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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Deuteronomy 21  › Deuteronomy 21:12

Deuteronomy 21:12

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Deuteronomy 21:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

then you shall bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails,

King James Version KJV

Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;

American Standard Version ASV

then thou shalt bring her home to thy house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then take her back to your house; and let her hair and her nails be cut;

Free Bible Version FBV

Take her home and have her shave her head, cut her nails,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house, and she shall shaue her head, and pare her nayles,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

then thou hast brought her in unto the midst of thy household, and she hath shaved her head, and prepared her nails,

World English Bible WEB

then you shall bring her home to your house. She shall shave her head and trim her nails.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then thou shalt bring her home to thy house, and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou shalt bring her into thy house: and she shall shave her hair, and pare her nails,

Translation for Translators T4T

He should take her to his home, and there she must shave all the hair off her head and cut her fingernails to signify that now she does not belong to her people-group any more, but instead she is becoming an Israeli.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:12

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 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/הֲבֵאתָ֖/הּ אֶל תּ֣וֹךְ בֵּיתֶ֑/ךָ וְ/גִלְּחָה֙ אֶת רֹאשָׁ֔/הּ וְ/עָשְׂתָ֖ה אֶת צִפָּרְנֶֽי/הָ
וַ/הֲבֵאתָ֖/הּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
תּ֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst N-ms
בֵּיתֶ֑/ךָ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff
וְ/גִלְּחָה֙ gâlach H1548 to shave Conj | V-Piel-3fs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
רֹאשָׁ֔/הּ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff
וְ/עָשְׂתָ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-3fs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
צִפָּרְנֶֽי/הָ tsippôren H6856 fingernail N-mp | Suff
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 21:12

וַ/הֲבֵאתָ֖/הּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
תּ֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בֵּיתֶ֑/ךָ bayith H1004 "place" 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/גִלְּחָה֙ gâlach H1548 "to shave" Conj | V-Piel-3fs
This Hebrew word means to shave or be bald, and can also mean to lay waste or destroy something. It is used in Leviticus to describe the shaving of priests and in Isaiah to describe the devastation of a city.
Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.
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.
רֹאשָׁ֔/הּ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וְ/עָשְׂתָ֖ה 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.
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.
צִפָּרְנֶֽי/הָ tsippôren H6856 "fingernail" N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a fingernail or the point of a stylus. In ancient times, it could also mean the point of a diamond. The word is used in the Bible to describe the nail of a finger.
Definition: 1) fingernail, stylus point 1a) finger-nail 1b) point (of a diamond) Aramaic equivalent: te.phar (טְפַר "nail/claw" H2953)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: nail, point. See also: Deuteronomy 21:12; Jeremiah 17:1.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 14:9 On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair—his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean.
2 Numbers 6:9 If someone suddenly dies in his presence and defiles his consecrated head of hair, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing—the seventh day.
3 Ephesians 4:22 to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
4 1 Corinthians 11:6 If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.

Deuteronomy 21:12 Summary

This verse is talking about a situation where an Israelite man takes a captive woman as his wife, and it explains how she needs to be treated with respect and care. She has to shave her head and trim her nails, which is a symbol of her new life and her transition from being a captive to being a part of her new husband's household, similar to the symbolic acts of purification and dedication found in other biblical contexts, such as Numbers 6:18 and Leviticus 14:8-9. This verse reminds us that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and dignity, regardless of their background or situation, as seen in Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 2:14-16. By following God's instructions and treating others with love and respect, we can create a safe and welcoming space for those around us, as encouraged in Isaiah 58:6-7 and Matthew 25:31-46.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the woman have to shave her head and trim her nails in Deuteronomy 21:12?

The act of shaving her head and trimming her nails was likely a symbol of her transition from being a captive to becoming a part of her new husband's household, similar to the symbolic acts of purification and dedication found in other biblical contexts, such as Numbers 6:18 and Leviticus 14:8-9.

Was this practice of taking a captive woman as a wife common in biblical times?

While the Bible does record instances of Israelites taking foreign wives, such as in Exodus 34:15-16 and 1 Kings 11:1-3, the specific regulations in Deuteronomy 21:10-14 were given to protect both the captive woman and the Israelite man, ensuring that she was treated with dignity and respect, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:14.

How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and relationships in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion, even in difficult circumstances, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:25-33 and Colossians 3:19, and demonstrates God's concern for the well-being of all people, regardless of their background or situation.

What can we learn from the cultural and historical context of this verse?

The cultural and historical context of Deuteronomy 21:12 provides insight into the challenges and complexities of relationships between different groups and cultures, and reminds us of the importance of seeking to understand and apply biblical principles in our own lives, as encouraged in Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's heart for those who are captive or oppressed, and how can I reflect this heart in my own relationships and interactions?
  2. In what ways can I, like the Israelite man, create a safe and welcoming space for others who may be hurting or in need, as seen in Isaiah 58:6-7 and Matthew 25:31-46?
  3. How can I balance the need for cultural sensitivity and understanding with the importance of upholding biblical principles and values in my own life, as encouraged in Acts 17:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-23?
  4. What are some ways that I can demonstrate kindness, respect, and compassion to those around me, even in difficult or challenging circumstances, as seen in Luke 10:25-37 and Galatians 6:2?
  5. In what ways can I, like the captive woman, surrender my own desires and expectations to God's plan and purposes for my life, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:12

Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house,.... In order to make her his wife, after some things were done here directed to; for this is not to be understood of his taking her home with a view to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:12

When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive, When thou goest forth to war ... and seest among the captives a beautiful woman (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:12

Either, 1. To take off his affections from her by rendering her uncomely and deformed; but then the last words must not be rendered shall pare her nails, but shall nourish them, or suffer them to grow, as the Chaldee, Arabic, and divers of the learned Jews and other interpreters render it. Or, 2. To express her sorrow for the loss of her father and mother, as it follows, , it being the ancient custom of mourners in most nations to shave themselves, and in some to pare their nails, in others to suffer them to grow. Or rather, 3. In token of her renouncing her heathenish idolatry and superstition, and of her becoming a new woman, and embracing the true religion; which her captive condition and subjection to his will would make her inclinable to do in profession.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:12

Deuteronomy 21:12 Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;Ver. 12. And she shall shave her head.] In token that she must renounce her heathenism, and lead a new and holy life. And if she thus consented to marry, she saved her life by it; so do those their souls that consent to Christ, casting away their transgressions, and paring off their superfluities, by the constant practice of mortification.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:12

Deuteronomy 21:10-14. OF CAPTIVE WOMEN.(10, 11) When thou . . . seest among the captives a beautiful woman.—This could not be among the seven nations, of whom it is said (Deuteronomy 20:1-6), “thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth.” But it may well apply to the recent case of the Midianitish maidens (Numbers 31:15-18), who had been taken captive in great numbers, and would naturally be reduced to slavery. It is clear from this passage that they could not be treated as concubines. (12) Shall shave her head, and pare her nails.—Rashi’s view is that the object of this order is to spoil the beauty of the captive. The long hair is to be cut off, and the nails pared. On this last point the Targums differ; one taking the view that they are to be left to grow and the other the opposite interpretation. In 2 Samuel 19:24, there are two examples of the use of the word in the sense of attending to the person. The correct interpretation in this place depends upon the purpose for which the thing was to be done. If the intention was any kind of purification, and long or taper nails were considered an ornament (as by some Eastern nations), it is more probable that the nails were to be cut short. (13) The raiment of her captivity.—Rashi takes this to mean the beautiful raiment put on for the purpose of attracting her captors. (Compare Jezebel’s attempt to captivate Jehu, 2 Kings 9:30.) Whatever may be the precise intent of these several instructions, it is clear that the law is intended to encourage lawful marriage, and no other form of union. In this view it throws an important light upon the treatment of the Midianitish captives in Numbers 31 (14) Thou shalt not make merchandise of her.—This shows that, in ordinary cases, these captives would be sold as slaves, without the restrictions imposed on Israelitish slavery. (See Leviticus 25:44-46.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:12

Verse 12. She shall shave her head] This was in token of her renouncing her religion, and becoming a proselyte to that of the Jews. This is still a custom in the East; when a Christian turns Mohammedan his head is shaven, and he is carried through the city crying, [Arabic] la alahila allah we Mohammed resooli Allah; "There is no God but God, and Mohammed is the prophet of God." Pare her nails] ועשתה את צפרניה veasethah eth tsipporneyha, "she shall make her nails." Now whether this signifies paring or letting them grow, is greatly doubted among learned men. Possibly it means neither, but colouring the nails, staining them red with the hennah, which is much practised in India to the present day, and which was undoubtedly practised among the ancient Egyptians, as is evident from the nails of mummies which are found thus stained. The hennah, according to Hasselquist, grows in India, and in Upper and Lower Egypt; it flowers from May to August. The manner of using it is this: the leaves are powdered, and made into a paste with water: they bind this paste on the nails of their fingers and toes, and let it stand on all night; in the morning they are found to be of a beautiful reddish yellow, and this lasts three weeks or a month, after which they renew the application. They often stain the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet in the same way, as appears from many paintings of eastern ladies done in India and Persia, which now lie before me. This staining the soles of the feet with the hennah is probably meant in 2 Samuel 19:24: Mephibosheth had not dressed (literally made) his feet - they had not been thus coloured.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:12

12. to thine house] Lit. to the midst of thy household. shave her head, and pare her nails] Heb. make or dress her nails (2 Samuel 19:24 with feet and beard). Berth. thinks these duties are part of the following mourning, the cutting off of hair being a mourning rite (Deuteronomy 14:1, Ethn. Ber., 427). But because she has to do this at once and at the same time put off the raiment she was taken in, it is more probable that all three are required as elements in her purification from heathenism (so most commentators); see above, pp. 243 f. On similar customs among Arabs, cp. W. R. Smith, Kinship, etc., 178, OTJC2, 368, Wellh., Reste Arab. Heid. 156.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 21:12

The shaving the head (a customary sign of purification, Leviticus 14:8; Numbers 8:7), and the putting away “the garment of her captivity,” were designed to signify the translation of the woman from

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:12

12. She shall shave her head, and pare her nails — These were signs of purification to be understood, as Keil expresses it, as “symbols of her passing out of the state of a slave and her reception

Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:12

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill "Forget Miricales Preach Holiness" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the need for true, genuine conversion and a deep commitment to the cross, rather than just seeking emotional experiences or outward displays of spirituality.
Leonard Ravenhill Accountability to God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He rec
Alan Redpath The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 2 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of why Christians often fail to share their faith with others. He suggests that the reason for this is a lack of understanding and
David Wilkerson Called to Be Christ-Like by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who becomes jealous and angry when he sees others prospering financially while he struggles. The man declares that it is his
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 35:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey back to Bethel. Jacob is called by God to return to Bethel and make an altar there. The preacher emphasiz
Milton Green (Saved Through the Fire) 01 - the Path of True Salvation by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Malachi 3:1, which speaks of the coming of John the Baptist as a messenger to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The speaker emphas
Paul Washer The Godly Home - Part 5 by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching and living out the principles of God's word. He acknowledges his own failures but believes that God will help him
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