Deuteronomy 20:6

Verse

Has 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.

American Standard Version (1901)

And what man is there that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not used the fruit thereof? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use the fruit thereof.

Bible in Basic English

Or if any man has made a vine-garden without taking the first-fruits of it, let him go back to his house, so that in the event of his death in the fight, another may not be the first to make use of the fruit.

Douay-Rheims 1899

What man is there, that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not as yet made it to be common, whereof all men may eat? let him go, and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man execute his office.

Free Bible Version

Is there any man here who has planted a vineyard and hasn't yet enjoyed its fruit? He can go home, otherwise he might die in battle and another man will enjoy its fruit.

Geneva Bible 1599

And what man is there that hath planted a vineyarde, and hath not eaten of the fruite? let him go and returne againe vnto his house, least he die in the battel, and another eate the fruite.

King James (Authorized) Version

And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.

One Unity Resource Bible

What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? Let him go and teshuvah ·completely return· to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit.

Translation for Translators

If anyone among you has planted a vineyard and has not yet harvested any grapes from it [RHQ], he should go home. If he stays here and dies in the battle, someone else will harvest the grapes and enjoy the wine made from them.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Is there anyone who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go home, so he will not die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

Noah Webster Bible

And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return to his house, lest he should die in the battle, and another man should eat of it.

World English Bible

What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit.

Young's Literal Translation

'And who [is] the man that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not made it common? — let him go and turn back to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man make it common.

Context

Laws of Warfare

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.”

Summary

This verse addresses the preparation and mindset of the Israelite soldiers before going into battle. It encourages them to trust in God's provision and protection, reminding them that He is the one who ultimately gives victory in warfare. By acknowledging God's presence and power, the soldiers are strengthened in their faith and resolve to face their enemies. This verse serves as a reminder that success in battle is not dependent on their own strength or numbers, but on their obedience and reliance on the Lord.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it?.... Which he has a right to do, and it is hard for him to be deprived of it, Co1 9:7 or "hath not made it common" (k); according to the law in Lev 19:23. Three years the fruit of trees, and so of vines, might not be eaten; in the fourth, they were devoted to the Lord, and might be redeemed from the priest, and so made common; and on the fifth year were eaten in course; so the Targums of Jerusalem, Jonathan, and Jarchi, interpret it: "let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it"; or make it common, according to the above law: Aben Ezra seems to have another sense of this passage, deriving the word from another, which signifies piping and dancing, and observes, that it was a custom to sing, pipe, and dance in vineyards; and the Septuagint version is, "hath not been made merry of it"; though that may signify not having drank of the wine of it, to be made merry with it. (k) "necdum fecit eam esse communem", V. L. "et non fecit eam communem", Vatablus, Fagius.