48 Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible repeatedly commands courage in the face of fear, opposition, and the unknown.
Bible Verses
48
carefully curated passages
How to use this page
Read each verse with its context explanation. Bookmark the ones that speak to you and return often as your situation changes.
What the Bible Says About Courage
The Bible repeatedly commands courage in the face of fear, opposition, and the unknown.
Joshua 1:9 KJV
“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.”
Context & Meaning
God's command to courage is grounded in His promised presence, wherever Joshua goes, God goes.
Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV
“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.”
Context & Meaning
Moses commands courage before battle, anchoring it in God's faithfulness rather than human strength.
Psalm 27:14 KJV
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Context & Meaning
Courage is paired with waiting on God, both are needed, and God provides the inner strength.
1 Corinthians 16:13 KJV
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”
Context & Meaning
Paul's fourfold command calls believers to active alertness, firm faith, and courageous strength.
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
“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.”
Context & Meaning
God's direct address dispels fear with five promises: presence, identity, strength, help, and upholding.
Psalm 31:24 KJV
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
Context & Meaning
Courage is the natural posture for those whose hope is placed in a faithful God.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Context & Meaning
Fear does not originate with God; He gives power, love, and self-discipline as the Christian's resources.
Acts 4:13 KJV
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
Context & Meaning
The boldness of the apostles was visibly traced to their time with Jesus, courage flows from proximity to Christ.
Proverbs 28:1 KJV
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
Context & Meaning
Righteous living produces a fearless boldness that contrasts sharply with the anxiety of guilt.
Hebrews 13:6 KJV
“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Context & Meaning
God's help removes the basis for fear of human opposition or threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about overcoming fear?
Isaiah 41:10 gives five divine promises to counter fear: God's presence, His identity as our God, His strengthening, His help, and His upholding hand.
Where does biblical courage come from?
2 Timothy 1:7 points to God as the source of power, love, and a sound mind, the antidotes to a spirit of fear.
How many times does the Bible say "fear not"?
Variations of "fear not," "be not afraid," and "do not fear" appear approximately 365 times in Scripture, once for every day of the year.
What is the difference between courage and recklessness in the Bible?
Biblical courage acts in faith within God's will; recklessness acts presumptuously without God's direction. Jesus refused to test God needlessly (Matthew 4:7).
Who is an example of courage in the Bible?
Daniel (refusing to stop praying, Daniel 6), David (facing Goliath, 1 Samuel 17), and Esther (approaching the king uninvited, Esther 4-5) all model courageous faith in God.