Deuteronomy Chapter 7 · Verse 21
Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעֲרֹ֖ץ
Thou shalt not be affrighted
H6206
תַֽעֲרֹ֖ץ
Thou shalt not be affrighted
Strong's:
H6206
Word #:
2 of 10
to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
at
H6440
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
at
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֤ה
them for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
them for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 10
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
בְּקִרְבֶּ֔ךָ
is among
H7130
בְּקִרְבֶּ֔ךָ
is among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
אֵ֥ל
God
H410
אֵ֥ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
8 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:32Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.Nehemiah 1:5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:Deuteronomy 10:17For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:Joshua 3:10And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.Nehemiah 4:14And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
Historical Context
God's presence with Israel was manifested through the pillar of cloud/fire (Exodus 13:21-22), the glory in the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38), and victories in battle (Joshua 10:10-14). When God's presence departed due to sin (Ichabod, 1 Samuel 4:21), defeat followed. God's presence was Israel's unique advantage—not military might, technology, or numbers. The ark of the covenant symbolized God's presence going before them in battle (Numbers 10:35-36; Joshua 3:1-17). Christ promised His presence 'where two or three are gathered' (Matthew 18:20) and 'even unto the end of the world' (Matthew 28:20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does awareness of God's presence with you affect your response to fearful circumstances?
- In what ways should God's 'terrible' (awesome) power inspire both reverent fear and confident trust?
- How can you cultivate greater consciousness of God's abiding presence in daily life?
Analysis & Commentary
The command 'Thou shalt not be affrighted' (literally 'shattered with terror') is grounded in God's presence: 'the LORD thy God is among you.' Divine presence is the antidote to fear. God's character is described as 'mighty God and terrible'—El gadol venora (great and awesome God). This isn't terrifying in the sense of capricious danger but awe-inspiring in power and holiness. The same God who is terrible to enemies is refuge to His people. Emmanuel—'God with us' (Matthew 1:23)—fulfills this promise supremely in Christ's incarnation. The Holy Spirit's indwelling means God's presence is even more intimate for believers than for Israel (John 14:16-17). Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) because God's presence guarantees victory.