Courage, rooted in faith, is a theme woven throughout the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New, individuals are called to face challenges with a steadfast spirit, knowing that God’s strength is their source.
In this collection, we present 30 Bible verses accompanied by commentary, each inspiring and guiding individuals to embrace courage in the face of adversity, uncertainty, and the trials of life.
Bible Verses For Courage
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV):
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
The foundation of courage—knowing that God’s presence is unwavering, empowering believers to face challenges without fear.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV):
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God’s direct command to be strong and courageous, accompanied by the promise of His constant presence and guidance.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV):
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Paul’s exhortation to believers—courage is intertwined with standing firm in faith and drawing strength from it.
Psalm 27:1 (NIV):
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
A declaration of confidence in God as the source of courage, dispelling fear in the assurance of His protection.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV):
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God’s promise of strength, help, and support, reinforcing the call to banish fear through reliance on His power.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV):
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
The Holy Spirit empowers believers with qualities that counteract timidity—power, love, and self-discipline.
Psalm 23:4 (NIV):
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
A poignant expression of courage amidst adversity, grounded in the comforting presence of God.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV):
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
The affirmation that God’s strength empowers believers to accomplish all things, fostering courage in every circumstance.
Romans 8:31 (NIV):
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
The rhetorical question emphasizes that God’s favor and support render believers invincible, instilling courage.
Psalm 31:24 (NIV):
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
A call to strength and courage for those whose hope is anchored in the Lord, recognizing hope as a catalyst for bravery.
John 16:33 (NIV):
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus assures believers of His triumph over the world, inspiring courage in the face of inevitable challenges.
Psalm 138:3 (NIV):
“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
The psalmist’s testimony of God’s responsive presence, infusing courage in times of prayer and need.
1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV):
“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 Almighty.'”
David’s courage in facing Goliath is rooted in his reliance on the name of the Lord Almighty—a model for facing giants with faith.
Psalm 112:7 (NIV):
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Those who trust in the Lord maintain steadfast hearts, free from fear, even in the face of challenging news.
Acts 4:13 (NIV):
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
The source of Peter and John’s courage is attributed to their association with Jesus, highlighting the transformative power of Christ’s influence.
Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV):
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Trust in God dispels fear, as expressed by the psalmist who finds refuge and courage in God’s word.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV):
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Faith serves as the foundation for courage, providing confidence in the unseen and hope for the future.
Psalm 112:8 (NIV):
“Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.”
Security of heart, free from fear, is promised to those who trust in God, ultimately triumphing over adversaries.
Ephesians 6:10 (NIV):
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
The exhortation to draw strength from the Lord’s mighty power becomes the bedrock for enduring courage.
Psalm 20:7 (NIV):
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
The psalmist contrasts worldly reliance with trust in the name of the Lord, affirming the latter as the source of true courage.
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV):
“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.'”
David’s charge to Solomon emphasizes the link between courage and the assurance of God’s presence.
Psalm 31:23 (NIV):
“Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.”
The call to love the Lord is coupled with the promise of preservation, inspiring courage in loyalty to God.
Psalm 118:6 (NIV):
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
The acknowledgment of God’s presence eradicates fear, rendering believers unshaken by the actions of mere mortals.
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV):
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
God’s promise of protection and presence provides courage even in the midst of daunting trials.
Psalm 16:8 (NIV):
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Fixing one’s gaze on the Lord leads to an unshakable spirit, affirming the connection between focus on God and courage.
Romans 15:4 (NIV):
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
The endurance and encouragement derived from Scripture cultivate hope, fostering the courage needed to face challenges.
Psalm 138:7 (NIV):
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand, you save me.”
God’s preservation and salvation become the source of courage, even in the midst of trouble and opposition.
1 Peter 3:14 (NIV):
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.'”
Believers are blessed even in suffering for righteousness, with the encouragement to resist fear in the face of threats.
Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV):
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
The soul’s rest in God, recognizing Him as a rock and fortress, leads to an unwavering, unshakable courage.
2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV):
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
God’s perfection and the flawlessness of His word serve as a shield, providing refuge and fostering courage for those who seek Him.
Also Read: Bible Verses For Breakups (With Commentary)