King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:10 in the King James Version says “When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive,”

Deuteronomy 21:10 · KJV

Salvation

Context

8

Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. unto thy people of: Heb. in the midst, etc

9

So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.

10

When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive,

11

And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;

12

Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails; pare: or, suffer to grow: Heb. make, or, dress

Read Deuteronomy 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands (כִּי־תֵצֵא לַמִּלְחָמָה עַל־אֹיְבֶיךָ)—The phrase ki tetze (when you go out) assumes Israel's military engagement will happen. But victory is attributed to God: netano YHWH Elohekha beyadeikha (the LORD your God has given them into your hand). Military success is divine gift, not human achievement.

And thou hast taken them captive (וְשָׁבִיתָ שִׁבְיוֹ)—The verb shavah (take captive) introduces a case law governing treatment of female war captives. What follows (vv. 10-14) radically regulates ancient Near Eastern norms, protecting women from immediate sexual exploitation and giving them time to grieve.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient warfare, female captives were typically raped immediately and enslaved permanently. Deuteronomy 21:10-14 represents revolutionary humanitarian legislation, requiring a month of mourning and permanent marriage (not concubinage or slavery) if the soldier desires the woman. This law limited male exploitation while acknowledging the harsh realities of ancient warfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does attributing military victory to God rather than human prowess guard against the pride and brutality that typically accompany conquest?
  2. What modern situations require Christians to uphold God's standards of human dignity even within systems we cannot immediately eliminate?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּֽי1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֵצֵ֥א2 of 11

“When thou goest forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה3 of 11

“to war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עַל4 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֹֽיְבֶ֑יךָ5 of 11

“against thine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

וּנְתָנ֞וֹ6 of 11

“hath delivered”

H5414

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

יְהוָ֧ה7 of 11

“and the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ8 of 11

“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

בְּיָדֶ֖ךָ9 of 11

“them into thine hands”

H3027

a 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

שִׁבְיֽוֹ׃10 of 11

“and thou hast taken”

H7617

to transport into captivity

שִׁבְיֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“and thou hast taken”

H7617

to transport into captivity

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 21:10 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 21:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 20:10-16Joshua 21:44

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Deuteronomy 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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