Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. New Living Translation He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. English Standard Version and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, Berean Standard Bible 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 Literal Bible and he shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel, you? are drawing near today to battle against your? enemies. Do not let your? hearts be faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble, and do not be terrified at their presence. King James Bible 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; New King James Version And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; New American Standard Bible He shall say to them, ‘Hear, Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or be terrified by them, NASB 1995 “He shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, NASB 1977 “And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, Legacy Standard Bible And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are drawing near to the battle against your enemies today. Do not let your heart be faint. Do not be afraid, nor be alarmed, nor be in dread before them, Amplified Bible and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: you are advancing today to battle against your enemies. Do not lack courage. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble [in terror] before them, Berean Annotated Bible saying to them, “Hear, O Israel (he wrestles with God), today you? are going into battle with your? enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. Christian Standard Bible He is to say to them, ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. Holman Christian Standard Bible He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. American Standard Version and shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye draw nigh this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint; fear not, nor tremble, neither be ye affrighted at them; Contemporary English Version and say, "Soldiers of Israel, listen to me! Today when you go into battle, don't be afraid of the enemy, and when you see them, don't panic. English Revised Version and shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye draw nigh this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint; fear not, nor tremble, neither be ye affrighted at them; GOD'S WORD® Translation He should tell them, "Listen, Israel, today you're going into battle against your enemies. Don't lose your courage! Don't be afraid or alarmed or tremble because of them. Good News Translation 'Men of Israel, listen! Today you are going into battle. Do not be afraid of your enemies or lose courage or panic. International Standard Version He will say to them, 'Listen, Israel! You're about to go into battle today against your enemies. Don't be faint-hearted. Don't be afraid, don't panic, and don't be terrified to face them. NET Bible "Listen, Israel! Today you are moving forward to do battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted. Do not fear and tremble or be terrified because of them, New Heart English Bible and shall tell them, "Hear, Israel, you draw near this day to battle against your enemies: do not let your heart faint; do not be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them; Webster's Bible Translation And shall say to them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day to battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblesaying 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. World English Bible and shall tell them, “Hear, Israel, you draw near today to battle against your enemies. Don’t let your heart faint! Don’t be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them; Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand said to them, Hear, O Israel: You are drawing near today to battle against your enemies, do not let your hearts be tender, do not fear, nor make haste, nor be terrified at their presence, Berean Literal Bible and he shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel, you? are drawing near today to battle against your? enemies. Do not let your? hearts be faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble, and do not be terrified at their presence. Young's Literal Translation and said unto them, Hear, Israel, ye are drawing near to-day to battle against your enemies, let not your hearts be tender, fear not, nor make haste, nor be terrified at their presence, Smith's Literal Translation And he said to them, Hear, O Israel; ye come near this day to war against your enemies: your heart shall not be cast down, ye shall not fear, and ye shall not take flight, and ye shall not be terrified from their face. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHear, O Israel, you join battle this day against your enemies, let not your heart be dismayed, be not afraid, do not give back, fear ye them not: Catholic Public Domain Version ‘Listen, O Israel! Today you engage in a battle against your enemies. Do not let your heart be overwhelmed with fear. Do not be apprehensive. Do not yield. You should have no dread of them. New American Bible and say to them, “Hear, O Israel! Today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies. Do not be weakhearted or afraid, alarmed or frightened by them. New Revised Standard Version and shall say to them: “Hear, O Israel! Today you are drawing near to do battle against your enemies. Do not lose heart, or be afraid, or panic, or be in dread of them; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd shall say to them, Hear, O Israel, you approach this day to the battle with your enemies; let not your heart faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be terrified because of them; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Hear Israel, you are coming today to battle against your enemies; let not your heart be defeated and do not be afraid and do not tremble and do not be terrified before them; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and shall say unto them: 'Hear, O Israel, ye draw nigh this day unto battle against your enemies; let not your heart faint; fear not, nor be alarmed, neither be ye affrighted at them; Brenton Septuagint Translation Hear, O Israel; ye are going this day to battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint, fear not, neither be confounded, neither turn aside from their face. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Laws of Warfare…2When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, 3saying 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. 4For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”… Cross References saying to them, 2 Chronicles 32:6-8 Hezekiah appointed military commanders over the people and gathered the people in the square of the city gate. Then he encouraged them, saying, / “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. Numbers 10:8-9 The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come. / When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. Numbers 31:6 And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling. “Hear, O Israel, Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Deuteronomy 5:1 Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing this day. Learn them and observe them carefully. Mark 12:29 Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. today you are going into battle with your enemies. Deuteronomy 9:1 Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. Deuteronomy 21:10 When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand and you take them captive, 2 Chronicles 20:16 Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; Isaiah 7:4 and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. 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!” Isaiah 35:4 Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. 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 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Jeremiah 1:17 Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Treasury of Scripture And shall say to them, Hear, O Israel, you approach this day to battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be you terrified because of them; let not Psalm 27:1-3 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … Isaiah 35:3,4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees… Isaiah 41:10-14 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness… faint [heb] be tender Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. be ye terrified Psalm 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Isaiah 8:12,13 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid… Isaiah 57:7,8 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice… Jump to Previous Affrighted Afraid Alarmed Approach Approaching Battle Draw Dread Enemies Hear Heart Hearts Israel Nigh Scared Terrified Today TrembleJump to Next Affrighted Afraid Alarmed Approach Approaching Battle Draw Dread Enemies Hear Heart Hearts Israel Nigh Scared Terrified Today TrembleDeuteronomy 20 1. The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle5. The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war 10. How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace 16. What cities must be devoted 19. Trees must not be destroyed in the siege saying to them, This phrase introduces the speaker, typically a leader or priest, who addresses the people. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is often the one conveying God's instructions to the Israelites. This reflects the importance of leadership in guiding and encouraging the community according to divine will. “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. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, Israel is preparing for battle against their enemies. 2. The Priest The individual who addresses the army before battle, reminding them of God's presence and promises. The priest serves as a spiritual leader and encourager. 3. Enemies The opposing forces that Israel is preparing to face in battle. These enemies represent both physical and spiritual challenges. 4. Battle The event of conflict where Israel must rely on God's strength and promises rather than their own might. 5. God's Command The divine instruction given through the priest, emphasizing faith and courage over fear. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of AdversityBelievers are called to face challenges with courage, trusting in God's presence and promises rather than succumbing to fear. Spiritual Leadership The role of spiritual leaders is crucial in encouraging and reminding the community of God's faithfulness and commands. Faith Over Fear The command not to be fainthearted or afraid highlights the importance of faith in God's sovereignty and protection. God's Presence in Battle Just as Israel was assured of God's presence in battle, believers today can trust that God is with them in their personal and spiritual battles. Preparation for Spiritual Warfare This passage serves as a reminder to prepare spiritually for the battles we face, relying on God's strength and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 20:3?2. How does Deuteronomy 20:3 encourage believers to trust God during life's battles? 3. What does "do not be afraid" teach about facing spiritual challenges today? 4. How can Deuteronomy 20:3 strengthen your faith in God's protection and presence? 5. Compare Deuteronomy 20:3 with Joshua 1:9 on God's command to be courageous. 6. How can you apply "do not panic" when confronting personal fears or trials? 7. How does Deuteronomy 20:3 address the concept of fear in battle? 8. What historical context surrounds the instructions in Deuteronomy 20:3? 9. How does Deuteronomy 20:3 reflect God's role in warfare? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20? 11. How does the humble tone in Psalm 131 compare to other passages that depict a vengeful or warlike God (e.g., Deuteronomy 20)? 12. When is war or peace appropriate? 13. How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15–21)? 14. Psalm 20:7 - Does this portrayal of military reliance contradict biblical accounts where God commands battle preparations? What Does Deuteronomy 20:3 Mean Hear, O Israel“ Hear, O Israel ” (Deuteronomy 20:3) is a summons for the entire covenant community to give undivided attention. In earlier moments—“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4)—this same call preceded foundational truth. Here it introduces marching orders. • The phrase unites the nation; courage is contagious when God’s people listen together (Deuteronomy 5:1). • It reminds them that victory begins with obedience, not strategy (Psalm 81:8–10). • For believers today, every directive from Scripture requires the same attentive heart (James 1:22). Today you are going into battle with your enemies The instruction is not theoretical; “today” points to real swords, real lines, real danger. • God provides advance assurance before the first clash (Exodus 14:13–14; 2 Chronicles 20:15). • “Your enemies” underscores that Israel is not attacking innocents but confronting those who oppose God’s purposes (Deuteronomy 7:1–2). • Spiritual application flows naturally: we face conflict “today” as well—though ours is “not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). The same God equips both physical and spiritual armies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid Fear drains resolve; faintheartedness robs strength before the battle even starts. • The antidote is God’s proven presence: “Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). • David’s confession—“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)—echoes the same truth. • Paul restates the principle: “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). Courage rests in God’s character, not human confidence. Do not be alarmed or terrified because of them Alarm pictures sudden panic; terror describes paralyzing dread. God commands against both. • Earlier failures (Numbers 13:31–33) showed what terror can do; this generation is warned not to repeat that collapse. • “Do not be afraid or terrified…for the LORD your God goes with you” (Deuteronomy 31:6–8) immediately follows here in 20:4: “For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you.” • Psalm 46:1–2 models the right response: “God is our refuge and strength…therefore we will not fear though the earth is transformed.” When the Almighty fights, panic is replaced by confident calm. summary Deuteronomy 20:3 is God’s battle briefing: • Listen up—His word deserves full attention. • Recognize the reality—conflict is today, and enemies are real. • Reject fear—courage flows from God’s unchanging presence. • Refuse panic—He fights for His people. For Israel on the battlefield and for believers in every struggle, the command is clear: face opposition with unwavering trust in the Lord who guarantees ultimate victory. (3) Let not your hearts faint, fear not.--In these words Isaiah strengthened Ahaz (Deuteronomy 7:4): "fear not, neither be faint-hearted."Tremble.--As in the Margin, "make haste." (Comp. 2Samuel 4:4, and 2Kings 7:15.) Be ye terrified.--A strong word. The idea is, "do not even be unnerved, much less alarmed, at the sight of them." Hebrew sayingוְאָמַ֤ר (wə·’ā·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to them, אֲלֵהֶם֙ (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “Hear, שְׁמַ֣ע (šə·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently O Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc today הַיּ֛וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day you אַתֶּ֨ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you are going קְרֵבִ֥ים (qə·rê·ḇîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7131: Approaching into battle לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war with עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against your enemies. אֹיְבֵיכֶ֑ם (’ō·yə·ḇê·ḵem) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not be fainthearted יֵרַ֣ךְ (yê·raḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7401: To be tender, weak or soft [or] אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not be afraid; תִּֽירְא֧וּ (tî·rə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten do not וְאַֽל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 408: Not be alarmed תַּחְפְּז֛וּ (taḥ·pə·zū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2648: To start up suddenly, to hasten away, to fear or terrified תַּֽעַרְצ֖וּ (ta·‘ar·ṣū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 6206: To cause to tremble, tremble because of them. מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃ (mip·pə·nê·hem) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face Links Deuteronomy 20:3 NIVDeuteronomy 20:3 NLT Deuteronomy 20:3 ESV Deuteronomy 20:3 NASB Deuteronomy 20:3 KJV Deuteronomy 20:3 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 20:3 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 20:3 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 20:3 French Bible Deuteronomy 20:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall tell them Hear Israel you (Deut. 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