Deuteronomy 20:2
Deuteronomy 20:2 in Multiple Translations
When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,
And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
And it shall be, when ye draw nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,
And when you are on the point of attacking, let the priest come forward and say to the people,
Before you go into battle, the priest shall come and speak to the army.
And when ye are come neere vnto the battel, then the Priest shall come forth to speake vnto the people,
and it hath been, in your drawing near unto the battle, that the priest hath come nigh, and spoken unto the people,
It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
And it shall be when ye are come nigh to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people,
And when the battle is now at hand, the priest shall stand before the army, and shall speak to the people in this manner:
When you are ready to start the battle, the Supreme Priest must stand in front of the troops.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 20:2
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 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
כְּ/קָֽרָבְ/כֶ֖ם
אֶל
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
וְ/נִגַּ֥שׁ
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
וְ/דִבֶּ֥ר
אֶל
הָ/עָֽם
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כְּ/קָֽרָבְ/כֶ֖ם
qârab
H7126
to present
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Art | N-fs
וְ/נִגַּ֥שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וְ/דִבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 20:2
וְ/הָיָ֕ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/קָֽרָבְ/כֶ֖ם
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Art | 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/נִגַּ֥שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/דִבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:2
Context — Laws of Warfare
1When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.
2When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army,
3saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. 4For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 31:6 | And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 13:12 | Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” |
| 3 | Numbers 10:8–9 | The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come. When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. |
| 4 | Judges 20:27–28 | And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 30:7–8 | Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 14:18 | Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) |
Deuteronomy 20:2 Summary
[This verse is talking about a time when the Israelites were about to go into battle, and the priest was supposed to come and remind them that God was with them. This is like when we are facing challenges in our lives, and we need to remember that God is with us, as it says in Jeremiah 1:8, 'Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.' The priest was supposed to tell the army to be brave and trust in God, and we can do the same thing when we are feeling scared or unsure. We can remember that God is our helper and our protector, and that He will give us the strength we need to face whatever challenges come our way, as it says in Psalm 28:7, 'The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.']
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the priest required to come forward and address the army before battle?
The priest was required to come forward and address the army to remind them of God's presence and promise of victory, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:4, where it says, 'For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.'
What was the purpose of the priest's address to the army?
The purpose of the priest's address was to encourage the army and remind them not to be afraid, as stated in Deuteronomy 20:3, and to trust in God's power and presence, as seen in Exodus 14:14, where it says, 'The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.'
How does this verse relate to our lives as Christians today?
This verse reminds us that, as Christians, we are in a spiritual battle and need to be reminded of God's presence and power, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, where it talks about putting on the full armor of God to fight against the spiritual forces of evil.
What role does faith play in this verse?
Faith plays a crucial role in this verse, as the army is called to trust in God's power and presence, rather than their own strength, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:17, where it says, 'You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'battles' I am facing in my life right now, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to trust in God's power and presence?
- How can I, like the priest in this verse, be a source of encouragement and reminder of God's presence to those around me?
- What are some ways I can 'prepare for battle' in my own life, by putting on the full armor of God and trusting in His power and presence?
- How can I balance the need to be prepared and courageous with the need to trust in God's power and presence, rather than my own strength?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:2
Ver. 2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle,.... When all things are preparing for it, and it seems unavoidable: that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people; not any
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:2
And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, The priest shall approach and speak unto the people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
The priest; an eminent priest appointed for this work, and to blow with the holy trumpets, 31:6. Speak unto the people; either successively to one regiment of the army after another, or to some by himself, to others by his brethren or deputies, which accompanied him for that end.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
Deuteronomy 20:2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,Ver. 2. That the priest shall approach.] For some priests ordinarily went along with the army; not to be Tuba rebellionis, as the Papists said of Zuinglius, nor evangelium flammeum praedicare, as they said of Beza, as a common firebrand or fomenter of discord; but to blow the holy trumpets, "that the people might be remembered before the Lord, and saved from their enemies"; and to say unto them, as in 2 Chronicles 19:11, "Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good." The valour of the Gauls was admired by the Romans. It proceeded from that instruction of the Druids, their priests, concerning the immortality of the soul, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
(2) The priest.—There is no mention of the Levite here. The priest is named as a distinct personage. The words which the priest are to pronounce are, as it were, the blessing of Jehovah on the campaign. It follows that Israel could not lawfully go to war except when the blessing of Jehovah might be invoked.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
Verse 2. The priest shall approach, and speak unto the people] The priest on these occasions was the representative of that God whose servant he was, and whose worship he conducted. It is remarkable that almost all ancient nations took their priests with them to battle, as they did not expect success without having the object of their adoration with them, and they supposed they secured his presence by having that of his representative.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:2
2. when ye draw nigh] LXX thou drawest nigh: see introd. note. to the war] Not battle. The captains had still to be appointed (Deuteronomy 20:9) and this must have taken place at the start of the campaign, not on the eve of engagement with the foe. the priest] Or (it may equally be) a priest: see introd. Hear, O Israel] Deuteronomy 4:1; here as there with Pl. vbs following.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 20:2
The priest - Not the high priest, but one appointed for the purpose, and called, according to the rabbis, “the anointed of the war”: hence, perhaps the expression of Jer 6:4, etc.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:2
2. The priest shall approach and speak unto the people — According to the rabbins, the priest who thus accompanied the army was called the “Anointed for the war.” He held a high rank. See Numbers 31:6.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 10-13 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the history of Israel and their rebellion against God. He mentions how God had made a covenant with David that there would always be a king fr |
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Fighting Our Battles by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the assurance of victory in God's battles, emphasizing the presence of the Lord as our fighter and captain. She highlights the importance of tru |
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Israel's Communication by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that the Israelites were not skille |
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David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David in 1 Samuel chapter 30. David and his men had returned to their camp to find that their wives had been stolen and th |
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(1 Samuel) a Foolish Oath and Consequences by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from the Bible about Saul and his son Jonathan. The speaker highlights the difficulty of pronouncing some of the Bible names but em |