King James Version
Deuteronomy 20:12 in the King James Version says “And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:”
Deuteronomy 20:12 · KJV
When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
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.
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:
But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee. take: Heb. spoil
KJV Study — Public Domain
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“And if it will make no peace”
H7999to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
“with thee but will make”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
“against thee then thou shalt besiege”
H6696to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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.
Deuteronomy 20:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.