

Encouragement in Community
Moses' words were meant to encourage not just Joshua, but all the Israelites. We, too, should encourage one another with the truth of God's presence and promises.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The LORD
וַֽיהוָ֞ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

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

goes
הַהֹלֵ֣ךְ (ha·hō·lêḵ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

before you;
לְפָנֶ֗יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

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

will be
יִהְיֶ֣ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with you.
עִמָּ֔ךְ (‘im·māḵ)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

He will never
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

leave you
יַרְפְּךָ֖ (yar·pə·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7503: Sink, relax

or forsake you.
יַֽעַזְבֶ֑ךָּ (ya·‘az·ḇe·kā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

Do not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be afraid
תִירָ֖א (ṯî·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

or discouraged.”
תֵחָֽת׃ (ṯê·ḥāṯ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 31:8 Yahweh he it is who does go (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 31:7
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