Deuteronomy 20:3
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;
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמַ֣ע
unto them Hear
H8085
שְׁמַ֣ע
unto them Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַיּ֛וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֛וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
unto battle
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
unto battle
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
8 of 20
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
11 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יֵרַ֣ךְ
faint
H7401
יֵרַ֣ךְ
faint
Strong's:
H7401
Word #:
12 of 20
to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively
לְבַבְכֶ֗ם
let not your hearts
H3824
לְבַבְכֶ֗ם
let not your hearts
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
13 of 20
the heart (as the most interior organ)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
14 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּֽירְא֧וּ
fear
H3372
תִּֽירְא֧וּ
fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
15 of 20
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
וְאַֽל
H408
וְאַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
16 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּחְפְּז֛וּ
not and do not tremble
H2648
תַּחְפְּז֛וּ
not and do not tremble
Strong's:
H2648
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, to start up suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, to fear
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
18 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.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 3:6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.Joshua 23:10One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Historical Context
Priests accompanied Israel to battle (as in Jericho's conquest, Joshua 6), distinguishing Israel's warfare from pagan holy wars. Israel fought as theocratic nation under God's command, not merely for territorial expansion. The priest's address reminded soldiers of covenant identity and divine promises. Similar principles appear in New Testament spiritual warfare—fear is conquered by faith, and victory depends on God's power, not human strength (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How can you address the various manifestations of fear (discouragement, anxiety, trembling, terror) with biblical truth?
- What role does spiritual preparation play in facing life's battles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The priest addresses troops before battle: '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.' Four commands address fear's manifestations: hearts fainting (internal discouragement), fear (anxiety), trembling (physical response), and terror (panic). The repetition emphasizes the reality and danger of fear in battle. The priest's role shows that warfare is spiritual before physical—Israel fights as God's covenant people, requiring spiritual preparation and divine presence.