Deuteronomy 20:13 web — and when Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword:

World English Bible

"and when Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword:"

— Deuteronomy 20:13, World English Bible

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Deuteronomy 20:13 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 20 — Context

10

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

11

It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become tributary to you, and shall serve you.

12

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

13

and when Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword:

14

but the women, and the little ones, and the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its spoil, you shall take for a prey to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which Yahweh your God has given you.

15

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

16

But of the cities of these peoples, that Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes;

Deuteronomy 20:13 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 20:13 say?
Deuteronomy 20:13 in the World English Bible reads: “and when Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword:”
Where is Deuteronomy 20:13 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 20:13 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 20, verse 13.
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 20:13.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 20:13 in?
Deuteronomy 20:13 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 20:13?
Deuteronomy 20:13 reads (WEB): “and when Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword:” 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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