Deuteronomy 20:12
Deuteronomy 20:12 in Multiple Translations
But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
If however it will not make peace with you, but war, then let it be shut in on all sides:
However, if they refuse to make peace with you and decide to fight you, then lay siege to the town.
But if it will make no peace with thee, but make war against thee, then shalt thou besiege it.
'And if it doth not make peace with thee, and hath made with thee war, then thou hast laid siege against it,
If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it.
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
But if they will not make peace, and shall begin war against thee, thou shalt besiege it.
But if they refuse to surrender peacefully, and decide instead to fight against you, your troops must surround the city and break through the walls.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 20:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
לֹ֤א
תַשְׁלִים֙
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
וְ/עָשְׂתָ֥ה
עִמְּ/ךָ֖
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
וְ/צַרְתָּ֖
עָלֶֽי/הָּ
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַשְׁלִים֙
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/עָשְׂתָ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
עִמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
וְ/צַרְתָּ֖
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
עָלֶֽי/הָּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 20:12
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַשְׁלִים֙
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/עָשְׂתָ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
עִמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
וְ/צַרְתָּ֖
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
עָלֶֽי/הָּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 20:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Laws of Warfare
10When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.
11If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.
12But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.
13When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand, you must put every male to the sword. 14But 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.Deuteronomy 20:12 Summary
[In Deuteronomy 20:12, God is instructing the Israelites on how to engage in war, emphasizing the importance of offering peace first, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:10, and only resorting to war as a last resort, with the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God, as stated in 1 Samuel 17:46. This teaches us that God desires peace, but will also judge those who refuse it, as seen in Isaiah 28:21-22. As believers, we can apply this principle by seeking peace in our personal relationships, as seen in Matthew 5:9, and trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom in all situations, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can reflect God's character and bring glory to Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lay siege' to a city in Deuteronomy 20:12?
To lay siege to a city means to surround and blockade it, cutting off its supplies and waiting for its surrender, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:12 and 2 Kings 6:24-25.
Is this verse promoting violence and war?
This verse is part of a larger context where God is instructing the Israelites on how to engage in war, emphasizing the importance of offering peace first, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:10, and only resorting to war as a last resort, with the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God, as stated in 1 Samuel 17:46.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings on peace?
While Jesus taught his followers to 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' in Matthew 5:44, this verse in Deuteronomy 20:12 is part of the Old Testament law, where God was instructing the Israelites on how to engage in war, and it is not directly applicable to the New Testament era, where believers are called to follow Jesus' teachings on peace and nonviolence, as seen in Romans 12:14-21.
What can we learn from this verse about God's character?
This verse reveals that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who desires peace but will also judge those who refuse it, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:12 and Isaiah 28:21-22, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom in all situations, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of seeking peace before conflict in my personal relationships, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:10-12?
- What are some ways I can trust God's sovereignty and wisdom in difficult situations, just as the Israelites were called to trust God in their battles, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1-4 and 2 Chronicles 20:12?
- How can I balance the desire for peace with the need to stand firm against evil, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:12 and Ephesians 6:10-18?
- What can I learn from the Israelites' experiences in war about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1-20 and Joshua 1:7-9?
- How can I use this verse to reflect on my own heart and actions, and to seek God's guidance in my decisions, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:12
And if it will make no peace with thee,.... Will not accept of terms of peace offered: but will make war against thee; come out and fight, or prepare to defend themselves: then thou shall besiege it;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:12
And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:12
Deuteronomy 20:10-20. SIEGES.(10) When thou comest nigh . . . proclaim peace.—Not as the children of Dan did, who massacred the inhabitants of Laish without warning (Judges 18:27-28). Even in the wars of Joshua, the cities that “stood still in their strength” were generally spared (Joshua 11:13). (15) Thus—i.e., sparing the women and the little ones. (16-18) But of the cities of these people . . . thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth . . . that they teach you not to do after all their abominations.—Upon the inhabitants of these cities the Israelites executed the sentence of Jehovah. Their abominations are sufficiently indicated in Leviticus 18:24-28; Leviticus 20:23. These verses (16-18) are parenthetical; Deuteronomy 20:19 returns to the previous subject. (19) And thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field is man’s life).—Literally, the passage seems rather to mean this, Is the tree of the field a man, that it should escape thee and enter into the siege? It will not run away and fight in the trenches as a man might do. What need is there to cut it down?
This seems to be the view of the Targums, the LXX., and the Jewish commentators, besides modern authorities cited in the Variorum Bible. The destruction of the trees around Jerusalem was a notable feature of the Roman war.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:12
12. But if it will make no peace with thee … thou shalt besiege, i.e. confine or blockade it.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:12
12. If it will make no peace — If the city does not submit without fighting, then it is to be besieged, and, when taken by storm, the armed men are to be put to death, the women and children spared.