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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But if it makes no peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now if <i>the city</i> will not make peace with you, but war against you, then you shall besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall lay siege to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, if it does not make peace with you but wages war against you, lay siege to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, if it does not make peace with you but wages war against you, lay siege to it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If they won't accept your offer of peace but declare war on you, set up a blockade around the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But if the people of that city will not surrender, but choose to fight, surround it with your army. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But if they refuse to make peace with you and instead choose war, then attack it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If it does not accept terms of peace but makes war with you, then you are to lay siege to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And if it does not make peace with you, and has made war with you, then you have laid siege against it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And if it doth not make peace with thee, and hath made with thee war, then thou hast laid siege against it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if it will not be at peace with thee, and it made war with thee, and thou besieged against it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if they will not make peace, and shall begin war against thee, thou shalt besiege it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if they are not willing to enter into an agreement, and they begin to act against you in warfare, then you shall besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But if it refuses to make peace with you and instead joins battle with you, lay siege to it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If it does not submit to you peacefully, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if it will not surrender to you, but will make war with you, then you shall besiege it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if it will not make peace with you and it will make war with you, besiege it:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But if they will not hearken to thee, but wage war against thee, thou shalt invest it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5586" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Laws of Warfare</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they refuse</a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: ṯaš·lîm (V-Hifil-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">to make peace</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·māḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·‘ā·śə·ṯāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and wage</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">war</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">against you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6696.htm" title="6696: wə·ṣar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To confine, bind, besiege. A primitive root; to cramp, i.e. Confine.">lay siege</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ʿå̄·lɛ·hå̄ (Prep:: 3fs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to that city.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand, you must put every male to the sword.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/11-19.htm">Joshua 11:19-20</a></span><br />No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle. / For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-18.htm">1 Samuel 15:18</a></span><br />and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/24-20.htm">2 Kings 24:20</a></span><br />For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-16.htm">2 Chronicles 36:16-17</a></span><br />But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. / So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/21-8.htm">Jeremiah 21:8-10</a></span><br />Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. / Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war. / For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/27-8.htm">Jeremiah 27:8</a></span><br />As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-17.htm">Jeremiah 34:17</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me; you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD—freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-15.htm">Ezekiel 17:15-21</a></span><br />But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ / ‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke. / Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-31.htm">Ezekiel 21:31-32</a></span><br />I will pour out My anger upon you; I will breathe the fire of My fury against you; I will hand you over to brutal men, skilled in destruction. / You will be fuel for the fire. Your blood will stain your own land. You will not be remembered, for I, the LORD, have spoken.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/3-5.htm">Nahum 3:5-7</a></span><br />“Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms. / I will pelt you with filth and treat you with contempt; I will make a spectacle of you. / Then all who see you will recoil from you and say, ‘Nineveh is devastated; who will grieve for her?’ Where can I find comforters for you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Matthew 11:20-24</a></span><br />Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. / “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-10.htm">Luke 10:10-15</a></span><br />But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, / ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ / I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a></span><br />As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Acts 13:46</a></span><br />Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Romans 2:5</a></span><br />But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/20-7.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/luke/11-53.htm">Besiege</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">City</a> <a href="/exodus/35-33.htm">Engage</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-4.htm">However</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-28.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/numbers/19-5.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Sides</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-2.htm">Siege</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/21-10.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Besiege</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-14.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-8.htm">Engage</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">However</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-8.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-20.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-6.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/judges/3-22.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-15.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-19.htm">Sides</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Siege</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">What cities must be devoted</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Trees must not be destroyed in the siege</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But if they refuse to make peace with you</b><br>This phrase addresses the situation where a city or nation does not accept terms of peace offered by the Israelites. In the context of Deuteronomy, God is giving instructions to the Israelites on how to conduct warfare as they enter the Promised Land. The offer of peace reflects God's desire for reconciliation and order, even in times of conflict. This approach is consistent with the broader biblical theme of seeking peace before resorting to war (<a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a>, <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>). Historically, this reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of offering terms before engaging in battle.<p><b>and wage war against you</b><br>Here, the text acknowledges the reality of conflict when peace is rejected. The Israelites are permitted to defend themselves and engage in warfare if necessary. This reflects the principle of just war, where defense is justified when attacked. Theologically, it underscores the idea that while God desires peace, He also provides for the protection and survival of His people. This can be seen in other biblical narratives where God supports Israel in battle when they are faithful to Him (<a href="/joshua/10-8.htm">Joshua 10:8-14</a>).<p><b>lay siege to that city</b><br>The instruction to lay siege indicates a methodical approach to warfare, common in ancient times. A siege involved surrounding a city to cut off supplies and force surrender. This tactic is seen in other biblical accounts, such as the siege of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the siege of Jerusalem (<a href="/2_kings/25.htm">2 Kings 25:1-3</a>). Archaeological evidence from ancient cities like Lachish and Hazor shows the remnants of siege warfare, including siege ramps and battering rams. Spiritually, this can be seen as a type of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to stand firm against spiritual strongholds (<a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who are being instructed on how to conduct warfare as they enter the Promised Land.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaanite_cities.htm">Canaanite Cities</a></b><br>The cities in the Promised Land that the Israelites are commanded to conquer. These cities often represent opposition to God's people and His plans.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which the Israelites are preparing to enter and possess.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/siege_warfare.htm">Siege Warfare</a></b><br>A military strategy used in ancient times, involving surrounding a city to cut off supplies and force surrender.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>God's instructions to the Israelites were specific and required obedience. In our lives, we must seek to understand and follow God's will, even when it involves difficult decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_peace.htm">The Role of Peace</a></b><br>While the Israelites were instructed to offer peace first, the refusal of peace led to conflict. In our lives, we should strive for peace but be prepared for spiritual battles when peace is rejected.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_spiritual_warfare.htm">Understanding Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The physical battles of the Old Testament often symbolize the spiritual battles we face today. We must be equipped with the armor of God to stand firm against spiritual opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_conflict.htm">God's Sovereignty in Conflict</a></b><br>The Israelites' victories were assured when they followed God's commands. Trusting in God's sovereignty can give us confidence in facing our own challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rejection.htm">The Consequences of Rejection</a></b><br>The refusal of peace by the Canaanite cities led to their downfall. Similarly, rejecting God's offer of peace through Christ has eternal consequences.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_apatheism_mean.htm">What does the Bible say about conscientious objection?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_offer_peace_then_show_no_mercy.htm">How can God's people be told to offer terms of peace in one situation but show no mercy in another (Deuteronomy 20:10-18)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_exodus_23_9_with_harsh_ot_laws.htm">How do we reconcile the command in Exodus 23:9 to treat foreigners kindly with other Old Testament passages that demand harsh treatment of certain groups?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_144_1_align_with_peace.htm">How can Psalm 144:1's portrayal of God training hands for war be reconciled with other biblical teachings on peace (e.g., Matthew 5:9)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they refuse</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to make peace</span><br /><span class="heb">תַשְׁלִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṯaš·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with you</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמָּ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·māḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wage</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעָשְׂתָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·śə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">war</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלְחָמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against you,</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמְּךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lay siege</span><br /><span class="heb">וְצַרְתָּ֖</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6696.htm">Strong's 6696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confine, bind, besiege</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [that city].</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלֶֽיהָּ׃‪‬‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·le·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Deuteronomy 20:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:12 If it will make no peace (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>