Deuteronomy 20:8

Deuteronomy 20:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.”

King James Version KJV

And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart.

American Standard Version ASV

And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart melt as his heart.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And let the overseers go on to say to the people, If there is any man whose heart is feeble with fear, let him go back to his house before he makes the hearts of his countrymen feeble.

Free Bible Version FBV

The officers are also to tell the army, “Is there any man here who is afraid or nervous? He can go home, so he won't affect his fellow-soldiers and make them as frightened as himself.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And let the officers speake further vnto the people, and say, Whosoeuer is afrayde and faynt hearted, let him go and returne vnto his house, least his brethrens heart faynt like his heart.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And the authorities have added to speak unto the people, and said, Who [is] the man that is afraid and tender of heart? — let him go and turn back to his house, and the heart of his brethren doth not melt like his heart;

World English Bible WEB

The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, “What man is there who is fearful and faint-hearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother’s heart melt as his heart.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted? let him go and return to his house, lest his brethren's heart should faint as well as his heart.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

After these things are declared they shall add the rest, and shall speak to the people: What man is there that is fearful, and faint hearted? let him go, and return to his house, lest he make the hearts of his brethren to fear, as he himself is possessed with fear.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Then the officers must also say, ‘If anyone among you is afraid or timid [RHQ], he should go home, in order that he does not cause his fellow soldiers to also stop being courageous.’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 20:8

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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 20:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/יָסְפ֣וּ הַ/שֹּׁטְרִים֮ לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר אֶל הָ/עָם֒ וְ/אָמְר֗וּ מִי הָ/אִ֤ישׁ הַ/יָּרֵא֙ וְ/רַ֣ךְ הַ/לֵּבָ֔ב יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְ/יָשֹׁ֣ב לְ/בֵית֑/וֹ וְ/לֹ֥א יִמַּ֛ס אֶת לְבַ֥ב אֶחָ֖י/ו כִּ/לְבָבֽ/וֹ

וְ/יָסְפ֣וּ yâçaph H3254 to add Conj | V-Qal-3cp

הַ/שֹּׁטְרִים֮ shôṭêr H7860 official Art | V-Qal

לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/עָם֒ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

וְ/אָמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-3cp

מִי mîy H4310 who? Part

הָ/אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

הַ/יָּרֵא֙ yârêʼ H3373 afraid Art | Adj

וְ/רַ֣ךְ rak H7390 tender Conj | Adj

הַ/לֵּבָ֔ב lêbâb H3824 heart Art | N-ms

יֵלֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/יָשֹׁ֣ב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/בֵית֑/וֹ bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִמַּ֛ס mâçaç H4549 to melt V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

לְבַ֥ב lêbâb H3824 heart N-ms

אֶחָ֖י/ו ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

כִּ/לְבָבֽ/וֹ lêbâb H3824 heart Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 20:8

וְ/יָסְפ֣וּ yâçaph H3254 "to add" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.

Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.

הַ/שֹּׁטְרִים֮ shôṭêr H7860 "official" Art | V-Qal

This word refers to a high-ranking official or officer, often translated as 'officer', 'overseer', or 'ruler'. In the Bible, it describes a person with authority and responsibility, such as a scribe or magistrate.

Definition: (Qal) official, officer

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: officer, overseer, ruler. See also: Exodus 5:6; Deuteronomy 31:28; Proverbs 6:7.

לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

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/עָם֒ 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.

וְ/אָמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

מִי mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

הָ/אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/יָּרֵא֙ yârêʼ H3373 "afraid" Art | Adj

This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.

Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.

וְ/רַ֣ךְ rak H7390 "tender" Conj | Adj

This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.

Definition: 1) tender, soft, delicate, weak 1a) tender, delicate (of flesh) 1b) weak of heart, timid 1c) soft (of words) 1c1) gentle words (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak. See also: Genesis 18:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Proverbs 4:3.

הַ/לֵּבָ֔ב lêbâb H3824 "heart" Art | N-ms

The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.

יֵלֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

וְ/יָשֹׁ֣ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

לְ/בֵית֑/וֹ bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

יִמַּ֛ס mâçaç H4549 "to melt" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.

Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לְבַ֥ב lêbâb H3824 "heart" N-ms

אֶחָ֖י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

כִּ/לְבָבֽ/וֹ lêbâb H3824 "heart" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 20:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 20:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:8
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:8
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8
Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:8

Context — Laws of Warfare

6Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 7Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”

8Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.”

9When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it. 10When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 7:3	Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.
2	Deuteronomy 1:28	Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”
3	Revelation 21:8	But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
4	Acts 15:37–38	Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work.
5	Deuteronomy 23:9	When you are encamped against your enemies, then you shall keep yourself from every wicked thing.
6	Numbers 32:9	For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them.
7	Numbers 13:31–3	—
8	1 Corinthians 15:33	Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
9	Exodus 15:15	Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,
10	Luke 9:62	Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Deuteronomy 20:8 Summary

Deuteronomy 20:8 teaches us that it's okay to acknowledge our fears and weaknesses, and that God wants us to be honest about them, as seen in Psalm 51:17. Just like the fearful soldiers were allowed to return home, we can trust that God will give us the strength and courage we need to face our spiritual battles, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Ephesians 6:10-18. By trusting in God's power and promises, we can overcome our fears and weaknesses, and stand firm in our faith, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:8-9. This verse reminds us that God is our rock and our salvation, and that we can always turn to Him for help and guidance, as expressed in Psalm 18:2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God allow fearful soldiers to return home in Deuteronomy 20:8?

God allowed fearful soldiers to return home to prevent their fear from spreading to others, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:8, and to ensure that those who remained were fully committed to the battle, trusting in God's power and promises, as expressed in Deuteronomy 31:6.

Is it okay to admit fear or faintheartedness in spiritual battles, like the soldiers in Deuteronomy 20:8?

Yes, it's essential to acknowledge and confront our fears and weaknesses, as the Bible encourages honesty and vulnerability, such as in Psalm 51:17, and reminds us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, as stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9.

How does Deuteronomy 20:8 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

Deuteronomy 20:8 illustrates the importance of spiritual preparedness and courage in the face of spiritual battles, emphasizing the need for believers to trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, and to stand firm against the enemy's tactics, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:8-9.

What can we learn from the officers' role in addressing the army in Deuteronomy 20:8?

The officers' role in Deuteronomy 20:8 teaches us the value of leadership and pastoral care in the body of Christ, as leaders are called to encourage, guide, and support believers in their spiritual journeys, as seen in Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where fear or faintheartedness may be holding me back from fully trusting and following God?
How can I, like the officers in Deuteronomy 20:8, encourage and support my fellow believers in their spiritual journeys?
In what ways can I apply the principle of Deuteronomy 20:8 to my own life, being honest about my weaknesses and trusting in God's strength and promises?
What are some spiritual battles that I am currently facing, and how can I trust in God's power and promises to overcome them, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Ephesians 6:10-18?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:8

And the officers shall speak further unto the people,.... According to Maimonides (n), the priest the anointed of war spoke to the end of De 20:7 and which the officers repeated after him to the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:8

And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8

Deuteronomy 20:8 And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’ s heart faint as well as his heart.Ver. 9. Captains of the armies to lead the people.] As Hannibal did, of whom Livy reports, that Princeps proelium inibat, ultimus, conserto proelio, excedebat; he was first in the battle, and last out. And the same is storied of Albert, marquess of Brandenburg: In congressibus prior pugnam iniit, victor h praelio excessit ultimus. Decad. iii. lib. i. Bucholc.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8

(5) And the officers.—The shôterim of Deu 16:18; the civil magistrates apparently. The organisation of Israel was not military, but military leaders were to be appointed for special services, as appears by Deuteronomy 20:9, “they shall make captains of the armies.” The captains of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens were called shôterim (Deuteronomy 1:15). (5-8) What man is there . . .—These questions show that, primarily, all Israelites of military age (20 to 50) were expected to attend the muster; then those who were unprepared for the campaign were suffered to depart. The only recorded instance of the observance of these rules is in Judges 7:3, at the muster of Gideon’s army. The proclamation “Whosoever, is afraid let him depart,” sent away 22,000 out of 32,000 on that occasion, or rather more than two-thirds of the army!

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8

Verse 8. What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted?] The original רך rach, signifies tender or soft-hearted. And a soft heart the man must have who, in such a contest, after such a permission, could turn his back upon his enemies and his brethren. However, such were the troops commanded by Gideon in his war against the Midianites; for after he gave this permission, out of 32,000 men only 10,000 remained to fight! Judges 7:3. There could be no deception in a business of this kind; for the departure of the 22,000 was the fullest proof of their dastardliness which they could possibly give.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:8

8. shall speak further] The change in the formula is no proof that this is a later addition to the law (as Steuern. avers). fearful and fainthearted] It is true that such were also supposed to be possessed by evil spirits (Schwally). For a Celtic analogy see Scott’s Fair Maid of Perth, in which Conacher’s timidity is attributed by his foster-father to possession. But there is no evidence of such a superstition here. The rule is rather in sympathy with this Book’s constant insistence upon whole-hearted devotion in the service of God. In no direction of life is He content with less. Cp. Judges 7:3. lest his brethren’s heart, etc.] ‘Fear is catching.’ (M. Henry.)

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:8

8. Fearful and fainthearted — These were to leave the army. Only the valorous were to constitute the force that was to go forth to battle.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:8

	Sermon	Description
	Fear Not by Warren Wiersbe	Warren Wiersbe delivers a sermon on overcoming fear by emphasizing the detrimental effects of fear, such as paralysis and discouragement. He draws parallels from President Franklin
	Hell No Exits by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from
	The Crime of Unbelief by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had, where he witnessed a horrible crime being committed behind closed doors in God's house. The preacher e
	The Touch of God - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a man of prayer and brokenness. He shares his own journey of spiritual laziness and how he had to make a decision to
	Hell - Side 1 (Compilation) by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of a near-death experience and his encounter with hell. He describes his troubled past, including time spent in prison and
	Forgiveness - Part 2 by Keith Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for God's mercy and forgiveness by humbly acknowledging our sins and coming to Him in repentance. It contrasts the att
	Gods Order in Christ - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Christian and Hopeful from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress." Christian and Hopeful were initially rejoicing and having fellowsh