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.

Where else these words appear

“Perizzites” Hebrew H6522 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Exodus 34:11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
  • Joshua 24:11 And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

“Hivites” Hebrew H2340 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 10:17 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
  • Exodus 33:2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:
  • Joshua 12:8 In the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

“Jebusites” Hebrew H2983 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Joshua 11:3 And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.
  • 2 Samuel 24:18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

“Hittites” Hebrew H2850 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 15:20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
  • Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
  • 2 Samuel 11:24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.