Deuteronomy 20:5 net — Moreover, the officers are to say to the troops,“Who among you has built a new house and not dedicated it? He may go ho…

NET Bible

"Moreover, the officers are to say to the troops,“Who among you has built a new house and not dedicated it? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else dedicate it."

— Deuteronomy 20:5, NET Bible

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Deuteronomy 20:5 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.”

  • ASV

    “And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. ”

  • WEB

    “The officers shall speak to the people, saying, "What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.”

  • DRB

    “And the captains shall proclaim through every band in the hearing of the army: What man is there, that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.”

  • BBE

    “And let the overseers say to the people, If there is any man who has made for himself a new house and has not gone into it, let him go back to his house, so that in the event of his death in the fight, another may not take his house for himself.”

  • KJVA

    “And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.”

Deuteronomy 20 — Context

2

As you move forward for battle, the priest will approach and say to the soldiers,

3

“Listen, Israel! Today you are moving forward to do battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted. Do not fear and tremble or be terrified because of them,

4

for the LORD your God goes with you to fight on your behalf against your enemies to give you victory.”

5

Moreover, the officers are to say to the troops,“Who among you has built a new house and not dedicated it? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else dedicate it.

6

Or who among you has planted a vineyard and not benefited from it? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else benefit from it.

7

Or who among you has become engaged to a woman but has not married her? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else marry her.”

8

In addition, the officers are to say to the troops,“Who among you is afraid and fainthearted? He may go home so that he will not make his fellow soldier’s heart as fearful as his own.”

Deuteronomy 20:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 20:5 say?
Deuteronomy 20:5 in the NET Bible reads: “Moreover, the officers are to say to the troops,“Who among you has built a new house and not dedicated it? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else dedicate it.”
Where is Deuteronomy 20:5 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 20:5 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 20, verse 5.
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 20:5.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 20:5 in?
Deuteronomy 20:5 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 20:5?
Deuteronomy 20:5 reads (NET): “Moreover, the officers are to say to the troops,“Who among you has built a new house and not dedicated it? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else dedicate 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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