And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.

DEUTERONOMY 20:6KJV
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Deuteronomy 20:6 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 20:6 mean?

Deuteronomy 20:6 says that if a man has planted a vineyard but has not yet enjoyed its fruit, he should be allowed to return home from battle so that he does not die and someone else eats from it instead. This rule is part of instructions given to the Israelites about who should be excused from fighting in war.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare for battle. The verse highlights a practical concern for fairness and personal investment—someone who has just planted a vineyard (a long-term commitment) should not lose out on the first fruits of his labor due to war. The law shows a humane approach, recognizing the importance of personal milestones and family life even in times of national crisis.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 20:6

  • The word for "planted" (נָטַע, nata‘) refers specifically to the act of establishing a vineyard, which in ancient Israel was a significant, long-term investment. This emphasizes that the man has not yet benefited from his hard work.
  • The word for "eaten" (חָלַל, chalal) here is often understood as "enjoyed" or "made use of," not just physically eating but partaking in the results of one’s labor. This highlights that the concern is about experiencing the fruit of personal effort.
  • The word for "vineyard" (כֶּרֶם, kerem) points to a valuable and productive piece of land, not just any field, making the loss more significant if the owner dies before enjoying it.

Why Deuteronomy 20:6 matters

  • This verse clears up the misconception that everyone was required to fight, showing that there were compassionate exceptions for personal circumstances.
  • The verse emphasizes the value placed on individual lives and personal achievements, even during national emergencies.
  • It connects to the wider passage by illustrating a pattern of mercy and practical wisdom in Israel’s war laws, balancing communal needs with individual rights.

Where else these words appear

“planted” Hebrew H5193 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
  • Jeremiah 12:2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

“vineyard” Hebrew H3754 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 9:20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
  • 1 Kings 21:2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
  • Isaiah 1:8 And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.

“eaten” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.