Deuteronomy 20:3

saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The priest addresses the Israelite army on the eve of battle, speaking directly to the nation as they prepare to engage their enemies.

The words — The command שְׁמַע (she.Ma') means "hear" or "pay close attention," while קְרֵבִים (ke.re.Vim) literally denotes being "approaching" or "near."

The thread — This directive against battlefield fear runs through Psalms 3:6 and Hebrews 13:6, where confidence replaces dread because God actively intervenes.

Why it lands — The text first declares the army's imminent approach and commands the removal of panic, then requires the reader to replace natural terror with disciplined readiness for the coming conflict.

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

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;

Cross-references

Psalms 3:6 I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.
Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Joshua 23:10 One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.
Psalms 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
Isaiah 8:12 “Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread.
Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.
Hebrews 12:12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.