King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 20:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 20:10 in the King James Version says “When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.”

Deuteronomy 20:10 · KJV

Peace

Context

8

And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted ? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart. faint: Heb. melt

9

And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people. to lead: Heb. to be in the head of the people

10

When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

11

And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.

12

And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:

Read Deuteronomy 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it—Even in warfare, Israel must offer shalom (שָׁלוֹם, peace, wholeness) first. This requirement distinguished Israel from aggressive conquerors—they fought defensively or under divine mandate, not for imperial expansion. Proclaim (קָרָא, qara, 'call out, summon') suggests public, formal offer—opportunity for negotiation, not deceptive ambush.

Jesus commanded: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you (Matthew 5:44). Paul echoes: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). Yet Jesus also declared: I came not to send peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34)—the gospel divides (Luke 12:51-53). We offer peace (the gospel), but if rejected, judgment follows. God's warfare ethic: seek peace first, fight only when necessary.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare often began with surprise attacks or sieges without warning. God's requirement to offer peace first demonstrated Israel's moral superiority and gave enemies opportunity to submit peacefully (like Rahab, Joshua 2:9-14). Failure to offer peace risked fighting when surrender was possible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you 'proclaim peace' (offer the gospel) before engaging in spiritual warfare (confrontation, correction)?
  2. What does Jesus's paradox ('I came not to send peace, but a sword') teach about gospel proclamation's divisive necessity?
  3. In what relationships are you called to 'seek peace' while remaining prepared to 'fight' if peace is rejected?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּֽי1 of 9
H3588

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

תִקְרַ֣ב2 of 9

“When thou comest nigh”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל3 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עִ֔יר4 of 9

“unto a city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם5 of 9

“to fight”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עָלֶ֑יהָ6 of 9
H5921

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

וְקָרָ֥אתָ7 of 9

“against it then proclaim”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֖יהָ8 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃9 of 9

“peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

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 20:10 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 20:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 10:5-6Ephesians 2:172 Corinthians 5:18-6:1Isaiah 57:192 Samuel 20:18-22Acts 10:36

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