And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

DEUTERONOMY 20:5KJV
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Deuteronomy 20:5 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 20:5 mean?

Deuteronomy 20:5 instructs that before Israel goes into battle, the officers are to ask if any man has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it; such a man should be allowed to return home, so he does not die in battle and have someone else dedicate his house. This shows a concern for personal milestones and unfinished responsibilities in the lives of those called to war.

In this verse, Moses is giving instructions to the officers (leaders) of Israel about how to address the people before battle. The situation is a military gathering, and the officers are told to make an announcement to the assembled men. The verse highlights the importance placed on allowing individuals to complete significant life events, like dedicating a new home, before risking their lives in war.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 20:5

  • The word for "officers" (שֹׁטֵר, shoter) refers to officials or administrators who had authority to organize and communicate instructions to the people, showing this was an official, structured process.
  • "Dedicated" (חָנַךְ, chanak) means to inaugurate or formally begin using something, often with a ceremony. The verse is not just about living in a house, but about celebrating and setting it apart, which was a meaningful event in ancient Israel.
  • "Return" (שׁוּב, shuv) is a common Hebrew word for turning back or going home, emphasizing that the man is to leave the battle preparations and go back to his unfinished personal responsibility.

Why Deuteronomy 20:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s laws made room for personal and family responsibilities, even in the serious context of war, showing a balance between communal duty and individual life.
  • The instruction helps prevent a man from losing out on a significant life event due to war, highlighting compassion and practical wisdom in the law.
  • This verse is part of a larger passage that lists several reasons someone might be excused from battle, revealing a thoughtful approach to military service in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“dedicated” Hebrew H2596 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:63 And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
  • Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

“officers” Hebrew H7860 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 5:6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
  • Deuteronomy 20:8 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.
  • Joshua 24:1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

“new” Hebrew H2319 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
  • 1 Kings 11:29 And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:
  • Isaiah 41:15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.