Deuteronomy 31:8
This Bible verse is a powerful and comforting verse that reminds us of God’s promise to always be with us and fight for us. It tells us that God will never leave us nor forsake us and that we should not be afraid or discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
“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.”
Parallel Translations
| Version | Text |
|---|---|
| KJV | “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 thou dismayed.” |
| NKJV | “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.” |
| CEB | “The Lord is the one who will lead you; he will be with you! He won’t leave you or abandon you. So don’t be afraid or terrified!” |
| NLT | “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.” |
| ESV | “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.” |
| WEB | “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 dismayed.” |
Summary
As Israel stood on the edge of the Promised Land, Moses reassured Joshua and the people that God Himself, not merely a human leader, would go before them. The verse promises both God’s leadership (“goes before you”) and His presence (“will be with you”). “He will never leave you nor forsake you” is covenant language: the Lord binds Himself to His people. Because God is present and faithful, Israel is commanded not to fear or be discouraged.
Immediate Context (Book + Nearby Verses)
- Setting: Deuteronomy 31 records Moses’ farewell address before his death. He is handing leadership to Joshua.
- Nearby flow (31:6–8): Moses first encourages all Israel to “be strong and courageous,” then publicly commissions Joshua with the same charge.
- Big idea: Human leadership is changing, but God’s presence and promises are not.
Key Terms / Word Study
- Goes before you — Military/processional language: God is not only behind you as support, He is in front of you as guide and defender.
- Will be with you — Covenant closeness; God is not distant oversight, but near presence.
- Never leave / forsake — Double assurance in Hebrew that God will neither abandon nor loosen His grip.
- Do not be afraid / discouraged — The command grows out of the promise. Peace isn’t based on circumstances, but on who is walking with you.
Literary Features
- Repetition: “He will… He will… He will…” builds certainty.
- Bookend structure: Promise of presence (never leave you) wraps around the command not to fear, creating an argument: Because I am with you, do not fear.
- Covenant echo: Mirrors promises given to Jacob (Genesis 28:15), to Joshua (Joshua 1:5), and later echoed to believers (Hebrews 13:5).
Promise & Condition
- Condition: Step forward in obedience without fear or paralysis.
- Promise: The Lord Himself goes ahead, remains present, and will not abandon you.
- Note: The comfort here is not “You are strong,” but “God is with you.”
Similar Verses
- Joshua 1:5 (NIV) — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) — God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
- Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
- Matthew 28:20 (NIV) — “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Cross-References
- Exodus 33:14 (NIV) — God promises Moses, “My Presence will go with you.”
- Psalm 23:4 (NIV) — Even in the darkest valley, “you are with me.”
- Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) — Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV) — Pressed and struck down, but never abandoned.
Themes & Doctrine
- God’s presence is continuous, not seasonal.
- Our courage is grounded in who walks with us, not in our own ability.
- God goes ahead to prepare what we will walk into.
Reflection & Application
- Head: Where am I expecting myself to carry something God has already promised to carry with me?
- Heart: Which change or loss in my life makes me most afraid to move forward?
- Hands: What is one step of obedience I’ve avoided because I felt alone?
Prayer for This Verse
Faithful Lord, You go before me and You stay with me. You have promised never to leave or forsake Your people. When I am afraid, quiet my fear with Your presence. When I am discouraged, steady me with Your strength. Help me move forward knowing I am never alone. Amen.
Quotes by Authors / Ministers
- Charles Spurgeon: “When God is with us, we are in the majority.”
- A.W. Tozer: “The man who has God for his friend need not fear the world.”
- Max Lucado: “You are never alone; God is with you in the middle of your storm.”
- David Jeremiah: “Courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of God.”
YouTube Sermons / Devotionals
- Deuteronomy 31:8 | God Goes Before You – Our Daily Bread Short encouragement for seasons of transition and fear.
- You Are Not Alone – Dr. Charles Stanley God’s constant presence in suffering and uncertainty.
- Do Not Be Afraid (Deut 31:8) – Elevation Devotional Modern application: courage when stepping into the unknown.
- God Will Go Before You – Jack Hibbs Encouragement to trust God’s leading in chaotic times.
- He Will Never Leave You – Greg Laurie Daily Devotion Reassurance of God’s nearness when you feel abandoned.
Voices from the Church
- Matthew Henry: “Those that follow God closely cannot be left behind; He goes before them.”
- John Calvin: “The presence of God alone should banish all fears.”
- Warren Wiersbe: “When you know God goes before you, you can face the future with confidence.”
Notes & FAQs
- Common Misreading: This verse does not promise an easy road. It promises that you will not walk the hard road alone.
- Translation Note: In Hebrew, the phrasing underscores “the LORD Himself” — personally, not through a substitute.
- Pastoral Caution: Courage in Scripture is not self-confidence. It’s God-confidence.
Resources
- Related Studies: Joshua 1:9 (Be strong and courageous), Isaiah 41:10 (Fear not), Hebrews 13:5 (Never forsaken).
- Recommended Reading: Fearless Faith – Max Lucado; Experiencing God – Henry Blackaby.
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