“Do not be afraid” Verses in the Bible
Quick Summary
The phrase “Do not be afraid” appears frequently in Scripture, often in moments of divine encounter, deep uncertainty, or dramatic calling. It is a repeated reassurance that fear is not the final word when God is present. These verses are not just spiritual platitudes; they are invitations to trust in the character, promises, and nearness of God—even when circumstances are overwhelming.
Introduction
Fear can be a constant companion. It rises with diagnosis, travels with uncertainty, and clings to moments of change. But again and again, the Bible meets that fear with a divine word: “Do not be afraid.” Sometimes spoken by angels, sometimes whispered by God himself, and sometimes declared by prophets and apostles, these words are not spoken lightly. They come with reason. With presence. With promise.
Let’s explore how this phrase unfolds throughout the biblical story, appearing in both Old and New Testaments. This is not about denying fear, but about living faithfully in its midst.
Key “Do Not Be Afraid” Verses
Genesis 15:1 – “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
Genesis 21:17 – God tells Hagar, “Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy.”
Genesis 26:24 – God appears to Isaac: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Genesis 46:3 – God says to Jacob, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt…”
Exodus 14:13 – Moses says, “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance…”
Deuteronomy 1:21 – “Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 20:1 – “Do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you…”
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them…”
Joshua 8:1 – “Do not fear or be dismayed; take all the fighting men…”
Joshua 10:8 – “Do not fear them, for I have handed them over to you…”
Judges 6:23 – “Peace be to you; do not fear, you shall not die.”
2 Kings 1:15 – The angel of the Lord said to Elijah, “Do not be afraid of him…”
2 Kings 6:16 – Elisha says, “Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than with them.”
2 Chronicles 20:15 – “Do not fear or be dismayed… for the battle is not yours but God’s.”
Isaiah 7:4 – “Take heed, be quiet, do not fear…”
Isaiah 35:4 – “Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear!’”
Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
Isaiah 43:1 – “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you…”
Jeremiah 1:8 – “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you…”
Jeremiah 42:11 – “Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon…”
Gospels and the New Testament
Matthew 1:20 – The angel says to Joseph, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…”
Matthew 10:31 – “So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matthew 14:27 – “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Luke 1:13 – The angel said to Zechariah, “Do not be afraid…”
Luke 1:30 – The angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid…”
Luke 2:10 – “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news…”
Luke 5:10 – Jesus tells Peter, “Do not be afraid…”
Acts 18:9 – The Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent…”
Revelation 1:17 – Jesus says to John, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last…”
Why It Matters: God’s Presence and Our Fear
“Do not be afraid” is not wishful thinking or empty encouragement. It is a call to courage based on God’s proven record. In almost every case, these words are followed by assurance: God is with you. God will fight for you. God has heard you. God has redeemed you.
Fear may come, but these verses show it does not have the final say. Like Abraham, Mary, Moses, and Paul, we are invited to carry our fear in the presence of a faithful God who never leaves.
Even today, those five words—“Do not be afraid”—carry the same power. Spoken across generations, they now speak to us.
