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<!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 20:17 For you must devote them to complete destruction--the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites--as the LORD your God has commanded you,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/20-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/05_Deu_20_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 20:17 - Laws of Warfare" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For you must devote them to complete destruction--the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites--as the LORD your God has commanded 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'; 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<i>namely</i>, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Instead, you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But you shall devote them to destruction, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, as Yahweh your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must completely destroy them—the Hethite, Amorite, Canaanite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite—as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must completely destroy them—the Hittite, Amorite, Canaanite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite—as the LORD your God has commanded you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but thou shalt utterly destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He has commanded you to completely wipe out the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but thou shalt utterly destroy them; the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You must claim the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites for the LORD and completely destroy them, as the LORD your God has commanded you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Completely destroy all the people: the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, as the LORD ordered you to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You must completely destroy the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, just as the LORD your God commanded you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For you must devote them to complete destruction?the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites?as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Instead you must utterly annihilate them--the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites--just as the LORD your God has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hethite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as the LORD your God has commanded you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But thou shalt utterly destroy them, namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Yahweh your God has commanded you; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for you certainly devote the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as your God YHWH has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for thou dost certainly devote the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For destroying, thou shalt destroy them, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Jehovah thy God commanded thee:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But shalt kill them with the edge of the sword, to wit, the Hethite, and the Amorrhite, and the Chanaanite, the Pherezite, and the Hevite, and the Jebusite, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Instead, you shall put them to death with the edge of the sword, specifically: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite, the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God has commanded you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You must put them all under the ban—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—just as the LORD, your God, has commanded you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall annihilate them—the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites—just as the LORD your God has commanded,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But you shall utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD your God has commanded you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But certainly put them to the sword: the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Yebusites, as LORD JEHOVAH your God commanded you:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />but thou shalt utterly destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />but ye shall surely curse them, the Chettite, and the Amorite, and the Chananite, and the Pherezite, and the Evite, and the Jebusite, and the Gergesite; as the Lord thy God commanded thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/20-17.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=5631" 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">16</span>However, in the cities of the nations that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/2763.htm" title="2763: ha·ḥă·rêm (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to seclude; specifically to devote to religious uses; physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose.">you must devote them to complete destruction</a> <a href="/hebrew/2763.htm" title="2763: ta·ḥă·rî·mêm (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to seclude; specifically to devote to religious uses; physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose.">—</a> <a href="/hebrew/2850.htm" title="2850: ha·ḥit·tî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Heth. Patronymically from Cheth; a Chittite, or descendant of Cheth.">the Hittites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/567.htm" title="567: wə·hā·’ĕ·mō·rî (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps mountain dwellers, a Canaanite tribe. ">Amorites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3669.htm" title="3669: hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan. Patrial from Kna'an; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar.">Canaanites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6522.htm" title="6522: wə·hap·pə·riz·zî (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A people in the land of Canaan. For praziy; inhabitant of the open country; a Perizzite, one of the Canaanitish tribes.">Perizzites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2340.htm" title="2340: ha·ḥiw·wî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps from chavvah; a villager; a Chivvite, one of the aboriginal tribes of Palestine.">Hivites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2983.htm" title="2983: wə·hay·ḇū·sî (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Inhab. of Jebus. Patrial from Ybuwc; a Jebusite or inhabitant of Jebus.">and Jebusites—</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wə·ḵā (V-Piel-Perf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">has commanded you,</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God.…<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/6-21.htm">Joshua 6:21</a></span><br />With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a></span><br />Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-23.htm">Exodus 23:23</a></span><br />For My angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will annihilate them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/33-52.htm">Numbers 33:52</a></span><br />you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/1-28.htm">Judges 1:28</a></span><br />When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely.<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="/joshua/11-20.htm">Joshua 11:20</a></span><br />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="/exodus/34-11.htm">Exodus 34:11</a></span><br />Observe what I command you this day. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Deuteronomy 7:1-2</a></span><br />When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— / and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-16.htm">Deuteronomy 7:16</a></span><br />You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-24.htm">Deuteronomy 7:24</a></span><br />He will hand their kings over to you, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand against you; you will annihilate them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-5.htm">Deuteronomy 9:5</a></span><br />It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their land, but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you, to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Deuteronomy 12:2-3</a></span><br />Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. / Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.<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="/psalms/106-34.htm">Psalm 106:34-35</a></span><br />They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, / but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But you shall utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD your God has commanded you:</p><p class="hdg">thou shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/34-5.htm">Isaiah 34:5,6</a></b></br> For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/48-10.htm">Jeremiah 48:10</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed <i>be</i> he that keepeth back his sword from blood.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/50-35.htm">Jeremiah 50:35-40</a></b></br> A sword <i>is</i> upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise <i>men</i>… </p><p class="hdg">the Hittites</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Deuteronomy 7:1</a></b></br> When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Amorite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Amorites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Canaanite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-30.htm">Canaanites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-7.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Hittite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Hittites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Hivite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Hivites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Jebusite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Jebusites</a> <a href="/exodus/34-11.htm">Jeb'usites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-7.htm">Namely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-9.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Perizzite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Perizzites</a> <a href="/exodus/34-11.htm">Per'izzites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Utterly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/31-4.htm">Amorite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-4.htm">Amorites</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Canaanite</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Canaanites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-8.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/joshua/3-17.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-20.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/joshua/6-21.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/joshua/1-4.htm">Hittite</a> <a href="/joshua/1-4.htm">Hittites</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Hivite</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Hivites</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Jebusite</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Jebusites</a> <a href="/joshua/11-3.htm">Jeb'usites</a> <a href="/joshua/15-13.htm">Namely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-2.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Perizzite</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Perizzites</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Per'izzites</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-29.htm">Utterly</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>For you must devote them to complete destruction</b><br>This phrase refers to the concept of "herem," a Hebrew term meaning to devote something to God by completely destroying it. This command was given to prevent the Israelites from adopting the idolatrous practices of the Canaanite nations. Theologically, it underscores the holiness of God and the need for His people to remain pure and separate from sin. This command is also seen as a form of divine judgment against the Canaanites for their wickedness, as referenced in <a href="/genesis/15-16.htm">Genesis 15:16</a>, where God tells Abraham that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.<p><b>the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites</b><br>These groups represent the inhabitants of the land of Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest. Each of these nations had their own distinct cultures and religious practices, often involving idolatry and immorality, which were abominable to the God of Israel. Archaeological evidence has confirmed the existence of these peoples, with the Hittites being a significant power in Anatolia and the Amorites known from various ancient Near Eastern texts. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, which David later captured and made the capital of Israel. The mention of these specific nations highlights the historical and geographical context of the conquest narrative.<p><b>as the LORD your God has commanded you</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the command. It was not a decision made by the Israelites themselves but a direct order from God. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to God's commands was paramount. The command to destroy these nations was part of the broader covenantal promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as seen in <a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a> and reiterated throughout the Pentateuch. This obedience was crucial for Israel to fulfill its role as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, as described in <a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hittites.htm">Hittites</a></b><br>An ancient group of people who lived in the region of Anatolia and were known for their advanced civilization and conflicts with Egypt and other neighboring nations.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/amorites.htm">Amorites</a></b><br>A Semitic people who occupied large parts of Mesopotamia and the Levant, often mentioned in the Bible as inhabitants of Canaan.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaanites.htm">Canaanites</a></b><br>The original inhabitants of the land of Canaan, which God promised to the Israelites. They were known for their polytheistic beliefs and practices.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/perizzites.htm">Perizzites</a></b><br>A group of people living in the land of Canaan, often mentioned alongside other Canaanite tribes.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/hivites.htm">Hivites</a></b><br>Another Canaanite tribe, known for their interactions with the Israelites, including the Gibeonites who deceived Joshua.<br><br>6. <b><a href="/topical/j/jebusites.htm">Jebusites</a></b><br>The inhabitants of Jerusalem before it was conquered by King David. They were one of the tribes that the Israelites were commanded to drive out.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>The Israelites were called to obey God's commands fully, even when they were difficult. This teaches us the importance of complete obedience to God's will in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_separation.htm">Holiness and Separation</a></b><br>The command to destroy these nations was to prevent the Israelites from adopting their sinful practices. We are called to be holy and separate from the sinful influences of the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The Israelites had to trust that God's commands, even those that seemed harsh, were part of His sovereign plan. We are reminded to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The failure to fully obey God's command led to future problems for Israel, as seen in the continued presence of these tribes. Disobedience can have long-term consequences in our spiritual journey.<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/why_total_annihilation_in_deut._20_17-18.htm">Why does this chapter prescribe total annihilation of certain nations, while other biblical texts call for mercy and justice (Deuteronomy 20:17–18)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_hornets.htm">What does the Bible mention about hornets?</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/did_god_order_killings_in_the_ot.htm">Did God command killings in the Old Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/20-17.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">You must completely destroy</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֲרֵ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥă·rêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2763.htm">Strong's 2763: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seclude, to devote to religious uses, to be blunt as to the nose</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them—</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחֲרִימֵ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥă·rî·mêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2763.htm">Strong's 2763: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seclude, to devote to religious uses, to be blunt as to the nose</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Hittites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחִתִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥit·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2850.htm">Strong's 2850: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hittite -- a Chittite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the Amorites,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָאֱמֹרִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·’ĕ·mō·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_567.htm">Strong's 567: </a> </span><span class="str2">Amorites -- perhaps 'mountain dwellers', a Canaanite tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Canaanites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכְּנַעֲנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3669.htm">Strong's 3669: </a> </span><span class="str2">Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the Perizzites,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hap·pə·riz·zî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6522.htm">Strong's 6522: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perizzite -- a people in the land of Canaan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Hivites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחִוִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥiw·wî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2340.htm">Strong's 2340: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hivite -- a Chivvite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the Jebusites—</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hay·ḇū·sî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jebusite -- inhabitant of Jebus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has commanded you,</span><br /><span class="heb">צִוְּךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(ṣiw·wə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Deuteronomy 20:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:17 But you shall utterly destroy them: (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:18" /></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>