Courage is a vital theme throughout the Bible, often depicted as a necessary virtue for those who follow God. It is the strength to face fear, danger, or adversity with faith and trust in the Lord. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations regarding courage, encouraging believers to rely on God's presence and promises.

Old Testament References:

1. Deuteronomy 31:6 : "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This verse is part of Moses' charge to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing God's constant presence as the source of their courage.

2. 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." God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites with courage, assuring him of His unwavering support.

3. 1 Samuel 17:45 : "But David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'" David's confrontation with Goliath is a classic example of courage rooted in faith in God's power rather than human strength.

4. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 : "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power 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." King Hezekiah encourages the people of Judah to trust in God's superior power during the Assyrian siege.

New Testament References:

1. Matthew 14:27 : "But Jesus immediately spoke to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.'" Jesus reassures His disciples as He walks on water, highlighting His divine presence as the foundation for their courage.

2. John 16:33 : "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." Jesus encourages His followers to find courage in His victory over the world, despite the trials they will face.

3. Acts 4:13 : "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus." The courage of the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, serves as a testament to their relationship with Christ.

4. 2 Timothy 1:7 : "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Paul reminds Timothy that the Holy Spirit equips believers with courage and strength to fulfill their calling.

Exhortations to Courage:

1. Psalm 27:14 : "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD." The psalmist encourages believers to find strength and courage through patient trust in God's timing.

2. 1 Corinthians 16:13 : "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." Paul exhorts the Corinthian church to remain vigilant and courageous in their faith.

3. Ephesians 6:10 : "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." Believers are called to draw their strength and courage from the Lord's power as they engage in spiritual warfare.

Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is not merely a human attribute but a divine empowerment that enables believers to face challenges with confidence in God's promises and presence.Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 2:6
And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 3:9
As an adamant harder than flint have I made your forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 1:27,28
Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Nave's Topical Index

Days of Preparation
... who "died for our sins according to the Scriptures; . ... with his stern purpose and
undaunted courage, possessed the ... to make plain the prophecies relating to the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 13 days of preparation.htm

Praying Without Doubting
... words reveals the fundamental fact relating to the ... The Scriptures record the victories
achieved by the ... sacred history by their dauntless courage and unwavering ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 5 praying without doubting.htm

A Seeker for Truth
... intense desire to point out to them from the Scriptures the prophecies relating
to the ... It requires moral courage for them to take their position for Christ ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... Jews, who had often read, in the Scriptures of the ... they are the words of Paul, relating
the success ... man could have said, without heroic courage, without having ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

Thessalonica
... sacrificial service with the prophecies relating to the ... that unlocks the Old Testament
Scriptures, giving access ... forward with faith and courage, working always ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 22 thessalonica.htm

Protest of the Princes.
... If we must choose between the Holy Scriptures of God and the old ... a friend of peace,
he displayed great energy and courage in all matters relating to the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /11 protest of the princes.htm

Protest of the Princes
... If we must choose between the Holy Scriptures of God and the old ... a friend of peace,
he displayed great energy and courage in all matters relating to the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 11 protest of the.htm

They came to be in his Presence
... feeling for spiritual values, and succeeded in relating them in ... With utter courage
of heart and mind, she fought ... up in the knowledge of the Scriptures and the ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/they came to be in.htm

The Revolt of Babylon.
... a previous king of Babylon, as is related in the Scriptures. ... The Greek replied by
relating the circumstance of the cloak. ... "You have courage and energy enough ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter vii the revolt of.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... of a man [1400] , saith the Scripture, Daniel took not courage. ... Are not the Holy
Scriptures our salvation ... For in relating and interpreting to Nebuchadnezzar the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

What does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about fortitude? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about cowardice or being a coward? | GotQuestions.org

Courage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus