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Deuteronomy 31:6 - Divine courage, eternal protection.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - דברים 31:6

Hebrew Text

חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ אַל־תִּירְאוּ וְאַל־תַּעַרְצוּ מִפְּנֵיהֶם כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ הוּא הַהֹלֵךְ עִמָּךְ לֹא יַרְפְּךָ וְלֹא יַעַזְבֶךָּ׃

English Translation

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that goes with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Transliteration

Khizku ve'imtzu al-tira'u ve'al-ta'artzu mipneihem ki Adonai Elohekha hu haholekh imakh lo yarpekha ve'lo ya'azvekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

חִזְק֣וּ וְאִמְצ֔וּ אַל־תִּֽירְא֥וּ וְאַל־תַּעַרְצ֖וּ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם כִּ֣י <b>׀</b> יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ ה֚וּא הַהֹלֵ֣ךְ עִמָּ֔ךְ לֹ֥א יַרְפְּךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א יַעַזְבֶֽךָּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
חִזְק֣וּ וְאִמְצ֔וּ אַל־תִּֽירְא֥וּ וְאַל־תַּעַרְצ֖וּ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם כִּ֣י ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ ה֚וּא הַהֹלֵ֣ךְ עִמָּ֔ךְ לֹ֥א יַרְפְּךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א יַעַזְבֶֽךָּ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 31:6, where Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) is addressing Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) under Yehoshua's (Joshua's) leadership. The people are apprehensive about the challenges ahead, and Moshe reassures them of Hashem's constant presence and support.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • Chizku v'Imtzu (Be Strong and Courageous): Rashi explains that "Chizku" refers to inner strength in Torah and mitzvot, while "Imtzu" means standing firm in battle. The dual command emphasizes both spiritual and physical resilience.
  • Al Tira'u v'Al Ta'artzu (Do Not Fear or Be Dismayed): The Sforno notes that fear weakens resolve, and Hashem’s presence eliminates the need for it. The Talmud (Berachot 60a) teaches that true bitachon (trust in Hashem) dispels fear.
  • Ki Hashem Elokecha Hu HaHolech Imach (For Hashem Your God Goes With You): Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) derives from this that a Jewish leader must recognize that victory comes from divine assistance, not military might alone.

Hashem’s Promise: "Lo Yarp'cha v'Lo Ya'azvecha"

The phrase "He will not fail you nor forsake you" is interpreted in multiple ways:

  • Ibn Ezra: "Lo Yarp'cha" means Hashem will not weaken His support, and "Lo Ya'azvecha" assures He will never abandon Israel, even in exile.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayelech 2): This promise extends to all generations—when Jews uphold the Torah, Hashem remains with them.

Practical Lessons for Today

The verse teaches that challenges—whether spiritual or national—require courage rooted in emunah (faith). The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) emphasizes that just as Bnei Yisrael needed trust during conquest, Jews in every era must rely on Hashem’s unwavering presence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 42a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the qualities of Joshua and how he was encouraged by Moses with these words.
📖 Berakhot 32b
The verse is cited in a discussion about prayer and divine support, emphasizing God's unwavering presence and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Be strong and of good courage' mean in Deuteronomy 31:6?
A: The phrase 'Be strong and of good courage' (חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ) is a command from Hashem to the Jewish people to remain steadfast in faith and trust in Him, especially when facing challenges. Rashi explains that this was said to encourage the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Land of Israel under Joshua's leadership. Strength refers to physical resilience, while courage refers to emotional and spiritual confidence in Hashem's protection.
Q: Why does the verse say 'Do not fear them'? Who is 'them' referring to?
A: The 'them' refers to the nations inhabiting the Land of Canaan that the Israelites were about to encounter. The Torah reassures the people not to fear these nations because Hashem is with them. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) teaches that a Jewish soldier going to battle must trust in Hashem and not fear the enemy, knowing that victory comes from Divine assistance, not mere physical strength.
Q: How does 'Hashem will not fail you nor forsake you' apply to us today?
A: This promise teaches that Hashem's presence and protection are constant for those who follow His ways. The Sforno explains that this applies in every generation - when Jews face difficulties, they should remember that Hashem never abandons His people. Today, this verse reminds us to maintain faith during personal or national challenges, trusting that Hashem guides Jewish destiny.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is fundamental in Jewish thought because it establishes the principle of Divine providence and the eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) derives from this that as long as Jews don't abandon Hashem, He won't abandon them. It's often quoted to give strength during difficult times and is part of the daily prayer liturgy in some communities.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 31:6?
A: The practical lesson is to face life's challenges with courage and faith. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:16) connects this to Moshe's final words to the nation - that true strength comes from Torah observance. When we feel afraid or overwhelmed, we should remember that Hashem is with us when we stay connected to Him through mitzvot and Torah study.