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Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Then the officers will also say, ‘Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.’ <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.’ <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a> “The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart.’ <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, ‘Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, so that he does not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart!’ <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, &#8216Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him depart and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers&#8217 hearts melt like his heart.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Then the officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, ‘Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him depart and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart.’ <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, ‘Who is the man that is afraid and whose heart is faint? Let him go and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers’ hearts melt like his heart.’ <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the officers shall speak further to the soldiers and say, ‘Who is the man who is afraid and lacks courage? Let him go and return to his house, so that he does not cause his brothers’ courage to fail like his own.’ <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The officers will continue to address the army and say, ‘Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers won’t lose heart as he did.’ <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The officers will continue to address the army and say, &#8216Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers&#8217 hearts won&#8217t melt like his own.&#8217 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Finally, if any of you are afraid, you may go home. We don't want you to discourage the other soldiers. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 melt as his heart. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The officers should also tell the troops, "If you are afraid or have lost your courage, you may go home. Then you won't ruin the morale of the other Israelites." <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> "The officers will also say to the men, 'Is there any man here who has lost his nerve and is afraid? If so, he is to go home. Otherwise, he will destroy the morale of the others.' <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Let the officials also speak to the army, 'Is there a man here who is afraid and faint-hearted? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may demoralize his fellow soldier.' <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a> In addition, the officers are to say to the troops, "Who among you is afraid and fainthearted? He may go home so that he will not make his fellow soldier's heart as fearful as his own." <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, "What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother's heart melt as his heart." <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a> 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.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the authorities have added to speak to the people and said, Who [is] the man that is afraid and tender of heart? Let him go and return to his house, and the heart of his brothers does not melt like his heart. <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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; <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the scribes shall add to speak to the people, and they said, What man was afraid and cast down of heart? he shall go and turn back to his house, and he shall not melt his brother's heart as his heart.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> After these things have been declared, they shall add the remainder, and shall say to the people: ‘What man is there who is overwhelmed by fear and is fainthearted? Let him go, and return to his house, lest he cause the hearts of his brothers to fear, just as he himself has been thoroughly stricken with fear.’ <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a> The officials shall continue to speak to the army: “Is there anyone who is afraid and weakhearted? Let him return home, or else he might make the hearts of his fellows melt as his does.” <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The officials shall continue to address the troops, saying, “Is anyone afraid or disheartened? He should go back to his house, or he might cause the heart of his comrades to melt like his own.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the scribes shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him return and go to his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Scribes shall continue and they shall say to the people: 'Who is the man whose heart is afraid and fainthearted? Let him return, let him go to his house, lest he will subvert the heart of his brothers as his own'.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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.' <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the scribes shall speak further to the people, and say, What man is he that fears and is cowardly in his heart? Let him go and return to his house, lest he make the heart of his brother fail, as his own. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5552" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Laws of Warfare</a> …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.” 8<a href="/hebrew/7860.htm" title="7860: haš·šō·ṭə·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Active participle of an otherwise unused root probably meaning to write; properly, a scribe, i.e. an official superintendent or magistrate.">Then the officers</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: lə·ḏab·bêr (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">shall speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: wə·yā·sə·p̄ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">further</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the army,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî- (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Is any</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: hay·yā·rê (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/7390.htm" title="7390: wə·raḵ (Conj-w:: Adj-msc) -- Tender, delicate, soft. From rakak; tender; by implication, weak.">or fainthearted?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: hal·lê·ḇāḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">Let him return</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·yā·šōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: lə·ḇê·ṯōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">home,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇaḇ (N-msc) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">so that the hearts</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">of his brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4549.htm" title="4549: yim·mas (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To dissolve, melt. A primitive root; to liquefy; figuratively, to waste, to faint.">melt</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: kil·ḇā·ḇōw (Prep-k:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">like his own.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> 9When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/7-3.htm">Judges 7:3</a> Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. <a href="/numbers/14-1.htm">Numbers 14:1-4</a> Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. / All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! / Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” ... <a href="/joshua/2-9.htm">Joshua 2:9-11</a> and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. <a href="/1_samuel/17-24.htm">1 Samuel 17:24</a> When all the men of Israel saw Goliath, they fled from him in great fear. <a href="/isaiah/7-2.htm">Isaiah 7:2</a> When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. <a href="/isaiah/35-4.htm">Isaiah 35:4</a> Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” <a href="/jeremiah/51-46.htm">Jeremiah 51:46</a> Do not let your heart grow faint, and do not be afraid when the rumor is heard in the land; for a rumor will come one year—and then another the next year—of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler. <a href="/matthew/14-30.htm">Matthew 14:30-31</a> But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” / Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” <a href="/matthew/26-56.htm">Matthew 26:56</a> But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled. <a href="/mark/4-40.htm">Mark 4:40</a> “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” <a href="/luke/8-25.htm">Luke 8:25</a> “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!” <a href="/luke/14-27.htm">Luke 14:27-33</a> And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. / Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? / Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, ... <a href="/john/6-66.htm">John 6:66</a> From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. <a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a> Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. <a href="/acts/15-38.htm">Acts 15:38</a> But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return to his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.fearful<a href="/deuteronomy/1-28.htm">Deuteronomy 1:28</a> Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.<a href="/deuteronomy/23-9.htm">Deuteronomy 23:9</a> When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.<a href="/judges/7-3.htm">Judges 7:3</a> Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.lest his brethren's<a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Numbers 13:31-33</a> But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we… <a href="/numbers/14-1.htm">Numbers 14:1-3</a> And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night… <a href="/numbers/32-9.htm">Numbers 32:9</a> For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.faint [heb] melt<a href="/deuteronomy/1-28.htm">Deuteronomy 1:28</a> Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.<a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Exodus 15:15</a> Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-20.htm">Add</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Brethren's</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-21.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-7.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Disheartened</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-3.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-7.htm">Home</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-7.htm">House</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-28.htm">Melt</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Overseers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/29-19.htm">Add</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-10.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Brethren's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-1.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-2.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Disheartened</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-28.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-12.htm">Home</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/joshua/2-9.htm">Melt</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Overseers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 20</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle</a> 5. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-5.htm">The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war</a> 10. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace</a> 16. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">What cities must be devoted</a> 19. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Trees must not be destroyed in the siege</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, In ancient Israel, the role of officers was crucial in maintaining order and morale among the troops. These officers were responsible for communicating God's laws and instructions to the people, ensuring that the army was spiritually and mentally prepared for battle. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where military actions were deeply intertwined with spiritual obedience. The officers' role here is reminiscent of the Levites, who were tasked with teaching and guiding the people in spiritual matters.“Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Fear and faintheartedness were significant concerns in ancient warfare, where morale could determine the outcome of a battle. The question posed by the officers acknowledges the human tendency towards fear, especially in the face of conflict. This reflects a compassionate understanding of human nature, recognizing that not everyone is suited for the rigors of battle. The Bible often addresses fear, encouraging believers to trust in God (e.g., <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a>, <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a>). This phrase also highlights the importance of courage and faith in God as essential qualities for those who would fight for Israel.Let him return home, The provision for the fearful to return home serves multiple purposes. It ensures that the army is composed of willing and courageous individuals, which is crucial for maintaining high morale. Additionally, it prevents the spread of fear among the troops, which could lead to panic and defeat. This directive also reflects God's mercy and understanding, allowing individuals to prioritize their personal well-being and family responsibilities over military duty. It underscores the value placed on the individual and the community in Israelite society.so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.” The metaphor of hearts melting conveys the contagious nature of fear and its potential to undermine collective strength. In a military context, unity and shared resolve are vital for success. This phrase emphasizes the importance of protecting the morale of the group by removing those whose fear could spread. It also highlights the communal aspect of Israelite warfare, where the actions and attitudes of individuals could significantly impact the entire community. This principle is echoed in other biblical passages that stress the importance of unity and mutual support among God's people (e.g., <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:12</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/12-26.htm">1 Corinthians 12:26</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/o/officers.htm">Officers</a> These are the leaders or officials responsible for addressing the Israelite army before battle. They play a crucial role in ensuring the army is composed of willing and courageous individuals. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a> Refers to the Israelite soldiers who are preparing for battle. This group is being addressed to determine their readiness and willingness to fight. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_brothers.htm">The Brothers</a> This term is used to describe fellow soldiers or Israelites, emphasizing the communal and familial aspect of the nation of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a> The context of this verse is preparation for warfare, where God provides instructions on who should participate in the battle. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_israel.htm">The Land of Israel</a> While not directly mentioned in this verse, the broader context involves the Israelites preparing to enter and take possession of the Promised Land.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_community.htm">Courage in Community</a> Fear can be contagious. Just as the officers were instructed to send the fainthearted home, we should be mindful of how our fears can affect those around us. Encouraging one another in faith is crucial. <a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a> This passage teaches us to trust in God's provision and strength rather than our own abilities or numbers. In our personal battles, we should rely on God's promises and power. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Before engaging in any spiritual or physical battle, it's important to assess our own readiness and willingness. Are we truly prepared to stand firm in faith? <a href="/topical/l/leadership_responsibility.htm">Leadership Responsibility</a> Leaders have a responsibility to ensure that their teams or communities are composed of individuals who are committed and courageous. This principle applies in various contexts, from church leadership to family dynamics. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_battle.htm">God's Sovereignty in Battle</a> Ultimately, the outcome of any battle is in God's hands. Our role is to be obedient and faithful, trusting that He will guide and protect us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20</a> <a href="/q/who_is_known_as_the_weeping_prophet.htm">What does the Bible say about house dedication?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_deut._28_link_prosperity_to_obedience.htm">Why does Deuteronomy 28 emphasize material prosperity or catastrophe as divine favor or curse, while other passages (e.g., Job) depict suffering as potentially unrelated to personal obedience?</a> <a href="/q/could_232_officers_defeat_a_large_army.htm">How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)?</a> <a href="/q/can_godand#8217;s_rule_coexist_with_free_will.htm">Can God's sovereignty coexist with human free will?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - The shoterim were also to allow any that were naturally timid and fainthearted to return to their homes, lest, if they remained with the host, others, infected by them, should lose courage and become unfit for service. His brethren's heart faint; literally, flow down or melt (cf. <a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">Joshua 7:5</a>). In <a href="/deuteronomy/1-28.htm">Deuteronomy 1:28</a>, this verb is rendered by "discouraged." <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the officers הַשֹּׁטְרִים֮ (haš·šō·ṭə·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7860.htm">Strong's 7860: </a> A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate shall speak לְדַבֵּ֣ר (lə·ḏab·bêr) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue further וְיָסְפ֣וּ (wə·yā·sə·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> To add, augment to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the army, הָעָם֒ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock saying, וְאָמְר֗וּ (wə·’ā·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Is any מִי־ (mî-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix man הָאִ֤ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person afraid הַיָּרֵא֙ (hay·yā·rê) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3373.htm">Strong's 3373: </a> Fearing, reverent or fainthearted? וְרַ֣ךְ (wə·raḵ) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7390.htm">Strong's 7390: </a> Tender, delicate, soft Let him return יֵלֵ֖ךְ (yê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk home, לְבֵית֑וֹ (lə·ḇê·ṯōw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house so that the hearts לְבַ֥ב (lə·ḇaḇ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart of his brothers אֶחָ֖יו (’e·ḥāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) will not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no melt יִמַּ֛ס (yim·mas) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4549.htm">Strong's 4549: </a> To liquefy, to waste, to faint like his own.” כִּלְבָבֽוֹ׃ (kil·ḇā·ḇōw) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> Inner man, mind, will, heart <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Deuteronomy 20:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:8 The officers shall speak further to (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:9" /></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>