What does Deuteronomy 1:21 mean?
"Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 1:21

Deuteronomy 1:21 in the King James Version reads: "Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged."
This verse comes from the book of Deuteronomy, which is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. Deuteronomy is essentially a series of speeches given by Moses before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. In the book, Moses reviews the laws given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai and restates the importance of following God's commands.
The verse, in particular, speaks directly to the Israelites as they stand at the threshold of the land promised to them by God. It is a reminder from Moses that they have been given a divine mandate to possess the land and that they should not be afraid or discouraged in the face of the challenges that lie ahead.
The theme of land and inheritance is central to the verse. The Promised Land represents the fulfillment of God's covenant with the Israelites, and it holds great symbolic and spiritual significance for them. It is a physical manifestation of God's faithfulness and provision for His people.
Additionally, the verse speaks to the themes of obedience, trust, and courage. The Israelites are commanded to go up and possess the land, trusting in the promise that God had made to their fathers. This requires both obedience to God's command and courage in the face of the unknown challenges that come with taking possession of the new land.
The context of the verse is also important to consider. The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years as a result of their disobedience and lack of faith. Now, on the brink of entering the Promised Land, they are being reminded of the importance of trusting in God and following His lead.
The symbolism in the verse is powerful. The land represents not only a physical possession but also a spiritual inheritance. It is a symbol of God's faithfulness and provision for His people. The command to "fear not, neither be discouraged" is a reminder that God is with them and that they should not let fear or discouragement hinder them from taking hold of the promises of God.
Overall, Deuteronomy 1:21 is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His promises. It speaks to the themes of obedience, trust, courage, and the inheritance of God’s blessings. The verse serves as a foundational reminder for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, and it continues to hold deep spiritual significance for believers today.
Have questions about Deuteronomy 1:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Deuteronomy 1:21 Artwork
Deuteronomy 1:21 - "Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged."
"Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 1:21
Deuteronomy 21:1 - "If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him:"
Deuteronomy 1.1-21
Deuteronomy 27:21 - "Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 21:21 - "And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear."
Deuteronomy 7:21 - "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible."
Deuteronomy 18:21 - "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?"
Deuteronomy 21:7 - "And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it."
Deuteronomy 21:22 - "¶ And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:"
Deuteronomy 2:21 - "A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:"
Deuteronomy 21:6 - "And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley:"
Deuteronomy 24:21 - "When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow."
Deuteronomy 21:12 - "Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;"
Deuteronomy 21:11 - "And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;"
Deuteronomy 15:21 - "And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God."
Deuteronomy 19:21 - "And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."
Deuteronomy 21:2 - "Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain:"
Deuteronomy 21:20 - "And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard."
Deuteronomy 10:21 - "He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen."
Deuteronomy 29:21 - "And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:"
"If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him:" - Deuteronomy 21:1
Deuteronomy 6:21 - "Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:"
Deuteronomy 16:21 - "¶ Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee."
Deuteronomy 21:9 - "So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD."
Deuteronomy 21:15 - "¶ If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated:"
Deuteronomy 28:21 - "The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it."
Deuteronomy 32:41
Deuteronomy 21:19 - "Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;"
Deuteronomy 21:17 - "But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his."