Deuteronomy 1:21
Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Original Language Analysis
רְ֠אֵה
Behold
H7200
רְ֠אֵה
Behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נָתַ֨ן
hath set
H5414
נָתַ֨ן
hath set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֜ה
it as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
it as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲלֵ֣ה
thee go up
H5927
עֲלֵ֣ה
thee go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
רֵ֗שׁ
and possess
H3423
רֵ֗שׁ
and possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
9 of 19
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֨ר
hath said
H1696
דִּבֶּ֨ר
hath said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
11 of 19
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֜ה
it as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
it as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
13 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲבֹתֶ֙יךָ֙
of thy fathers
H1
אֲבֹתֶ֙יךָ֙
of thy fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
14 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
16 of 19
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּירָ֖א
unto thee fear
H3372
תִּירָ֖א
unto thee fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
17 of 19
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
Cross References
Joshua 1:9Have 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.Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Numbers 13:30And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
Historical Context
This echoes God's encouragement to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6-9), establishing a pattern of divine reassurance before daunting tasks. The land was inhabited by fortified cities and powerful nations, making courage and faith essential for obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What mission is God calling you to that requires courage over fear?
- How does God's past faithfulness strengthen you against present discouragement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's direct speech—'Behold, I have set the land before you'—personalizes the promise and emphasizes divine initiative. The imperative 'go up and possess it' removes all excuse for delay or disobedience. The concluding phrase 'fear not, neither be discouraged' addresses the dual enemies of faith: fear (emotional paralysis) and discouragement (mental defeat). God's command includes both mission and encouragement, showing that He equips what He calls.