In context, with the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible text — and sober study notes.
Quick answer: God reassures Israel, His chosen servant, not to fear or be dismayed. He promises His personal presence, strength, help, and righteous support against adversaries who oppose them.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
God speaks directly to Israel, identifying them as His chosen servant descended from Abraham. Having gathered them from far lands and affirmed that He has not rejected them, God addresses their fear of surrounding enemies. He reassures Israel of His standing commitment to defend and uphold them against those who oppose them.
8But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
9Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
11Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
12Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
The passage begins with a clear double command: do not fear and do not be dismayed. The reason given for this courage is not human capability, but God’s personal commitment to His people. He declares His presence by assuring them that He is with them, and He establishes a relational covenant foundation by stating that He is their God.
God then outlines three specific divine actions He will take on behalf of His servant. First, He promises to impart divine strength to the weak. Second, He guarantees direct assistance. Finally, He commits to hold them fast with His righteous right hand, a symbol of authority, holy power, and ultimate vindication. This reassurance prepares them for the promise that follows, where adversaries who oppose them will ultimately perish and become as nothing.
Readers facing overwhelming uncertainty, weakness, or spiritual opposition can reflect on God's enduring character shown in this passage. Rather than relying solely on personal resolve, believers are invited to rest in God's promised presence and strength. True courage grows not from ignoring real hardship, but from remembering that God promises to hold His people fast with His righteous hand through every situation.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
Isaiah 43:2
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 118:6
The verse text on this page is quoted verbatim from the public-domain King James Version and World English Bible. The study notes are a reflection aid — read the passage itself first and compare the two translations as you go.
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