King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 20:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 20:1 in the King James Version says “When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 20:1 · KJV


Context

1

When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

2

And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,

3

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; faint: Heb. be tender tremble: Heb. make haste


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Military inferiority ('horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou') should not create fear because 'the LORD thy God is with thee.' Divine presence matters more than military advantage. The reminder of exodus ('brought thee up out of Egypt') grounds confidence in past deliverance. God who conquered Egypt's superpower can defeat any enemy. The Hebrew yare (יָרֵא, fear/afraid) is forbidden because covenant relationship guarantees divine aid. This transforms warfare from human contest to divine action. Success depends not on military strength but covenant faithfulness and divine promise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel lacked horses and chariots (expensive, requiring grasslands). Canaanites possessed both (Joshua 11:4; Judges 1:19; 4:3). Egypt's chariot corps was legendary. Yet God commanded not fearing superior forces. Gideon's 300 defeating Midianites (Judges 7), Jonathan's two-man assault succeeding (1 Samuel 14), and David's sling defeating Goliath exemplify this principle—God's presence trumps human strength. Later kings accumulated horses/chariots despite prohibition (Deuteronomy 17:16), trusting armaments over God. Prophets condemned this (Isaiah 31:1: 'Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots').

Reflection Questions

  1. How does past deliverance (your 'exodus') provide confidence for present challenges?
  2. What modern 'horses and chariots' (technology, wealth, human resources) tempt us to trust instead of God?
  3. How do we balance responsible preparation (acquiring resources) with ultimate trust in divine provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּֽי1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֵצֵ֨א2 of 21

When thou goest out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה3 of 21

to battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עַל4 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֹֽיְבֶ֗ךָ5 of 21

against thine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

וְֽרָאִ֜יתָ6 of 21

and seest

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

ס֤וּס7 of 21

horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וָרֶ֙כֶב֙8 of 21

and chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

עַ֚ם9 of 21

and a people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רַ֣ב10 of 21

more

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מִמְּךָ֔11 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

לֹ֥א12 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִירָ֖א13 of 21

than thou be not afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵהֶ֑ם14 of 21
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כִּֽי15 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֤ה16 of 21

of them for the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙17 of 21

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עִמָּ֔ךְ18 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַמַּֽעַלְךָ֖19 of 21

is with thee which brought thee up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ20 of 21

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃21 of 21

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 20:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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