Deuteronomy 21:11
Deuteronomy 21:11 in Multiple Translations
if you see a beautiful woman among them, and you desire her and want to take her as your wife,
And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;
and seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and thou hast a desire unto her, and wouldest take her to thee to wife;
If among the prisoners you see a beautiful woman and it is your desire to make her your wife;
you may see that one of them is a beautiful woman who you like and want to marry.
And shalt see among the captiues a beautifull woman, and hast a desire vnto her, and wouldest take her to thy wife,
and hast seen in the captivity a woman of fair form, and hast delighted in her, and hast taken to thee for a wife,
and see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you are attracted to her, and desire to take her as your wife,
And thou seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire to her, that thou wouldest have her for thy wife:
And seest in the number of the captives a beautiful woman, and lovest her, and wilt have her to wife,
one of you may see among them a beautiful woman that he likes, and he may want to marry her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 21:11
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 21:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָאִיתָ֙
בַּ/שִּׁבְיָ֔ה
אֵ֖שֶׁת
יְפַת
תֹּ֑אַר
וְ/חָשַׁקְתָּ֣
בָ֔/הּ
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
לְ/ךָ֖
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וְ/רָאִיתָ֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בַּ/שִּׁבְיָ֔ה
shibyâh
H7633
captive
Prep | N-cs
אֵ֖שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
יְפַת
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
תֹּ֑אַר
tôʼar
H8389
appearance
N-ms
וְ/חָשַׁקְתָּ֣
châshaq
H2836
to desire
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בָ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 21:11
וְ/רָאִיתָ֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בַּ/שִּׁבְיָ֔ה
shibyâh
H7633
"captive"
Prep | N-cs
Shibyah refers to a state of captivity or being held prisoner. In the Bible, it describes the Israelites' experience of being exiled and held captive by other nations.
Definition: 1) captivity, captives 1a) (state of) captivity 1b) captives
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: captives(-ity). See also: Deuteronomy 21:11; 2 Chronicles 28:11; Jeremiah 48:46.
אֵ֖שֶׁת
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.
יְפַת
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
תֹּ֑אַר
tôʼar
H8389
"appearance"
N-ms
This word refers to someone's appearance or figure, describing their shape or form. It can also mean beautiful or comely, conveying a sense of attractiveness. The KJV translates it as beautiful or fair.
Definition: shape, form, outline, figure, appearance
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, [idiom] comely, countenance, [phrase] fair, [idiom] favoured, form, [idiom] goodly, [idiom] resemble, visage. See also: Genesis 29:17; 1 Samuel 25:3; Isaiah 52:14.
וְ/חָשַׁקְתָּ֣
châshaq
H2836
"to desire"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To connect means to join or love something, as seen in Psalm 91:14 where God delights in those who love Him.
Definition: (Qal) to love, be attached to, long for
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: have a delight, (have a) desire, fillet, long, set (in) love. See also: Genesis 34:8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Psalms 91:14.
בָ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 21:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 21:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:11
Context — Marrying a Captive Woman
9So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.
10When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand and you take them captive,
11if you see a beautiful woman among them, and you desire her and want to take her as your wife,
12then you shall bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails, 13and put aside the clothing of her captivity. After she has lived in your house a full month and mourned her father and mother, you may have relations with her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 31:10 | A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. |
| 2 | Genesis 34:3 | And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly. |
| 3 | Genesis 12:14–15 | So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh. |
| 4 | Proverbs 6:25 | Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. |
| 5 | Genesis 29:18–20 | Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban replied, “Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.” So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her. |
| 6 | Proverbs 31:30 | Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. |
| 7 | Numbers 31:18 | but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man. |
| 8 | Judges 14:2–3 | So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.” |
| 9 | Genesis 34:8 | But Hamor said to them, “My son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. |
| 10 | Genesis 6:2 | the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose. |
Deuteronomy 21:11 Summary
[Deuteronomy 21:11 describes a situation where a man might see a woman among captives and want to marry her. This verse teaches us that our desires and attractions should be guided by wisdom, respect, and care for others, as seen in verses like Proverbs 24:23-24 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7. It's also important to remember that marriage is a covenant between two people, as seen in Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31. By considering these principles, we can cultivate healthier and more loving relationships in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'desire' someone in the context of Deuteronomy 21:11?
In this verse, 'desire' refers to a strong attraction or longing for someone, as seen in the Hebrew word 'chamad', which is also used in Deuteronomy 5:21 to describe the tenth commandment, 'you shall not covet' (Deuteronomy 5:21, Exodus 20:17).
Is it okay to marry someone from a different culture or background, as described in Deuteronomy 21:11?
While Deuteronomy 21:11 describes taking a wife from among captives, the Bible also teaches that believers should marry 'in the Lord' (1 Corinthians 7:39), emphasizing the importance of shared faith and values in a marriage, as seen in verses like Amos 3:3 and 2 Corinthians 6:14.
How does Deuteronomy 21:11 relate to the concept of love and relationships in the Bible?
This verse highlights the complexities of human relationships and attraction, but it is also important to consider other biblical teachings on love, such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which describes the characteristics of true, selfless love, and Ephesians 5:25-33, which teaches about the relationship between husbands and wives.
What can we learn from the regulations surrounding marriage to a captive woman in Deuteronomy 21:11-13?
These regulations emphasize the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in verses like Exodus 22:21-24 and Leviticus 19:33-34, which teach about caring for the vulnerable and upholding justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some potential dangers or pitfalls of allowing desire to drive our decisions, and how can we balance our emotions with wisdom and discernment, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8?
- How can we apply the principles of respect, care, and compassion described in Deuteronomy 21:12-13 to our relationships with others, whether romantic or otherwise, as seen in verses like Romans 12:10 and Galatians 5:13-14?
- What does it mean to 'take' someone as a wife, as described in Deuteronomy 21:11, and how does this relate to the biblical concept of marriage as a covenant between two people, as seen in verses like Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:31?
- In what ways can we prioritize the well-being and emotional health of those around us, especially in situations where there may be power imbalances or vulnerability, as taught in verses like Psalm 82:3-4 and Isaiah 1:17?
- How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of God's heart for justice, compassion, and righteousness in all our relationships, as described in verses like Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 21:11
And seest among the captives a beautiful woman,.... Whether a virgin, wife, or widow, according to the Jewish writers, even though another man's wife; so Jarchi (c), and Maimonides (d); the marriages
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 21:11
When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive, When thou goest forth to war ... and seest among the captives a beautiful woman (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
Hast a desire unto her; or, hast cleaved to her, to wit, in love; or, hast taken delight in her; which may be a modest expression for lying with her, and seems probable, because it is said, , that he had humbled her, to wit, by military insolence, when he took her captive, not after he had married her, for then he would have expressed it thus, because thou hast married her, which had been more emphatical than to say, because thou hast humbled her. And here seem to be two cases supposed, and direction given what to do in both of them: 1. That he did desire to marry her, of which he speaks . 2. That he did not desire this, or not delight in her, of which he speaks .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
Deuteronomy 21:11 And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;Ver. 11. And hast a desire unto her.] This was permitted them, as divorce was, ob duricordium. But that is a base passage in the Turk’ s Koran, that God did not give men such appetites to have them frustrate, but enjoyed, as made for the gust of man, not for his torment, wherein his Creator delights not; and therefore they hold it lawful for a man to marry as many wives as he is able to maintain.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
Deuteronomy 21:10-14. OF CAPTIVE WOMEN.(10, 11) When thou . . . seest among the captives a beautiful woman.—This could not be among the seven nations, of whom it is said (Deuteronomy 20:1-6), “thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth.” But it may well apply to the recent case of the Midianitish maidens (Numbers 31:15-18), who had been taken captive in great numbers, and would naturally be reduced to slavery. It is clear from this passage that they could not be treated as concubines. (12) Shall shave her head, and pare her nails.—Rashi’s view is that the object of this order is to spoil the beauty of the captive. The long hair is to be cut off, and the nails pared. On this last point the Targums differ; one taking the view that they are to be left to grow and the other the opposite interpretation. In 2 Samuel 19:24, there are two examples of the use of the word in the sense of attending to the person. The correct interpretation in this place depends upon the purpose for which the thing was to be done. If the intention was any kind of purification, and long or taper nails were considered an ornament (as by some Eastern nations), it is more probable that the nails were to be cut short. (13) The raiment of her captivity.—Rashi takes this to mean the beautiful raiment put on for the purpose of attracting her captors.
(Compare Jezebel’s attempt to captivate Jehu, 2 Kings 9:30.) Whatever may be the precise intent of these several instructions, it is clear that the law is intended to encourage lawful marriage, and no other form of union. In this view it throws an important light upon the treatment of the Midianitish captives in Numbers 31 (14) Thou shalt not make merchandise of her.—This shows that, in ordinary cases, these captives would be sold as slaves, without the restrictions imposed on Israelitish slavery. (See Leviticus 25:44-46.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
Verse 11. And seest - a beautiful woman] No forcible possession was allowed even in this case, when the woman was taken in war, and was, by the general consent of ancient nations, adjudged as a part of the spoils. The person to whose lot or share such a woman as is here described fell, might, if he chose, have her for a wife on certain conditions; but he was not permitted to use her under any inferior character.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 21:11
11. the captives] Sam. his. hast a desire unto her] Heb. ḥ ?ashaḳ ?, see on Deuteronomy 7:7. and wouldest take her] So Sam. LXX. Heb. omits her.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 21:11
FEMALE WAR-, Deuteronomy 21:10-14.The directions that follow must refer to captives that might be taken in war with the neighbouring nations after the Canaanites have been extirpated.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 21:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Bride Worthy of Christ’s Attention by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 31 and discusses the qualities of a bride worthy of Christ's attention. The preacher emphasizes the importance of fallen people and |
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Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo |
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1st Epistle of Peter by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for being invited to speak and for the opportunity to bring her family with her. She acknowledges the daily routine and challenges t |
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Pt 7 the Pearl of Great Price by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hurt by someone's negative comment about the church attendance. He contrasts the reactions of two individuals, one |
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Dreams in Flames - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and loving others rather than being self-centered. He encourages listeners to reach out and help others, |
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Choosing a Wife - Beauty Is Vain by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a godly spouse over outward beauty or charm. It warns against the consequences of marrying a contentious or ungodly partner, highl |
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The Old-Fashioned Christian Home by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of returning to the old-fashioned Christian values and practices in order to build strong and successful families. He highlig |