But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

DEUTERONOMY 20:17KJV
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Deuteronomy 20:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 20:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 20:17 commands the Israelites to completely destroy several specific groups—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as God had instructed them. This verse describes a total removal of these peoples from the land, not leaving anything behind.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The instruction is part of a larger set of rules about warfare and how to deal with the nations living in the promised land. The focus is on following God’s command exactly, especially regarding these particular groups, who are listed by name.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 20:17

  • "Utterly destroy" and "destroy" both use the Hebrew word הַחֲרֵם (hacharem), which means to devote something to destruction, often in the sense of setting it apart for God by removing it completely. This word carries a stronger sense than just defeating or driving out; it means leaving nothing remaining.
  • Each of the group names—Hittites (חִתִּי, chitti), Amorites (אֱמֹרִי, emori), Canaanites (כְּנַעֲנִי, kena‘ani), Perizzites (פְּרִזִּי, perizzi), Hivites (חִוִּי, chivvi), and Jebusites (יְבוּסִי, yevusi)—refers to specific peoples living in Canaan at the time. Naming them shows the command is targeted and not a general rule for all peoples.
  • The word for "commanded" (צָוָה, tzavah) highlights that this instruction is not a suggestion but a direct order from God, emphasizing the seriousness of obedience.

Why Deuteronomy 20:17 matters

  • This verse is often misunderstood as a general call to violence, but it is actually a specific command for a particular historical situation and group of people.
  • The emphasis on "utterly destroy" shows the seriousness with which the Israelites were to follow God's instructions, especially regarding practices and influences that could turn them away from their faith.
  • Understanding the context and the original Hebrew words helps clarify that this was about complete removal, not just military victory or occupation, and that it was limited to certain named groups.