So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrasing "what can man do to me?" isn't a statement of defiance, but a rhetorical question highlighting the ultimate impotence of human opposition when God is your "helper." It points to a profound confidence that transcends any earthly threat, because our help comes from the divine source of all power.
So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, the author has been reminding the readers about their former leaders, urging them to imitate their faith and perseverance. Now, he wants to give them solid ground for confidence amid life's pressures and potential opposition, drawing on the unwavering faithfulness of God. This verse is a powerful declaration that arises directly from trusting God's help, shifting the focus from human limitations to divine strength when facing any challenge.
Ever feel hesitant to speak up or stand firm? This verse shows us where true boldness comes from.
The phrase "So that we can confidently say" isn't just a nice opening. It links what comes next to the preceding verses about remembering leaders and not being carried away by strange doctrines. It means that because of all these truths – God's unchanging nature, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the steadfastness of those who came before – we have a solid foundation.
The Source of Our Confidence
This isn't a manufactured bravery. It's a boldness that flows from trusting in God's active help. The original Greek suggests a continuous state of courage, something we can live in, not just summon in a moment. When we truly grasp who God is and what He's done, fear of human opinion or threats loses its power.
What's the difference between relying on people and relying on God when trouble comes?
The heart of this verse is a powerful declaration: "The Lord is my helper." This isn't a casual statement; it's a profound recognition that our ultimate strength and support come from God alone.
When Human Help Fails
The contrast is stark: "I will not fear; what can man do to me?" This isn't arrogance. It's a realization that human power is limited and ultimately insignificant compared to God's. "Man" here can refer to individuals, governments, or even entire systems that might oppose us. They can threaten, harm, or even take our lives, but they cannot touch our eternal destiny in God.
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This ancient declaration, drawn from the Psalms, reminds us that our security is not found in human alliances or our own abilities, but in the unfailing presence and power of the Lord.
When people threaten you, what's the real power they wield?
The final part of the verse, "what can man do to me?" is phrased as a rhetorical question. It’s not denying that people can cause suffering or even death. Instead, it’s questioning the ultimate significance of their actions in light of eternity.
Beyond Physical Harm
From a biblical perspective, human beings can only affect our physical lives – they can harm our bodies, take our possessions, or damage our reputations. They cannot harm our souls, separate us from God's love, or steal our eternal inheritance.
This understanding allows believers to face threats with a remarkable calm. If God is our helper, then whatever limitations people try to impose on us are ultimately under God's sovereign control. He can use even the actions of enemies for our ultimate good and His glory.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the sovereign God of Israel, the covenant-keeping I AM who reveals Himself to His people as their protector and deliverer. In the New Testament, this title is frequently applied to Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
phobēthēsomai · Greek Verb
A state of alarm or dread; in a biblical context, it often refers to the paralyzing fear of humanity or circumstances that contradicts trust in God's providence. The prohibition of fear is rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and sovereignty.
This passage echoes the sentiment of trusting in the Lord for protection against enemies, much like Hebrews 13:6, providing an Old Testament foundation for fearless confidence in God's help.
Psalm 118:6This is the direct Old Testament source of the quote in Hebrews 13:6, highlighting how ancient believers found assurance in God's presence even when facing opposition from people.
Isaiah 41:10This prophecy assures God's people of His strengthening presence and help, directly countering fear and underscoring the 'helper' aspect emphasized in Hebrews 13:6.
Romans 8:31This powerful New Testament declaration asks, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' This is the theological underpinning for the fearless confidence expressed in Hebrews 13:6.
2 Timothy 1:7This verse reminds believers that God has not given them a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, which is the very empowerment needed to 'boldly say' the words found in Hebrews 13:6.
vincentHebrews 13:6: "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
So that we may boldly say (ὥστε θαρροῦντας ἡμᾶς λέγειν)Lit. so that, being of good courage, we say. Θαρρεῖν to be confident or bold, only here in Hebrews. Elsewhere only in Paul. The kindred form θαρσεῖν is used in N.T. only in the imperative θάρσει or θαρσεῖτε take courage. See Matthew 9:2; Mark 6:50; John 16:33; Acts 23:11.The Lord is my helper, etc.From lxx, Psalm 107:6…
pulpitHebrews 13:6: "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Verse 6. - So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me; rather, I will act fear: what shall man do unto me? The quotation is from Psalm 118:6. The memory of their former pastors who had finished their course is next urged upon the readers as an encouragement to perseverance in the life of faith.
The phrasing "what can man do to me?" isn't a statement of defiance, but a rhetorical question highlighting the ultimate impotence of human opposition when God is your "helper." It points to a profound confidence that transcends any earthly threat, because our help comes from the divine source of all power.
Just before this, the author has been reminding the readers about their former leaders, urging them to imitate their faith and perseverance. Now, he wants to give them solid ground for confidence amid life's pressures and potential opposition, drawing on the unwavering faithfulness of God. This verse is a powerful declaration that arises directly from trusting God's help, shifting the focus from human limitations to divine strength when facing any challenge.
Just before this, the author has been reminding the readers about their former leaders, urging them to imitate their faith and perseverance. Now, he wants to give them solid ground for confidence amid life's pressures and potential opposition, drawing on the unwavering faithfulness of God. This verse is a powerful declaration that arises directly from trusting God's help, shifting the focus from human limitations to divine strength when facing any challenge.
"So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”" — The phrasing "what can man do to me?" isn't a statement of defiance, but a rhetorical question highlighting the ultimate impotence of human opposition when God is your "helper." It points to a profou…
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Last reviewed October 2026