Deuteronomy 20:7

Deuteronomy 20:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Has 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.”

King James Version KJV

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

American Standard Version ASV

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Or if any man is newly married and has had no sex relations with his wife, let him go back to his house, so that in the event of his death in the fight, another man may not take her.

Free Bible Version FBV

Is there any man here who is engaged to a woman and hasn't married her? He can go home, otherwise he might die in battle and another man will marry her.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and returne againe vnto his house, lest he die in the battell, and another man take her.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And who [is] the man that hath betrothed a woman, and hath not taken her? — let him go and turn back to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man take her.

World English Bible WEB

What man is there who has pledged to be married to a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he should die in battle, and another man should take her.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

What man is there, that hath espoused a wife, and not taken her? let him go, and return to his house, lest he die in the war, and another man take her.

Translation for Translators T4T

If anyone among you has become engaged to marry a woman but has not married her yet [RHQ], he should go home. If he stays here and dies in the battle, someone else will marry her.’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 20:7

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 20:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מִֽי הָ/אִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר אֵרַ֤שׂ אִשָּׁה֙ וְ/לֹ֣א לְקָחָ֔/הּ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְ/יָשֹׁ֣ב לְ/בֵית֑/וֹ פֶּן יָמוּת֙ בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְ/אִ֥ישׁ אַחֵ֖ר יִקָּחֶֽ/נָּה

וּ/מִֽי mîy H4310 who? Conj | Part

הָ/אִ֞ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אֵרַ֤שׂ ʼâras H781 to betroth V-Piel-Perf-3ms

אִשָּׁה֙ ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

לְקָחָ֔/הּ lâqach H3947 to take 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

יִקָּחֶֽ/נָּה lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 20:7

וּ/מִֽי mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | 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.

אֲשֶׁר 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.

אֵרַ֤שׂ ʼâras H781 "to betroth" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to promise marriage, like when a man and woman get engaged. It is used in Deuteronomy 20:7 to describe a man who has recently gotten engaged. This word is about making a commitment to marry someone.

Definition: 1) to betroth, engage 1a) (Piel) to betroth (man or woman) 1b) (Pual) to be betrothed

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: betroth, espouse. See also: Exodus 22:15; Deuteronomy 22:28; Hosea 2:22.

אִשָּׁה֙ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

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.

לְקָחָ֔/הּ lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

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

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.

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.

יִקָּחֶֽ/נָּה lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 20:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 20:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:7
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7
Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:7

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.”

8Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.” 9When the officers have finished addressing the army, they are to appoint commanders to lead it.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 24:5	If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.
2	Deuteronomy 28:30	You will be pledged in marriage to a woman, but another man will violate her. You will build a house but will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit.
3	Luke 14:18–20	But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, so I cannot come.’
4	Matthew 1:18	This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
5	2 Timothy 2:4	A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.
6	Deuteronomy 22:23–25	If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. So you must purge the evil from among you. But if the man encounters a betrothed woman in the open country, and he overpowers her and lies with her, only the man who has done this must die.

Deuteronomy 20:7 Summary

This verse, Deuteronomy 20:7, is saying that if a man has promised to marry a woman but hasn't yet, he should be allowed to go home and get married before going to war, so he can fulfill his commitment to his bride. This shows that God cares about the personal lives and relationships of His people, as also seen in Ephesians 5:25-33. It's like when someone builds a new house or plants a vineyard, they want to be able to enjoy it and take care of it, and God wants us to be able to take care of our loved ones and responsibilities, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:5-6. By allowing this exemption, God is showing His love and care for His people, and reminding us to prioritize our relationships and responsibilities, just as He does in Psalm 127:3-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this exemption from battle in Deuteronomy 20:7?

The purpose of this exemption is to allow a man who has recently become pledged to a woman to return home and complete his marriage, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:7, ensuring he can fulfill his commitment to his bride before facing the risks of battle, similar to the exemptions for those who have built a new house or planted a vineyard in Deuteronomy 20:5-6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and commitment?

This verse highlights the importance of commitment and responsibility in marriage, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:25-33, where husbands are called to love and care for their wives, and the exemption in Deuteronomy 20:7 allows a man to prioritize his commitment to his bride before going to war.

Is this exemption only for men who are engaged, or does it apply to other situations as well?

Based on the context of Deuteronomy 20:5-9, this exemption appears to be specifically for men who have become pledged to a woman and not yet married her, as stated in Deuteronomy 20:7, allowing them to return home and complete their marriage before facing the risks of battle.

How does this verse demonstrate God's care for His people?

This verse demonstrates God's care for His people by providing exemptions from battle for those who have significant personal responsibilities, such as getting married, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:7, showing that God values the well-being and family life of His people, as also seen in Psalm 127:3-5.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to my loved ones, just as the man in Deuteronomy 20:7 is allowed to return home to his bride?
How can I prioritize my responsibilities and relationships, just as the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 20:5-9?
What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and provision, just as the Israelites sought God's guidance in battle, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1-9?
How can I trust in God's care and provision for my life, just as the Israelites were called to trust in God's presence with them in battle, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1-4?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 20:7

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her?.... Home to his house and bedded with her; has only betrothed her, but is not properly married to her, the nuptials are not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 20:7

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. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7

Betrothing was done by a solemn and mutual promise, but not by an actual contract. See .

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7

Deuteronomy 20:7 And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.Ver. 8. That is fearful and faint hearted.] This cowardly passion dispirits a man, expectorates his manliness, and exposeth him to the cruel mercy of an enemy. Better be temerarious than timorous! "Ye fugitives of Ephraim," is no small brand of dishonour; besides that melting and trying judgments follow such at heels as account one pair of heels worth two pair of hands. The French fled so fast before the English at the battle of Terwin, that it was called the battle of Spurs. Lest his brethren’ s hearts.] Cowardice is catching, and shows that men, like stags, have great horns, but want hearts. Paul Jovius.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7

(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 20:7

Verse 7. Betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her?] It was customary among the Jews to contract matrimony, espouse or betroth, and for some considerable time to leave the parties in the houses of their respective parents: when the bridegroom had made proper preparations, then the bride was brought home to his house, and thus the marriage was consummated. The provisions in this verse refer to a case of this kind; for it was deemed an excessive hardship for a person to be obliged to go to battle, where there was a probability of his being slain, who had left a new house unfinished; a newly purchased heritage half tilled; or a wife with whom he had just contracted marriage. Homer represents the case of Protesilaus as very afflicting, who was obliged to go to the Trojan war, leaving his wife in the deepest distress, and his house unfinished. ΤουδεκαιαμφιδρυφηςαλοχοςΦυλακῃελελειπτο, Καιδομοςἡμιτελης·τονδ' εκτανεΔαρδανοςανηρ, ΝηοςαποθρωσκονταπολυπρωτιστονΑχαιων. ILIAD, 1. ii., ver. 100. "A wife he left, To rend in Phylace her bleeding cheeks, And an unfinish'd mansion: first he died Of all the Greeks; for as he leap'd to land, Long ere the rest, a Dardan struck him dead." COWPER.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 20:7

7. that hath betrothed, etc.] Cp. Deuteronomy 24:5, exempting the newly-married from service for a year. The reason can hardly be that he was unclean for, as in the case of other married men, this obstacle could be removed (2 Samuel 11:6 f.). Evidently the motive is humane, in the wife’s interests, or in order to secure descendants to the man himself.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 20:7

7. What man… hath betrothed a wife — The exemption from military service to the betrothed is, in Deuteronomy 24:5, also applied to the newly married man, who was free from obligation to serve in the army for a year.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 20:7

	Sermon	Description
	The Blueprint of Your Home by Abner Kauffman	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible to show oneself approved by God. He encourages listeners to not neglect learning about their homes and t
	Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights
	The Wedding Banquet - 2 by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of people who decided to feed the poor on a rubbish dump at Christmas. They estimated the number of people they would feed,
	Is Your Life a Compelling Testimony by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three distinct periods of time mentioned in verses 17 to 20, which are believed to refer to the nation of Israel. The speaker emphasizes t
	Blood Covenant - Part 8 by Bob Phillips	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's heart and letting go of any doctrines or traditions that hinder the fear of God. He encourages the listene
	God's Invitation by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to God's invitation and being accountable for our actions. He encourages the audience to follow the example of
	Confession. Doers of the Law Will Be Justified by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a doer of God's laws and the role of prayer in becoming one. He describes how believers are tested by various negati