Bible Verses for Courage: Standing Firm in Faith
Being brave and standing firm in your faith
Biblical courage is not the absence of fear. Courage in Scripture consistently appears in the presence of real danger — Joshua facing the conquest of Canaan, David facing Goliath, the disciples facing persecution. The repeated command "be strong and courageous" in Joshua was given to a man who had just lost his greatest leader and was about to lead a nation into war. Biblical courage is the decision to act on what you know to be true about God rather than what your circumstances are telling you.
Exodus 4:21
The Lord said to Moses, "When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go.
Read commentary →Exodus 5:1
Afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said to Pharaoh, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'"
Read commentary →Exodus 6:27
These are those who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron.
Read commentary →Exodus 7:3
I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
Read commentary →Exodus 7:13
Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them; as the Lord had spoken.
Read commentary →Exodus 7:16
You shall tell him, 'The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to you, saying, "Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness:" and behold, until now you haven't listened.
Read commentary →Exodus 7:22
The magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them; as the Lord had spoken.
Read commentary →Exodus 8:1
The Lord spoke to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, "This is what the Lord says, 'Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Read commentary →Exodus 8:15
But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and did not listen to them, as the Lord had spoken.
Read commentary →Exodus 8:19
Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God:" and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them; as the Lord had spoken.
Read commentary →Exodus 8:20
The Lord said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; behold, he comes forth to the water; and tell him, 'This is what the Lord says, "Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Read commentary →Exodus 8:32
Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.
Read commentary →Exodus 9:1
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, 'This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Read commentary →Exodus 9:7
Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the livestock of Israel dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he did not let the people go.
Read commentary →Exodus 9:12
The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had spoken to Moses.
Read commentary →Exodus 9:13
The Lord said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, 'This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Read commentary →Exodus 9:34
When Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
Read commentary →Deuteronomy 1:28
Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our heart to melt, saying, 'The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to the sky; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.'"
Read commentary →Deuteronomy 2:30
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him; for the Lord your God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as at this day.
Read commentary →Deuteronomy 3:28
But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see."
Read commentary →Joshua 1:6
Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Read commentary →Joshua 1:7
Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
Read commentary →Joshua 1:9
Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Read commentary →Joshua 1:18
Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."
Read commentary →Joshua 8:1
The Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. Behold, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, with his people, his city, and his land.
Read commentary →Judges 1:28
It happened, when Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and did not utterly drive them out.
Read commentary →Judges 6:23
The Lord said to him, "Peace be to you! Do not be afraid. You shall not die."
Read commentary →Judges 9:51
But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women fled, and all those of the city, and shut themselves in, and got them up to the roof of the tower.
Read commentary →Ruth 1:18
When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, she left off speaking to her.
Read commentary →Ruth 3:11
Now, my daughter, do not be afraid; I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people does know that you are a worthy woman.
Read commentary →1 Kings 4:9
Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;
Read commentary →2 Kings 5:7
It happened, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he tore his clothes, and said, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends to me to heal a man of his leprosy? But please consider and see how he seeks a quarrel against me."
Read commentary →Nehemiah 9:25
They took fortified cities, and a rich land, and possessed houses full of all good things, cisterns dug out, vineyards, and olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate, were filled, became fat, and delighted themselves in your great goodness.
Read commentary →Job 4:4
Your words have supported him who was falling, You have made firm the feeble knees.
Read commentary →Job 9:19
If it is a matter of strength, behold, he is mighty! If of justice, 'Who,' says he, 'will summon me?'
Read commentary →Proverbs 3:25
Do not be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes:
Read commentary →Proverbs 7:26
for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.
Read commentary →Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold.
Read commentary →Proverbs 8:19
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver.
Read commentary →Proverbs 9:3
She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:
Read commentary →Isaiah 1:31
The strong will be like tinder, and his work like a spark. They will both burn together, and no one will quench them."
Read commentary →Isaiah 3:18
In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces,
Read commentary →Isaiah 6:10
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed."
Read commentary →Isaiah 8:11
For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,
Read commentary →Isaiah 9:14
Therefore the Lord will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed, in one day.
Read commentary →Isaiah 9:18
For wickedness burns like a fire. It devours the briers and thorns; yes, it kindles in the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke.
Read commentary →Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord.
Read commentary →Ezekiel 2:6
You, son of man, do not be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: do not be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.
Read commentary →Ezekiel 3:8
Behold, I have made your face hard against their faces, and your forehead hard against their foreheads.
Read commentary →Daniel 2:40
The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.
Read commentary →Daniel 4:11
The tree grew, and was strong, and its height reached to the sky, and its sight to the end of all the earth.
Read commentary →Daniel 4:20
The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the sky, and its sight to all the earth;
Read commentary →Daniel 8:8
The male goat became very strong. But when he was strong, the large horn was broken; and instead of it there came up four prominent horns toward the four winds of heaven.
Read commentary →Joel 1:6
For a nation has come up on my land, strong, and without number. His teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the fangs of a lioness.
Read commentary →Joel 2:21
Land, do not be afraid. Be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things.
Read commentary →Joel 2:22
Do not be afraid, you animals of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree bears its fruit. The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.
Read commentary →Amos 2:14
Flight will perish from the swift; and the strong won't strengthen his force; neither shall the mighty deliver himself;
Read commentary →Amos 2:16
and he who is courageous among the mighty will flee away naked on that day," says the Lord.
Read commentary →Micah 4:3
and he will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more.
Read commentary →Micah 4:8
You, tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion, to you it will come, yes, the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.
Read commentary →Micah 6:2
Hear, you mountains, the Lord's controversy, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel.
Read commentary →Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.
Read commentary →Nahum 2:2
For the Lord restores the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the destroyers have destroyed them, and ruined their vine branches.
Read commentary →Nahum 3:12
All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.
Read commentary →Nahum 3:14
Draw water for the siege. Strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay, and tread the mortar. Make the brick kiln strong.
Read commentary →Zechariah 8:9
Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.
Read commentary →Zechariah 8:22
Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the Lord."
Read commentary →Zechariah 9:3
Tyre built herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver like the dust, and fine gold like the mire of the streets.
Read commentary →Zechariah 9:12
Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.
Read commentary →Matthew 1:20
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Read commentary →Matthew 1:21
And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins."
Read commentary →Matthew 2:4
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Messiah would be born.
Read commentary →Matthew 2:12
Being warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.
Read commentary →Matthew 2:19
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Read commentary →Matthew 3:1
And in those days John the Baptist came, proclaiming in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
Read commentary →Matthew 4:23
And he went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Read commentary →Matthew 5:11
"Blessed are you when men insult you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Read commentary →Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
Read commentary →Matthew 7:28
And it happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,
Read commentary →Matthew 8:27
And the men marveled, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Read commentary →Matthew 9:8
But when the multitudes saw it, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Read commentary →Mark 1:22
They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
Read commentary →Mark 1:27
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!"
Read commentary →Mark 2:12
And he arose immediately, and took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Read commentary →Mark 3:5
When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Read commentary →Mark 3:27
But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder, unless he first binds the strong man; and then he will plunder his house.
Read commentary →Mark 4:8
Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some brought forth thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much."
Read commentary →Mark 5:42
And immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement.
Read commentary →Mark 6:1
And he went out from there and came into his own country, and his disciples followed him.
Read commentary →Mark 6:2
When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things?" and, "What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands?
Read commentary →Mark 6:7
And he called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
Read commentary →Mark 6:34
And he came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
Read commentary →Mark 6:51
He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves;
Read commentary →Mark 6:52
for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Read commentary →Mark 8:12
He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation."
Read commentary →Mark 8:17
He, perceiving it, said to them, "Why do you reason that it's because you have no bread? Do you not perceive yet, neither understand? Are your hearts hardened?
Read commentary →Mark 8:35
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.
Read commentary →Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elisabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Read commentary →Luke 1:26
Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Read commentary →Luke 1:30
The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Read commentary →Luke 1:31
Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.'
Read commentary →Luke 1:57
Now the time that Elisabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son.
Read commentary →Luke 1:63
He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They all marveled.
Read commentary →Luke 1:80
The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Read commentary →Luke 2:4
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
Read commentary →Luke 2:6
It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth.
Read commentary →Luke 2:10
The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
Read commentary →Luke 2:21
When eight days were fulfilled to circumcise him, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Read commentary →Luke 2:40
The child was growing, and was becoming strong, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Read commentary →Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Read commentary →Luke 4:16
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
Read commentary →Luke 5:26
Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."
Read commentary →Luke 6:22
Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.
Read commentary →Luke 6:27
"But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Read commentary →Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
Read commentary →Luke 7:22
Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
Read commentary →Luke 7:24
When John's messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
Read commentary →Luke 8:1
It happened soon afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God. With him were the twelve,
Read commentary →Luke 8:8
Other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit one hundred times." As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
Read commentary →Luke 8:50
But Jesus hearing it, answered him, "Do not be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed."
Read commentary →Luke 9:1
He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
Read commentary →Luke 9:6
They departed, and went throughout the villages, proclaiming the Good News, and healing everywhere.
Read commentary →Luke 9:11
But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. He welcomed them, and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing.
Read commentary →Luke 9:54
When his disciples, Jacob and John, saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them?"
Read commentary →John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name:
Read commentary →John 1:45
Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the Law, and the Prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
Read commentary →John 3:8
The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Read commentary →John 3:36
One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
Read commentary →John 5:39
"You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.
Read commentary →John 7:23
If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the Law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me, because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath?
Read commentary →John 7:32
The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.
Read commentary →John 7:39
But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Read commentary →John 7:45
The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, "Why did you not bring him?"
Read commentary →John 9:22
His parents said these things because they feared the Jewish leaders; for the Jewish leaders had already agreed that if any man would confess him as the Messiah, he would be put out of the synagogue.
Read commentary →Acts 3:6
But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"
Read commentary →Acts 3:16
By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Read commentary →Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Read commentary →Acts 4:21
When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done.
Read commentary →Acts 4:29
Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
Read commentary →Acts 4:31
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Read commentary →Acts 5:12
By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
Read commentary →Acts 5:26
Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.
Read commentary →Acts 6:8
Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Read commentary →Acts 8:7
For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
Read commentary →Acts 9:3
As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
Read commentary →Acts 9:17
Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Read commentary →Acts 9:21
All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Is not this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!"
Read commentary →Acts 9:27
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Read commentary →Acts 9:29
He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him.
Read commentary →Acts 9:34
Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately he arose.
Read commentary →Acts 9:35
All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Read commentary →Acts 9:42
And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
Read commentary →2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
Read commentary →2 Thessalonians 2:11
Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie;
Read commentary →2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Read commentary →Philemon 1:8
Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
Read commentary →Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
Read commentary →Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
Read commentary →1 John 4:17
In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, even so are we in this world.
Read commentary →Revelation 5:2
I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to break its seals?"
Read commentary →Get Courage Daily
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Start Free Daily EmailFrequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about courage?
Joshua 1:9 records God's command: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' 1 Corinthians 16:13 instructs: 'Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.' Psalm 31:24 encourages: 'Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.'
How do I find courage according to the Bible?
Deuteronomy 31:6 ties courage to God's presence: '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 Bible consistently grounds courage in the same place: God's proximity and faithfulness. Courage is not generated internally — it flows from confidence in who is with you.