Deuteronomy 20:16 akjv — But of the cities of these people, which the LORD your God does give you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothi…

American King James Version

"But of the cities of these people, which the LORD your God does give you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes: "

— Deuteronomy 20:16, American King James Version

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Deuteronomy 20:16 in Other Translations

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Deuteronomy 20 — Context

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.

16

But of the cities of these people, which the LORD your God does give you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes:

17

But you shall utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD your God has commanded you:

18

That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done to their gods; so should you sin against the LORD your God. ¶

19

When you shall besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an ax against them: for you may eat of them, and you shall not cut them down (for the tree of the field is man’s life) to employ them in the siege:

Deuteronomy 20:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 20:16 say?
Deuteronomy 20:16 in the American King James Version reads: “But of the cities of these people, which the LORD your God does give you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes: ”
Where is Deuteronomy 20:16 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 20:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 20, verse 16.
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 20:16.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 20:16 in?
Deuteronomy 20:16 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 20:16?
Deuteronomy 20:16 reads (AKJV): “But of the cities of these people, which the LORD your God does give you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes: ” 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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