Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 19:13
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Joab addresses his brother Abishai while preparing to face the allied Aramean and Ammonite forces. He urges mutual bravery before the battle commences.
The words — The Hebrew חֲזַק (cha.Zak) commands "be strong," paired with וְנִתְחַזְּקָה (ve./nit.cha.ze.Kah), a reflexive form meaning "let us show ourselves strong." Both verbs draw from the root H2388, emphasizing active courage rather than passive hope.
The thread — This exact phrasing appears in 2 Samuel 10:12 as the parallel account. The same exhortation echoes in Joshua 10:25 and Psalm 27:14, where strength is repeatedly tied to reliance on Yahweh.
Why it lands — The verse demands immediate, shared action for the protection of community and sacred spaces. It places the outcome in Yahweh's hands while leaving the responsibility to fight squarely on the people.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight.
Cross-references
- Psalms 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!
- Joshua 10:25 “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.”
- 2 Samuel 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”
- Nehemiah 4:14 After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- 1 Samuel 4:9 Take courage and be men, O Philistines! Otherwise, you will serve the Hebrews just as they served you. Now be men and fight!”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Joshua 1:7 Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.
- Judges 10:15 “We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!”
- 1 Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!”