Deuteronomy 20:8 net — In addition, the officers are to say to the troops,“Who among you is afraid and fainthearted? He may go home so that he…

NET Bible

"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 20:8, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Deuteronomy 20:8 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart.”

  • ASV

    “And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart melt as his heart. ”

  • WEB

    “The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, "What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother's heart melt as his heart."”

  • DRB

    “After these things are declared they shall add the rest, and shall speak to the people: What man is there that is fearful, and faint hearted? let him go, and return to his house, lest he make the hearts of his brethren to fear, as he himself is possessed with fear.”

  • BBE

    “And let the overseers go on to say to the people, If there is any man whose heart is feeble with fear, let him go back to his house before he makes the hearts of his countrymen feeble.”

  • KJVA

    “And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart.”

Deuteronomy 20 — Context

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.”

9

Then, when the officers have finished speaking, they must appoint unit commanders to lead the troops.

10

When you approach a city to wage war against it, offer it terms of peace.

11

If it accepts your terms and submits to you, all the people found in it will become your slaves.

Deuteronomy 20:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 20:8 say?
Deuteronomy 20:8 in the NET Bible reads: “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.””
Where is Deuteronomy 20:8 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 20:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 20, verse 8.
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 20:8.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 20:8 in?
Deuteronomy 20:8 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 20:8?
Deuteronomy 20:8 reads (NET): “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.”” 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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