Deuteronomy 20:16 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 20:16 mean?

Deuteronomy 20:16 commands the Israelites, when taking possession of certain cities given to them by God, not to let any living thing remain alive in those places. This instruction is specifically about the cities of certain peoples in the land that the Israelites are to inherit.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The context is a set of rules for warfare, and this particular command applies to cities that are part of the land God is giving them as an inheritance. The instruction is unusually strict, emphasizing complete destruction of everything that breathes in these specific cities.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 20:16

• "cities" (עָרִים, ʿārîm): This word refers to settled, fortified towns, not just any place where people lived. The focus is on established urban centers within the promised land.
• "people" (עַם, ʿam): Here, it points to specific groups or nations already living in the land, not just people in general.
• "alive" (חָיָה, ḥāyāh): This verb means to keep alive or let live. The command is to not allow survival of anything that breathes.
• "breatheth" (נְשָׁמָה, neshāmāh): This word means "breath" or "living being." The phrase "nothing that breatheth" stresses total destruction, including every living creature, not just people.

Why Deuteronomy 20:16 matters

• This verse is often misunderstood as a general rule for all warfare, but the context shows it applies only to certain cities within the land of Canaan, not to all enemies or all wars.
• The emphasis on "inheritance" highlights that these cities are part of a special promise from God to the Israelites, setting them apart from other cities outside the land.
• Understanding the original Hebrew words clarifies that the command is about complete destruction of all living things in these specific cities, not just the people, which shows the seriousness and finality of the instruction.