King James Version
Deuteronomy 20:15 in the King James Version says “Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.”
Deuteronomy 20:15 · KJV
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.
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:
But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
“Thus shalt thou do”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“are not of the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
“far off”
H7350remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
“which are very”
H3966properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“are not of the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
“of these nations”
H1471a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
“from thee which”
H2007themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
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 20:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.