Deuteronomy 20:10
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
American King James Version (AKJV)
When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
American Standard Version (ASV)
When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
When you come to a town, before attacking it, make an offer of peace.
Webster's Revision
When thou comest nigh to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
World English Bible
When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
English Revised Version (ERV)
When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
Definitions for Deuteronomy 20:10
Clarke's Deuteronomy 20:10 Bible Commentary
Proclaim peace unto it - Interpreters are greatly divided concerning the objects of this law. The text, taken in connection with the context, (see Deuteronomy 20:15-18), appears to state that this proclamation or offer of peace to a city is only to be understood of those cities which were situated beyond the limits of the seven anathematized nations, because these latter are commanded to be totally destroyed. Nothing can be clearer than this from the bare letter of the text, unless some of the words, taken separately, can be shown to have a different meaning. For the common interpretation, the following reasons are given.
God, who knows all things, saw that they were incurable in their idolatry; that the cup of their iniquity was full; and as their Creator, Sovereign, and Judge, he determined to destroy them from off the face of the earth, "lest they should teach the Israelites to do after all their abominations," Deuteronomy 20:18. After all, many plausible arguments have been brought to prove that even these seven Canaanitish nations might be received into mercy, provided they,
1. Renounced their idolatry;
2. Became subject to the Jews; and,
3. Paid annual tribute: and that it was only in case these terms were rejected, that they were not to leave alive in such a city any thing that breathed, Deuteronomy 20:16.
Barnes's Deuteronomy 20:10 Bible Commentary
Directions intended to prevent wanton destruction of life and property in sieges.