King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 20:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 20:11 in the King James Version says “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 foun... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 20:11 · KJV


Context

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:

13

And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Cities accepting peace become mas (מַס, 'forced labor, tribute')—subordinate but not exterminated. This merciful alternative to total war allowed survival in exchange for service. Gibeon secured such a treaty through deception (Joshua 9:3-27), becoming woodcutters and water-carriers.

This foreshadows gospel dynamics: rebels against the King may surrender and live, entering service rather than destruction. The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23). Yet surrender means slavery's exchange: Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness (Romans 6:18). We escape death-sentence by becoming Christ's bondservants—whose service is perfect freedom (Book of Common Prayer). Tribute depicts redeemed humanity serving the King who conquered us.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tributary relationships were common in ancient Near Eastern geopolitics—conquered cities paid taxes and provided labor while maintaining local governance. Israel's system was comparatively merciful (survival with service) versus typical ancient conquest (extermination or slavery).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does becoming Christ's 'tributary' (servant after surrender) provide freedom rather than oppression?
  2. What does the choice (destruction or service) reveal about the gospel's demand for total allegiance?
  3. In what areas are you offering Christ 'tribute' (token service) rather than wholehearted submission?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִם2 of 15
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

שָׁל֣וֹם3 of 15

of peace

H7965

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

תַּֽעַנְךָ֔4 of 15

And it shall be if it make thee answer

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וּפָֽתְחָ֖ה5 of 15

and open

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לָ֑ךְ6 of 15
H0
וְהָיָ֞ה7 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּל8 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֣ם9 of 15

unto thee then it shall be that all the people

H5971

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

הַנִּמְצָא10 of 15

that is found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בָ֗הּ11 of 15
H0
יִֽהְי֥וּ12 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְךָ֛13 of 15
H0
לָמַ֖ס14 of 15

therein shall be tributaries

H4522

properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e., a tax in the form of forced labor

וַֽעֲבָדֽוּךָ׃15 of 15

unto thee and they shall serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc


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 20:11 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 20:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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