Deuteronomy 20:3
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.

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,

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.

Majority 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.

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;

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 Version
and 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,

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 Bible
Hear, 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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 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
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.”

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.

2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

Psalm 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?

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

1 Samuel 17:47
And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

Psalm 46:1-2
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,

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.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?


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…

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Affrighted Afraid Alarmed Approach Approaching Battle Draw Dread Enemies Hear Heart Hearts Israel Nigh Scared Terrified Today Tremble
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Affrighted Afraid Alarmed Approach Approaching Battle Draw Dread Enemies Hear Heart Hearts Israel Nigh Scared Terrified Today Tremble
Deuteronomy 20
1. The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle
5. 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,
This call to attention is a common biblical motif, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's commands. It echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), a central declaration of faith in Judaism, underscoring the need for Israel to heed divine instructions as they prepare for battle.

today you are going into battle with your enemies.
The immediacy of "today" highlights the urgency and reality of the situation. The Israelites are reminded of their identity as God's chosen people, often facing physical and spiritual battles. This phrase sets the stage for the divine assurance and commands that follow, emphasizing reliance on God rather than military might.

Do not be fainthearted or afraid;
This command addresses the natural human response to fear in the face of conflict. It reflects a recurring biblical theme where God encourages His people to trust in Him. Similar exhortations are found in Joshua 1:9 and Isaiah 41:10, where God reassures His followers of His presence and support.

do not be alarmed or terrified because of them.
The repetition of commands against fear serves to strengthen the resolve of the Israelites. It acknowledges the intimidating nature of their enemies but redirects their focus to God's power and promises. This assurance is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to fight for His people, as seen in Exodus 14:14 and Deuteronomy 3:22.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The 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 Adversity
Believers 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.(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."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
saying
וְאָמַ֤ר (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


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall tell them Hear Israel you (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 20:2
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