King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 20:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 20:14 in the King James Version says “But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 20:14 · King James Version


Context

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:

14

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

15

Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.

16

But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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—Non-combatants (women and little ones) and possessions become shalal (שָׁלָל, 'plunder, spoil'). This contrasts with Canaanite herem (total destruction, Joshua 6:17-19) where even spoil was forbidden. For distant nations (non-Canaanite), Israel could benefit economically from conquest.

This provision prevented wasteful destruction while removing military capacity. New Testament parallel: spiritual warfare targets demonic powers (we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, Ephesians 6:12), not people. We 'destroy' false ideologies (casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, 2 Corinthians 10:5) while 'plundering' useful elements (Paul quoted pagan poets, Acts 17:28, Titus 1:12).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoils of war funded Israel's economy and rewarded soldiers (Numbers 31:25-47). By distinguishing Canaanite wars (total herem) from distant wars (spoils permitted), God balanced judgment's necessity with economic pragmatism. Women and children integrated into Israelite households, often converting to YHWH worship (like Rahab).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you 'plunder' cultural goods (art, philosophy, science) without adopting culture's idolatrous foundations?
  2. What does targeting 'powers' (Ephesians 6:12) rather than people teach about loving enemies while opposing evil?
  3. In spiritual warfare, what constitutes legitimate 'spoils' (redeemable elements) versus what must be totally destroyed?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
רַ֣ק1 of 21
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

הַ֠נָּשִׁים2 of 21

But the women

H802

a woman

וְהַטַּ֨ף3 of 21

and the little ones

H2945

a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

וְהַבְּהֵמָ֜ה4 of 21

and the cattle

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וְכֹל֩5 of 21
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה7 of 21
H1961

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

בָעִ֛יר8 of 21

and all that is in the city

H5892

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

כָּל9 of 21
H3605

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

שְׁלַ֣ל10 of 21

even all the spoil

H7998

booty

תָּבֹ֣ז11 of 21

thereof shalt thou take

H962

to plunder

לָ֑ךְ12 of 21
H0
וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֙13 of 21

unto thyself and thou shalt eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת14 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁלַ֣ל15 of 21

even all the spoil

H7998

booty

אֹֽיְבֶ֔יךָ16 of 21

of thine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֛ן18 of 21

hath given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֥ה19 of 21

which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ20 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

לָֽךְ׃21 of 21
H0

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 20:14 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 20:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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