Deuteronomy 20:14

Translations

Modern

But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you.

Traditional

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.

Literal

But the women, and the children, and the livestock, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall plunder for yourself. And you shall devour the plunder of your enemies, which YHWH your God gives to you.

Latin

…absque mulieribus et infantibus, jumentis et ceteris quæ in civitate sunt. Omnem prædam exercitui divides, et comedes de spoliis hostium tuorum, quæ Dominus Deus tuus dederit tibi.

Original

Hebrew

English

But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you.

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

Related verses

Joshua 8:2
And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.”
Joshua 22:8
…saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.”
Numbers 31:9
The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods.
Numbers 31:12
They brought the captives, spoils, and plunder to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of Israel at the camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho.
2 Chronicles 20:25
Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much.
Numbers 31:35–54
…and 32,000 women who had not slept with a man.
Joshua 11:14
The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed.
2 Chronicles 14:13–15
Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder
Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Psalm 68:12
“Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.
Numbers 31:18
…but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man.

Glossary

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

Topics

Captive: Cruelty to Enslaved Servant: Bond: Captives of War Became Slaves Servants: Slaves or Bond: Captives Taken in War often Kept As War of Extermination Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War

Deuteronomy 20:14

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