Keraia
Deuteronomy 20

Deuteronomy 20:12

Laws of Warfare · Deuteronomy 20:1–20
Read Deuteronomy 20

Translations

Modern
But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.
Traditional
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
Literal
And if it does not make peace with you and makes war against you, then you shall lay siege against it.
Latin
Sin autem fœdus inire noluerit, et cœperit contra te bellum, oppugnabis eam.

Original

Hebrew
English
But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.

Notes

Deuteronomy 20:10–15

The people living in the land of Canaan had already been placed under the ban (7:1–6). This means they were set apart for complete destruction as part of God’s judgment.

So this command refers to other nations. It applies to people whom Israel would fight outside the land (20:15).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Holy War

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Holy War Holy War

Topics

Armies: Employed in Besieging Cities Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A