King James Version
Deuteronomy 20:2 in the King James Version says “And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,”
Deuteronomy 20:2 · KJV
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; faint: Heb. be tender tremble: Heb. make haste
For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
KJV Study — Public Domain
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“And it shall be when ye are come nigh”
H7126to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
“unto the battle”
H4421a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
“shall approach”
H5066to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
“that the priest”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
“and speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
“unto the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
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 20:2 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 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge