Courage is a central theme in many religious texts, and the Bible is no exception. Across both the Old and New Testaments, the concept of courage is recurrent, providing guidance and inspiration to believers. In this article, we will explore how often the term “courage” appears in the Bible, delve into its significance, and examine key passages where this virtue is highlighted.
Frequency of “Courage” in the Bible
The word “courage” appears 20 times in the Bible, according to the New International Version (NIV) translation. This count, however, can vary slightly depending on the translation, as different versions of the Bible might use synonyms or slightly different phrasing. For instance, terms like “brave” or “fear not” can often be associated with the concept of courage even if the specific word “courage” is not used.
The Old Testament: Foundations of Courage
In the Old Testament, courage is frequently addressed, especially in contexts of leadership and divine mission. One of the most notable occurrences is in the Book of Joshua. As Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God commands him to be courageous.
Joshua 1:6-9 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.”
In this passage, courage is directly linked to faith and obedience to God. Joshua’s success is contingent upon his courage, which stems from his trust in God’s promises and his adherence to God’s laws. This connection between courage and faith is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.
Another significant reference is found in 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.” This exhortation, given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, underscores that courage is not merely a personal attribute but is deeply rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and support.
Courage in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature
The Psalms and other wisdom literature of the Old Testament also emphasize courage, often in the context of facing adversity and trusting in God’s protection.
Psalm 27:14 (NIV): “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” This verse highlights the courage needed to trust in God’s timing and plan, encouraging believers to maintain their strength and confidence even when answers or relief are not immediate.
Proverbs 28:1 (NIV): “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” This proverb contrasts the fearfulness of the wicked with the boldness of the righteous, suggesting that a clear conscience and righteous living contribute to one’s courage.
New Testament: Courage in the Early Church
In the New Testament, courage continues to play a crucial role, particularly as the early Christians face persecution and spread the gospel.
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.” This passage underscores that the apostles’ courage was a testament to their relationship with Jesus, rather than their personal qualifications or education. Their boldness in preaching and performing miracles served as powerful evidence of their divine mission.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NIV): “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” Here, Paul speaks of a profound courage rooted in faith, illustrating the Christian hope that transcends earthly circumstances and looks forward to eternal life with God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV) presents the metaphor of the Armor of God, a vivid depiction of spiritual preparedness and courage: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
This passage not only calls believers to be courageous in their spiritual battles but also equips them with the necessary tools to do so, emphasizing that courage in the Christian life is both a divine gift and a personal responsibility.
Theological Implications of Courage
The repeated emphasis on courage throughout the Bible suggests its fundamental importance in the life of faith. Courage is not simply a natural virtue but is deeply intertwined with one’s relationship with God. It is portrayed as a response to divine assurance and presence, a manifestation of trust in God’s promises and power.
Moreover, biblical courage often involves acting in the face of fear and uncertainty, reflecting a profound trust in God’s sovereignty. This courage is not about the absence of fear but about the decision to act faithfully despite fear. As noted theologian C.S. Lewis famously remarked, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
In practical terms, this means that courage is essential for living out other virtues. For example, it takes courage to stand up for justice, to show compassion in the face of adversity, or to maintain hope during trials. The biblical narrative encourages believers to find their strength in God’s presence and promises, fostering a courage that transcends human limitations.
Conclusion
The concept of courage is woven throughout the fabric of the Bible, appearing explicitly 20 times in the NIV translation and implicitly in many more passages. Whether through the exhortations to Joshua, the encouragements in the Psalms, or the boldness of the early apostles, the Bible consistently highlights courage as a vital component of faith. It teaches that true courage stems from a deep trust in God, enabling believers to face challenges and uncertainties with confidence and strength.
By understanding the biblical foundation of courage, believers are encouraged to embrace this virtue in their daily lives, drawing inspiration from the countless examples of courageous faith throughout Scripture. Thus, courage in the Bible is more than just a recurring word; it is a profound call to live out one’s faith with boldness and trust in the divine, embodying the fearless pursuit of righteousness and divine mission.