Courage is that deep, inner grit we all wish we had in abundance, right? The kind of courage that makes us stand firm in the storm, speak out when others are silent, or face life’s giants like David did Goliath. But here’s the good news:
God’s Word is packed with promises and powerful verses about courage to help us muster that bravery.
Faith and courage are like peanut butter and jelly—when you blend them, you get a power-packed life where fear starts losing its grip. That’s why it’s important to dig into Bible verses about courage. These scriptures are like treasure maps, showing us how to overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt.
Whether you’re facing a tough decision, enduring a stormy season, or simply feeling worn out, the Bible has got your back.
Why Courage is a Central Theme in the Bible
From Genesis to Revelation, courage shines through as a central theme in the Bible. It’s not just about bravery in battle; it’s about the courage to live a life of faith, to trust in God’s promises, and to stay firm in our beliefs. God knew life would throw some curveballs our way, so He filled His Word with reminders that He’s always with us.
Whether you’re standing at the edge of your personal “Red Sea” or staring down your own Goliath, these Bible verses about courage can help you take heart and keep moving forward.
51 Amazing Bible Verses on Courage
After diving into what courage means in the Bible, it’s time to get a little more specific. The Bible is a treasure trove of verses that uplift and inspire us to be brave, face fears, and take heart. Whether you’re facing a challenge, a tough decision, or just need a reminder that God’s got your back, these 51 Bible verses are here to help you rise up and stand firm.
1. Joshua 1:9
“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.”
2. Deuteronomy 31:6
“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.”
3. Isaiah 41:10
“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.”
4. Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
5. John 16:33
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
6. 1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
7. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
8. Hebrews 13:6
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
9. Psalm 56:3-4
“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?”
10. Psalm 31:24
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”
11. Philippians 1:28
“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved—even by God himself.”
12. Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
13. 1 Chronicles 28:20
“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.”
14. 1 Samuel 17:45
“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.'”
15. Psalm 23:4
“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.”
16. 2 Chronicles 15:7
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
17. Psalm 118:6
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
18. Matthew 10:31
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
19. Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
20. Mark 5:36
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.'”
21. Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.”
22. Daniel 10:19
“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”
23. 1 Peter 3:14
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
24. Revelation 1:17
“Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.'”
25. Matthew 14:27
“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'”
26. Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
27. Psalm 112:7
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
28. Romans 8:37
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
29. Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
30. 1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
31. Isaiah 12:2
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
32. Psalm 46:1-2
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way.”
33. 2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
34. Luke 12:32
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
35. Psalm 144:1
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
36. Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
37. Proverbs 3:25-26
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”
38. Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
39. Isaiah 54:4
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.”
40. Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
41. Joshua 10:25
“Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.'”
42. Psalm 138:3
“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
43. Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
44. Acts 18:9-10
“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you.”
45. Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come.'”
46. Psalm 16:8
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
47. Deuteronomy 3:22
“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
48. Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
49. Joshua 1:6
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”
50. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
51. Psalm 27:1
“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?”
Old Testament Bible Verses About Courage
Ah, the Old Testament—where giants, lions, and literal walls stood in the way of God’s people. Yet, time and time again, the Lord commanded courage, offering His unwavering presence as the source of strength. Here are some of the most iconic verses about courage from the Old Testament that can boost your spirit when you feel like you’re on shaky ground.
Joshua 1:9 – “Be Strong and Courageous”
Ever felt like you’re stepping into something new, maybe even terrifying? That’s exactly what Joshua faced when God told him to take over Moses’ role. No pressure, right? But in Joshua 1:9, God didn’t mince words: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Application: Just like Joshua, we’re all called to step out in faith, sometimes into uncharted territory. But God’s presence is the ultimate game-changer. He’s right there, walking beside you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Do Not Be Afraid”
Moses, nearing the end of his leadership journey, tells the people of Israel to fear not as they approach the Promised Land. If that wasn’t enough, they still had to face towering giants and fortified cities. But Moses, like a seasoned coach, tells them in Deuteronomy 31:6: “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.”
- Application: When life feels like you’re standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon with a rickety bridge in front of you, remember this verse. It’s God’s way of saying, “I’ve got you. Don’t sweat it.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear Not, For I Am With You”
Fear can paralyze us, make us second-guess every move. But God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, offers a message that cuts straight to the heart of fear. Isaiah 41:10 says: “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.”
- Application: Whenever you feel like you’re standing on quicksand, this verse reminds you that God’s right hand is holding you up. He’s got your back, even when your legs are shaking.
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord”
Ever feel like God’s on His own timetable, and you’re stuck waiting? Psalm 27:14 encourages patience with a dose of courage: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Sometimes courage isn’t charging into battle—it’s holding steady when you’d rather bolt.
- Application: Waiting takes courage too. In those seasons where it feels like nothing’s happening, trust that God’s working behind the scenes. Keep the faith and don’t lose heart.
New Testament Bible Verses About Courage
By the time we get to the New Testament, courage takes on a deeper, more spiritual dimension. No longer are we just talking about physical battles or external enemies. Instead, we see how courage is vital in our faith walk, facing persecution, trials, and even death with an unwavering spirit.
John 16:33 – “Take Heart, I Have Overcome the World”
Jesus, right before heading to the cross, drops this bombshell on the disciples: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). If anyone had reason to fear, it was the disciples. But Jesus promises them (and us) victory over whatever life throws our way.
- Application: When life is tossing storms your way, hold onto this verse like an umbrella. Jesus already won the ultimate battle, so whatever you’re facing, you can face it with courage.
1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be Watchful, Stand Firm in the Faith”
Paul, that fearless apostle, knew a thing or two about hardships. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, he lays down a challenge: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” It’s a call to arms, not just for the physical, but for the spiritual.
- Application: Imagine this verse as your rallying cry before a big game. Life can be like a boxing match—sometimes you get knocked down, but Paul says, “Stand firm. Don’t back down.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – “Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Discipline”
Timothy was young, timid, and probably a bit overwhelmed by his responsibilities. But in 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds him: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
- Application: Sometimes we need to remember that fear isn’t from God. He gave us a spirit of boldness, not fear. So, whenever fear creeps in, shut the door on it and lean into the power God’s already given you.
Hebrews 13:6 – “The Lord is My Helper, I Will Not Fear”
Finally, we come to Hebrews 13:6, which quotes Psalm 118 and reminds us of an unshakable truth: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
- Application: When people—or life—try to intimidate you, remember that with God as your helper, you can face anything. It’s like having the ultimate cheat code in life!
Jesus as the Perfect Example of Courage
If there was ever a perfect example of courage, it’s Jesus. Picture this: Jesus knew from the start what He was sent to earth to do—heal the sick, give hope to the hopeless, and ultimately sacrifice His life for humanity. Now, if that doesn’t scream bravery, I don’t know what does! Even when faced with immense fear and suffering, Jesus remained resolute, showing us what true courage looks like.
Jesus Facing Persecution
Jesus didn’t have it easy. Everywhere He went, He faced opposition, from Pharisees trying to trap Him to people in His hometown rejecting Him. And still, He didn’t back down. He spoke the truth with boldness and acted with love even when He knew it would lead to His death.
- Example: Think about the moment Jesus walked into the Temple and turned over the tables of the money changers. That’s courage in action, folks. He didn’t fear confrontation when it came to standing up for righteousness.
- Application: Standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular, is what Jesus showed us. His actions remind us that we, too, can stand strong in our faith, no matter the opposition.
Courage in Facing the Cross
Remember the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus knew what was coming, and He even prayed for the cup of suffering to pass from Him. But He also said, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” That’s courage—to walk straight into suffering, not because it’s easy but because it’s the right thing to do.
- Application: When life brings challenges that seem unbearable, think of Jesus in the Garden. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the strength to move forward despite it.
Following Jesus’ Courageous Example
We’re called to be like Jesus, to act with boldness when our faith is tested, and to remain steadfast in love, even in the face of adversity.
- Application: Whether you’re speaking up for justice, defending your faith, or loving others when it’s hard, follow the example of Jesus. He didn’t just talk about courage—He lived it.
Courage Through Faith in God’s Promises
Let’s face it—life has a way of throwing curveballs. Some days, it feels like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But here’s the thing: God’s promises act like an anchor. No matter how wild the storm, you can hold onto them and find the courage to push through.
God’s Faithfulness as the Source of Courage
If there’s one thing the Bible makes clear, it’s this: God is faithful. His promises aren’t just comforting words—they are rock-solid truths. In the midst of uncertainty, His faithfulness is like a lighthouse guiding us to safety.
- Example: Look at the Israelites wandering in the desert. Every time they faced a challenge, God was there, delivering on His promises. Whether it was providing manna or parting the Red Sea, He showed up.
- Application: We can face life’s challenges with courage because we know that God’s faithfulness never falters. He’s been keeping His promises for generations, and He’s not about to stop now.
Facing Trials with Courage in God’s Word
When trials hit—and they will—it’s easy to feel like the world is caving in. But in those moments, we can look to Bible verses about courage to remind us that we don’t face our struggles alone. God is always present, working all things for our good, even when we can’t see it.
- Example: Remember Romans 8:28? “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This is one of those promises you can cling to when you’re walking through fire.
- Application: When the waves of life come crashing down, lean on God’s Word. It’s packed with promises that can help you rise above the storm.
Courage and the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
What better way to talk about courage than by talking about the Armor of God? It’s not just about protection; it’s a symbol of the courage God gives us to stand firm in the spiritual battles we face.
- Example: Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages us to “put on the full armor of God” so that we can stand against the schemes of the enemy. The Armor of God includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and more—all of which give us courage to face life’s spiritual battles.
- Application: Every piece of this armor is a reminder that God equips us with everything we need to stand firm. Courage isn’t something we have to muster on our own—it’s something God provides as part of our spiritual defense.
How to Cultivate Courage from Bible Verses
Alright, now that we’ve explored some key Bible verses about courage, how do we actually build that kind of bravery in our everyday lives? Spoiler alert: It’s not about waking up one day and suddenly becoming fearless. Courage is like a muscle—it grows stronger the more you work it out. And one of the best ways to do that is by staying connected to God’s Word.
Memorizing Bible Verses About Courage
You know how you have that favorite song that always gets stuck in your head? Imagine if that catchy tune was actually a powerful Bible verse. By memorizing verses about courage, you can call on them when fear tries to creep in.
- Example: If you’re facing a tough situation, and you’ve memorized Joshua 1:9, you can remind yourself: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Application: Try writing down a few verses on sticky notes and putting them in places where you’ll see them often—your bathroom mirror, your fridge, or even your phone’s lock screen. That way, whenever you need a boost of courage, those verses are right there, ready to give you strength.
Praying for Courage
Here’s a little secret: prayer works wonders when it comes to building courage. When you ask God to fill you with His boldness, He delivers.
- Example: Even Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane when He needed strength to face the cross. If Jesus prayed for courage, then we definitely should!
- Application: Next time you feel overwhelmed, simply say a quick prayer: “God, give me the courage to face this. Help me trust You and remember Your promises.” It doesn’t have to be fancy, just honest.
Practicing Courage in Daily Life
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Courage doesn’t grow if we never step out of our comfort zones. Whether it’s standing up for what’s right, speaking out when you’d rather stay silent, or taking that leap of faith, courage grows with practice.
- Example: Think about Peter, who stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus. Sure, he sank when he took his eyes off the Lord, but the guy still walked on water!
- Application: Start with small acts of courage—maybe it’s sharing your faith with a friend, or making a decision that requires trust in God. The more you practice, the stronger your courage muscle will become.
Bible Stories That Illustrate Courage
If you’re looking for a little extra inspiration, the Bible is packed with stories that show us what real courage looks like. These aren’t just tales of bravery in the face of danger—these are stories of faith, trust, and boldness in action. Let’s dive into some of the most powerful examples of courage from the Bible.
David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
Talk about an underdog story! David was just a young shepherd, armed with nothing more than a slingshot and his faith in God. Goliath, on the other hand, was a literal giant, decked out in armor and ready to crush anyone who dared to face him. But David? He didn’t flinch. In 1 Samuel 17, David famously declares, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
- Application: When life throws giants your way—be it fear, doubt, or overwhelming odds—remember David. Courage isn’t about having the perfect weapons; it’s about having faith in the One who fights for you.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6)
Talk about being thrown to the wolves… or, in this case, lions! Daniel had the courage to stay true to his faith, even when it meant disobeying the king’s orders. For that, he was tossed into a den of hungry lions. But God wasn’t about to let his servant down. As Daniel spent the night among the lions, God sent an angel to shut their mouths, keeping Daniel safe.
- Application: Courage sometimes means standing firm in your faith, even when it seems like the whole world is against you. Daniel’s story shows us that God’s protection is stronger than any threat we face.
Esther’s Courage to Save Her People (Esther 4)
Esther wasn’t just courageous—she was strategic, too. As queen, she was in a position of influence, but approaching the king uninvited could have led to her death. Still, when her people’s lives were at stake, she said the famous words, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Esther’s bravery saved an entire nation.
- Application: Sometimes courage means stepping up for others, even when the risks are high. Esther’s story reminds us that God often places us in positions to make a difference, and with faith, we can take those bold steps.
Conclusion: Walking in Courage Every Day
Let’s face it: Life can be tough. Whether it’s facing personal struggles, making difficult decisions, or stepping out in faith, courage is something we all need. But here’s the thing—it’s not something we have to summon up all on our own. Through the power of God’s Word, we can cultivate the courage to face whatever comes our way.
Recap of Bible Verses About Courage
Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see how God’s people were called to be courageous. From Joshua leading the Israelites, to Paul preaching the gospel despite persecution, to Jesus walking bravely toward the cross, the Bible is full of powerful examples of courage. And these stories aren’t just ancient history—they’re alive and relevant for us today.
Living Courageously
Living courageously doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear—it means that, despite the fear, you’ll take that step forward in faith. The key to living a life of courage is trusting in God’s promises and knowing that He is always with you. Just like David picked up those five smooth stones to face Goliath, we, too, can face our giants with confidence because we know God is fighting our battles.
Encouragement for Daily Courage
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or unsure of what’s next, dive into the Bible verses about courage we’ve explored. Let them fill your heart with strength and hope. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear—it’s trusting that God is bigger than whatever you’re facing.
Go out there, take heart, and live with bold, courageous faith!
