Deuteronomy 20:5

Deuteronomy 20:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

King James Version KJV

¶ And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

American Standard Version ASV

And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And let the overseers say to the people, If there is any man who has made for himself a new house and has not gone into it, let him go back to his house, so that in the event of his death in the fight, another may not take his house for himself.

Free Bible Version FBV

The officers shall also speak to the army and tell them, “Is there any man here who has built a new house and hasn't dedicated it to the Lord? He can go home, otherwise he might die in battle and another man will dedicate it.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And let the officers speake vnto the people, saying, What man is there that hath buylt a new house, and hath not dedicate it? let him go and returne to his house, least he dye in the battel, and an other man dedicate it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And the authorities have spoken unto the people, saying, Who [is] the man that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? — let him go and turn back to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man dedicate it.

World English Bible WEB

The officers shall speak to the people, saying, “What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he should die in the battle, and another man should dedicate it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the captains shall proclaim through every band in the hearing of the army: What man is there, that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the army officers must say to the troops, ‘If anyone among you has just built a new house [RHQ] and has not dedicated it to God, he should go home and dedicate the house. If he does not do that, if he dies in the battle, someone else will dedicate the house and live in it.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 20:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 20:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/דִבְּר֣וּ הַ/שֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ אֶל הָ/עָ֣ם לֵ/אמֹר֒ מִֽי הָ/אִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּנָ֤ה בַֽיִת חָדָשׁ֙ וְ/לֹ֣א חֲנָכ֔/וֹ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְ/יָשֹׁ֣ב לְ/בֵית֑/וֹ פֶּן יָמוּת֙ בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְ/אִ֥ישׁ אַחֵ֖ר יַחְנְכֶֽ/נּוּ

וְ/דִבְּר֣וּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-3cp

הַ/שֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ shôṭêr H7860 official Art | V-Qal

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

לֵ/אמֹר֒ ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִֽי mîy H4310 who? Part

הָ/אִ֞ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּנָ֤ה bânâh H1129 to build V-Qal-Perf-3ms

בַֽיִת bayith H1004 place N-ms

חָדָשׁ֙ châdâsh H2319 new Adj

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

חֲנָכ֔/וֹ chânak H2596 to dedicate V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

יֵלֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/יָשֹׁ֣ב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/בֵית֑/וֹ bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms | Suff

פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj

יָמוּת֙ mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

וְ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

אַחֵ֖ר ʼachêr H312 another Adj

יַחְנְכֶֽ/נּוּ chânak H2596 to dedicate V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 20:5

וְ/דִבְּר֣וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-3cp

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

הַ/שֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ shôṭêr H7860 "official" Art | V-Qal

This word refers to a high-ranking official or officer, often translated as 'officer', 'overseer', or 'ruler'. In the Bible, it describes a person with authority and responsibility, such as a scribe or magistrate.

Definition: (Qal) official, officer

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: officer, overseer, ruler. See also: Exodus 5:6; Deuteronomy 31:28; Proverbs 6:7.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לֵ/אמֹר֒ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

מִֽי mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

הָ/אִ֞ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

בָּנָ֤ה bânâh H1129 "to build" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.

בַֽיִת bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

חָדָשׁ֙ châdâsh H2319 "new" Adj

The Hebrew word for new or fresh, used to describe something recently created or renewed, as seen in God's creation of a new heaven and earth. It emphasizes the idea of something being recent or modern.

Definition: new, new thing, fresh Aramaic equivalent: cha.dat (חֲדַ֑ת "new" H2323)

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fresh, new thing. See also: Exodus 1:8; Psalms 40:4; Psalms 33:3.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

חֲנָכ֔/וֹ chânak H2596 "to dedicate" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

To dedicate something means to set it apart for a special purpose, like dedicating a temple or a person to God. This Hebrew word is used in stories like Solomon dedicating the temple in 1 Kings. It involves training or initiating someone for a specific role.

Definition: 1) to train, dedicate, inaugurate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to train, train up 1a2) to dedicate

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dedicate, train up. See also: Deuteronomy 20:5; 2 Chronicles 7:5; Proverbs 22:6.

יֵלֵ֖ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

וְ/יָשֹׁ֣ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

לְ/בֵית֑/וֹ bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Definition: nm place, origin, between

פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj

This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.

Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.

יָמוּת֙ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

וְ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

אַחֵ֖ר ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj

Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.

Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different

Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.

יַחְנְכֶֽ/נּוּ chânak H2596 "to dedicate" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

Definition: 1) to train, dedicate, inaugurate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to train, train up 1a2) to dedicate

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dedicate, train up. See also: Deuteronomy 20:5; 2 Chronicles 7:5; Proverbs 22:6.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 20:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 20:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:5
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 20:5
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5
Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:5

Context — Laws of Warfare

3saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. 4For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

5Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

6Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 12:27	At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.
2	Numbers 31:14	But Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who were returning from the battle.
3	Deuteronomy 16:18	You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.
4	Numbers 31:48	Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and of hundreds—approached Moses
5	1 Samuel 17:18	Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.
6	Deuteronomy 1:15	So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.
7	Psalms 30:1	I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me.

Deuteronomy 20:5 Summary

This verse is saying that if someone has just built a new house and hasn't had a chance to enjoy it, they should go home and take care of that before going into battle. This is because God wants us to take care of our personal lives and trust in His provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Matthew 6:33. It's like when we have something important to take care of at home, and we need to make sure it's okay before we can focus on other things, as taught in Luke 12:31 and 1 Peter 5:7. By taking care of our personal lives and trusting in God, we can be free to follow Him and serve Him without distraction, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 5:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God allow men to return home if they had built a new house and not dedicated it?

God allowed men to return home in this situation to prevent the potential emotional distress and distraction that would come from leaving unfinished personal business, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:5, and to trust in His provision and care, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Psalm 55:22.

What does it mean to dedicate a house in the context of Deuteronomy 20:5?

Dedicating a house in this context likely refers to the ritual of giving thanks and acknowledging God's blessing on the new home, similar to the way Solomon dedicated the temple in 1 Kings 8:63, and is a way of recognizing God's provision and care in one's life, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18.

How does this verse relate to the concept of priorities in our lives?

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing one's personal and family life, as well as one's relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31, and trusting in His sovereignty and care, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

What can we learn from the way the officers addressed the army in Deuteronomy 20:5?

The way the officers addressed the army in Deuteronomy 20:5 demonstrates the importance of compassionate and wise leadership, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 and Hebrews 13:17, and the need to consider the emotional and spiritual well-being of those under our care, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and Ephesians 4:32.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be leaving 'unfinished business' that could distract me from following God's will?
How can I trust in God's provision and care, even when faced with uncertainty or difficult circumstances, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:5 and Psalm 23:4?
What are some ways I can dedicate my life and my belongings to God, recognizing His blessing and provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18 and 1 Corinthians 4:2?
What priorities do I need to re-evaluate in my life to ensure I am putting God first, as taught in Matthew 6:33 and Mark 12:30?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:5

And the officers shall speak unto the people,.... What these officers were is not easy to say; they seem not to be officers of the army, for they are distinguished from captains of the armies,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:5

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5

Houses were dedicated by feasting and thanksgiving to God. See . Heb. hath initiated it, i. e. entered upon it, taken possession of it, dwelt in it. Let him return to his house, lest his heart be set upon it, and thereby he be negligent or timorous in the battle, to the scandal and prejudice of others. Another man dedicate it; and so he should lose and another get the fruit of his labours, which might seem unjust or hard. And God provides even for men’ s infirmities. But this and the following exceptions are to be understood only of a war allowed by God, not in a war commanded by God, not in the approaching war with the Canaanites, from which even the bridegroom was not exempted, as the Jewish writers note.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5

Deuteronomy 20:5 And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man [is there] that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.Ver. 6. That hath planted a vineyard.] This privilege might encourage men to build and plant, which is good and profitable for the commonwealth, as the apostle speaketh in a like case.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5

(5) And the officers.—The shôterim of Deu 16:18; the civil magistrates apparently. The organisation of Israel was not military, but military leaders were to be appointed for special services, as appears by Deuteronomy 20:9, “they shall make captains of the armies.” The captains of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens were called shôterim (Deuteronomy 1:15). (5-8) What man is there . . .—These questions show that, primarily, all Israelites of military age (20 to 50) were expected to attend the muster; then those who were unprepared for the campaign were suffered to depart. The only recorded instance of the observance of these rules is in Judges 7:3, at the muster of Gideon’s army. The proclamation “Whosoever, is afraid let him depart,” sent away 22,000 out of 32,000 on that occasion, or rather more than two-thirds of the army!

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5

Verse 5. That hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it?] From the title of Ps 30:1, - A Psalm or Song at the Dedication of the House of David - it is evident that it was a custom in Israel to dedicate a new house to God with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving; and this was done in order to secure the Divine presence and blessing, for no pious or sensible man could imagine he could dwell safely in a house that was not under the immediate protection of God. Hence it has been a custom in the most barbarous nations to consecrate a part of a new house to the deity they worshipped. The houses of the inhabitants of Bonny, in Africa, are generally divided into three apartments: one is a kind of state room or parlour; another serves for a common room, or kitchen; and the third is dedicated to the Juju, the serpent god, which they worship; for even those savages believe that in every house their god should have his temple! At the times of dedication among the Jews, besides prayer and praise, a feast was made, to which the relatives and neighbours were invited. Something of this custom is observed in some parts of our own country in what is called warming the house; but in these cases the feasting only is kept up - the prayer and praise forgotten! so that the dedication appears to be rather more to Bacchus than to Jehovah, the author of every good and perfect gift.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:5

5. officers] shoṭ ?erîm, Deuteronomy 1:15, Deuteronomy 16:18. a new house … not dedicated] The vb is used of the dedication of the Temple, 1 Kings 8:63 = 2 Chronicles 7:5, but nowhere else in the O.T. is there any mention of the dedication of a private house. (A.V. of title to Psalms 30 is misleading.) At the present day in Syria, when a house is built a goat or sheep is slain and the blood stamped (often by the open hand) on the door or walls, as the present writer has seen in Moab and elsewhere: cp. Doughty Ar. Des. i. 136, W. R. Smith Rel. Sem. 133 f., Musil, Moab, 372, Ethn. Ber. 417. The sacrifice propitiates the spirits of the disturbed soil. To leave for war without fulfilling such rites was regarded as fatal; see Schwally, 91 f., who quotes as parallel Iliad ii. 698 f.: Protesilaus, the first Greek slain by the Trojans, had left his house unfinished. That such a superstition prevailed in Israel is probable, but by the addition and another man dedicate it, D’s motive for this law is shown to be rather one of humanity.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 20:5

The officers dedicated it - See Exodus 5:6 note. Compare the marginal references. The expression is appropriate, because various ceremonies of a religious kind were customary among the Jews on taking possession of a new house.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:5

5. The officers — The shoterim, for that is the Hebrew term, were to be the keepers of the genealogical tables, and in that capacity would know who were the men bound to render military service.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:5

	Sermon	Description
	Fear of Man by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have unfinished business in their lives. He mentions those who have built houses but haven't dedicated
	Through the Bible - Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Deuteronomy and its three main themes: looking back at God's faithfulness, looking upwards at God's laws, and looking forward to G
	Praising God at the Dung Gate by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, Paul, who is writing from prison, urges the believers to walk worthy of their calling. He acknowledges the difficulties and trials they have faced, emphasizing that
	Epistle 367 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi
	Even Jesus Will Soon Be Shouting for Joy by Carter Conlon	This sermon from Psalms 30 emphasizes the journey of King David, highlighting his struggles, victories, and ultimate trust in God. It speaks of the deep faith and courage given by
	The Blessing of Answered Prayer by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Jonah and the important lesson he learned. Jonah initially resisted God's call to go to Nineveh and instead found himself
	(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 43 Psalm 30 by Keith Simons	Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 30, emphasizing the themes of God's deliverance and the joy that follows sorrow. He explains how David praises God for lifting him from despair and ho