Deuteronomy 20:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest calls Israel to courage, explicitly rejecting fear and trembling in battle.
The Context of Deuteronomy 20:3
The priest's encouragement to the assembled troops uses direct command language.
What Does Deuteronomy 20:3 Mean?
The priestly message directly addresses the emotional reality of combat. Four commands against fear—do not faint, do not fear, do not tremble, do not be terrified—show the depth of fear that soldiers naturally experience and its incompatibility with faith.
The repeated prohibition reveals that courage is a choice made despite fear. Soldiers are not told fear will disappear, but that they must not let it govern their actions or thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 20:3
What does Deuteronomy 20:3 mean?
The priest calls Israel to courage, explicitly rejecting fear and trembling in battle.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 20:3?
The priest's encouragement to the assembled troops uses direct command language.