Deuteronomy 20:12 akjv — And if it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it:

American King James Version

"And if it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it: "

— Deuteronomy 20:12, American King James Version

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Deuteronomy 20:12 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 20 — Context

9

And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking to the people that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people. ¶

10

When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.

11

And it shall be, if it make you answer of peace, and open to you, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries to you, and they shall serve you.

12

And if it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it:

13

And when the LORD your God has delivered it into your hands, you shall smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:

14

But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shall you take to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God has given you.

15

Thus shall you do to all the cities which are very far off from you, which are not of the cities of these nations.

Deuteronomy 20:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 20:12 say?
Deuteronomy 20:12 in the American King James Version reads: “And if it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it: ”
Where is Deuteronomy 20:12 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 20:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 20, verse 12.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 20:12.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 20:12 in?
Deuteronomy 20:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 20:12?
Deuteronomy 20:12 reads (AKJV): “And if it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it: ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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