King James Version
Deuteronomy 20:13 in the King James Version says “And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the s...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:”
Deuteronomy 20:13 · KJV
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
Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“hath delivered”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
“And when the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“thy God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
“it into thine hands”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“thereof with the edge”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
“of the sword”
H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
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 20:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Deuteronomy 20:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge