CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 20:11 If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/20-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/05_Deu_20_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 20:11 - Laws of Warfare" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/20-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/20-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm" title="Deuteronomy 20:10">◄</a> Deuteronomy 20:11 <a href="/deuteronomy/20-12.htm" title="Deuteronomy 20:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div 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 accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And if it responds to you peaceably and it opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall do forced labor for you and shall serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, <i>that</i> all the people <i>that is</i> found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And it shall be that if they accept your offer of peace, and open to you, then all the people <i>who are</i> found in it shall be placed under tribute to you, and serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And it shall come about, if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it will be that if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If that city accepts your terms of peace and opens <i>its gates</i> to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If it accepts your offer of peace and opens its gates to you, all the people found in it will become forced laborers for you and serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If it accepts your offer of peace and opens its gates to you, all the people found in it will become forced laborers for you and serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If they accept it and open [their gates] to you, then all the people there will be made to do forced labor and serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If they open the gates and surrender, they are all to become your slaves and do forced labor for you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If it agrees to peace and welcomes you, then all the people found in it will serve you as forced laborers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If it accepts your terms and submits to you, all the people found in it will become your slaves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found in it shall become tributary to you, and shall serve you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be, if it shall make thee answer of peace, and open to thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein, shall be tributaries to thee, and they shall serve thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It shall be, if it gives you answer of peace and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it has been, if it answers you [with] peace, and has opened to you, then it has come to pass, all the people who are found in it are for tributaries to you, and have served you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and it hath been, if Peace it answer thee, and hath opened to thee, then it hath come to pass -- all the people who are found in it are to thee for tributaries, and have served thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was, if it shall answer thee peace, and it opened to thee, and it was all the people being found in it shall be to thee for tribute and serve thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If they receive it, and open the gates to thee, all the people that are therein, shall be saved, and shall serve thee paying tribute. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If they receive it, and open the gates to you, then all the people who are in it shall be saved, and they shall serve you by paying tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If it agrees to your terms of peace and lets you in, all the people to be found in it shall serve you in forced labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If it accepts your terms of peace and surrenders to you, then all the people in it shall serve you at forced labor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And if the city give you answer of peace, and it open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be servants and tributaries to you, and they shall serve you.<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 answer you, 'Peace!', and it will open up to you, all the people who are found in it shall be Servants to you, paying taxes, and they shall work for you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If then they should answer peaceably to thee, and open to thee, it shall be that all the people found in it shall be tributary and subject to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-11.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=5577" 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">10</span>When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ta·‘an·ḵā (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs:: 2ms) -- To answer, respond.">they accept</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šā·lō·wm (N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">your offer of peace</a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: ū·p̄ā·ṯə·ḥāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">and open their gates,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</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 people</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: han·nim·ṣā- (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To attain to, find. ">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will become</a> <a href="/hebrew/4522.htm" title="4522: lā·mas (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Or mic; from macac; properly, a burden, i.e. A tax in the form of forced labor.">forced laborers</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏū·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp:: 2ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">to serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">you.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.…<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/9-15.htm">Joshua 9:15</a></span><br />And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-20.htm">1 Kings 9:20-21</a></span><br />As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/8-7.htm">2 Chronicles 8:7-8</a></span><br />As for all the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (these people were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/9-25.htm">Genesis 9:25-27</a></span><br />he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” / He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. / May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11</a></span><br />So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-44.htm">Leviticus 25:44-46</a></span><br />Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. / You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property. / You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-6.htm">1 Samuel 15:6</a></span><br />And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a></span><br />David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-6.htm">2 Samuel 8:6</a></span><br />Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a></span><br />And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-3.htm">2 Kings 17:3</a></span><br />Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-24.htm">Nehemiah 9:24-25</a></span><br />So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished. / They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-1.htm">Isaiah 14:1-2</a></span><br />For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. / The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/27-11.htm">Jeremiah 27:11</a></span><br />But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/29-18.htm">Ezekiel 29:18-20</a></span><br />“Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it. / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army. / I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his labor, because it was done for Me, declares the Lord GOD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it shall be, if it make you answer of peace, and open to you, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries to you, and they shall serve you.</p><p class="hdg">tributaries</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/25-42.htm">Leviticus 25:42-46</a></b></br> For they <i>are</i> my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/9-22.htm">Joshua 9:22,23,27</a></b></br> And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We <i>are</i> very far from you; when ye dwell among us? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/11-19.htm">Joshua 11:19,20</a></b></br> There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all <i>other</i> they took in battle… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Agrees</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-20.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-13.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Open</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-6.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/numbers/27-2.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/numbers/18-15.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-7.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-3.htm">Served</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-19.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/judges/1-35.htm">Tributaries</a> <a href="/genesis/49-15.htm">Tributary</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-7.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/21-8.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/acts/15-15.htm">Agrees</a> <a href="/joshua/2-5.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-7.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-1.htm">Open</a> <a href="/judges/3-25.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-15.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/job/27-19.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-12.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-36.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-36.htm">Served</a> <a href="/judges/1-30.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-1.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/judges/1-30.htm">Tributaries</a> <a href="/joshua/17-13.htm">Tributary</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-3.htm">Work</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>If they accept your offer of peace</b><br>This phrase indicates the possibility of a peaceful resolution before engaging in warfare. In the context of ancient Israel, offering peace was a common practice before besieging a city. This reflects God's desire for peace and mercy, even in times of conflict. The offer of peace can be seen as an opportunity for the city to submit to Israel's authority without bloodshed, aligning with the broader biblical theme of seeking peace (<a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a>). It also foreshadows the peace offered through Christ, who is the ultimate peacemaker (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>).<p><b>and open their gates</b><br>Opening the gates symbolizes submission and acceptance of terms. In ancient times, city gates were crucial for defense, and opening them signified surrender. This act of opening the gates can be seen as a metaphor for opening one's heart to God's will, similar to the call for believers to open their hearts to Christ (<a href="/revelation/3-20.htm">Revelation 3:20</a>). The gates also represent the transition from hostility to peace, a theme echoed in the New Testament where Christ breaks down the dividing wall of hostility (<a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14</a>).<p><b>all the people there will become forced laborers</b><br>This phrase reflects the historical practice of subjugating conquered peoples. Forced labor was a common outcome for those who surrendered, as seen in other ancient Near Eastern cultures. This practice ensured the economic benefit of the victors and the integration of the conquered into the society. Biblically, this can be compared to the Israelites' own experience in Egypt, where they were subjected to forced labor (<a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11</a>). It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, yet also points to the ultimate liberation found in Christ, who frees us from the bondage of sin (<a href="/romans/6-18.htm">Romans 6:18</a>).<p><b>to serve you</b><br>Service here implies a shift in allegiance and purpose. The conquered people were to serve the Israelites, which can be seen as a type of the service believers are called to in the Kingdom of God. This service is not just physical labor but a broader call to align with God's purposes. In the New Testament, believers are called to serve one another in love (<a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a>), reflecting the transformation from serving earthly masters to serving Christ as Lord. This phrase also highlights the theme of servanthood, which is central to the life and ministry of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people receiving the instructions from God through Moses. They are preparing to enter the Promised Land and are given guidelines for warfare.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaanite_cities.htm">Canaanite Cities</a></b><br>The cities that the Israelites would encounter as they enter the Promised Land. These cities are the subject of the peace offer mentioned in the verse.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments and instructions to the people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority giving these instructions to ensure the Israelites conduct themselves according to His will.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/peace_offer.htm">Peace Offer</a></b><br>A diplomatic approach commanded by God to be extended to cities before engaging in battle, highlighting a preference for peace over conflict.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_preference_for_peace.htm">God's Preference for Peace</a></b><br>God instructs His people to offer peace before engaging in conflict, reflecting His desire for reconciliation and harmony.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_divine_instructions.htm">Obedience to Divine Instructions</a></b><br>The Israelites are called to follow God's commands precisely, demonstrating the importance of obedience in the life of a believer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_servitude.htm">The Role of Servitude</a></b><br>The concept of forced labor in this context can be seen as a means of integrating conquered peoples into the community, which can be a metaphor for how believers are to serve God willingly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_and_ethical_warfare.htm">Moral and Ethical Warfare</a></b><br>The passage provides a framework for conducting warfare ethically, emphasizing the importance of offering peace and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites were to offer peace before battle, Christians are called to approach spiritual battles with a mindset of peace and reconciliation.<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/compare_psalm_131's_humility_to_vengeful_god..htm">How does the humble tone in Psalm 131 compare to other passages that depict a vengeful or warlike God (e.g., Deuteronomy 20)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joshua_11_12-15_align_with_sparing.htm">How does the absolute obedience in Joshua 11:12-15 align with prior instructions about sparing certain peoples?</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/who_was_abiram_in_the_bible.htm">What signifies the wide gate leading to destruction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee</span>; literally, shall <span class="accented">be to thee for tribute and service</span>. The word rendered by "tribute" (<span class="hebrew">מַם</span>) denotes properly tribute service, service rendered as a tribute, whether for a season or in perpetuity (cf. <a href="/genesis/49-15.htm">Genesis 49:15</a>; <a href="/judges/1-30.htm">Judges 1:30, 33, 35</a>; <a href="/1_kings/5-13.htm">1 Kings 5:13</a>; <a href="/1_kings/9-21.htm">1 Kings 9:21</a>; <a href="/isaiah/31-8.htm">Isaiah 31:8</a> [Authorized Version, "discomfited"]) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-11.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">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">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 accept</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּֽעַנְךָ֔</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘an·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your offer of peace</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁל֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and open [their gates],</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָתְחָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·ṯə·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[there]</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנִּמְצָא־</span> <span class="translit">(han·nim·ṣā-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will become</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forced laborers</span><br /><span class="heb">לָמַ֖ס</span> <span class="translit">(lā·mas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4522.htm">Strong's 4522: </a> </span><span class="str2">Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to serve you.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲבָדֽוּךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏū·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">Deuteronomy 20:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/20-11.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:11 It shall be if it make you (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:12" /></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>