Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. New Living Translation If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor. English Standard Version And if it responds to you peaceably and it opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall do forced labor for you and shall serve you. Berean Standard Bible If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass that if they accept your offer of peace and open to you, then all the people found in it shall be unto you in tribute, and they will serve you. King James Bible And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. New King James Version And it shall be that if they accept your offer of peace, and open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be placed under tribute to you, and serve you. New American Standard Bible And if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and serve you. NASB 1995 “If it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. NASB 1977 “And it shall come about, if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. Legacy Standard Bible Now it will be that if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. Amplified Bible If that city accepts your terms of peace and opens its gates to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. Berean Annotated Bible If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. Christian Standard Bible If it accepts your offer of peace and opens its gates to you, all the people found in it will become forced laborers for you and serve you. Holman Christian Standard Bible If it accepts your offer of peace and opens its gates to you, all the people found in it will become forced laborers for you and serve you. American Standard Version And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee. English Revised Version And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation If they accept it and open [their gates] to you, then all the people there will be made to do forced labor and serve you. Good News Translation If they open the gates and surrender, they are all to become your slaves and do forced labor for you. International Standard Version If it agrees to peace and welcomes you, then all the people found in it will serve you as forced laborers. NET Bible If it accepts your terms and submits to you, all the people found in it will become your slaves. New Heart English Bible It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found in it shall become tributary to you, and shall serve you. Webster's Bible Translation And it shall be, if it shall make thee answer of peace, and open to thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein, shall be tributaries to thee, and they shall serve thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. World English Bible It shall be, if it gives you answer of peace and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it has been, if it answers you [with] peace, and has opened to you, then it has come to pass, all the people who are found in it are for tributaries to you, and have served you. Berean Literal Bible And it shall come to pass that if they accept your offer of peace and open to you, then all the people found in it shall be unto you in tribute, and they will serve you. Young's Literal Translation and it hath been, if Peace it answer thee, and hath opened to thee, then it hath come to pass -- all the people who are found in it are to thee for tributaries, and have served thee. Smith's Literal Translation And it was, if it shall answer thee peace, and it opened to thee, and it was all the people being found in it shall be to thee for tribute and serve thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf they receive it, and open the gates to thee, all the people that are therein, shall be saved, and shall serve thee paying tribute. Catholic Public Domain Version If they receive it, and open the gates to you, then all the people who are in it shall be saved, and they shall serve you by paying tribute. New American Bible If it agrees to your terms of peace and lets you in, all the people to be found in it shall serve you in forced labor. New Revised Standard Version If it accepts your terms of peace and surrenders to you, then all the people in it shall serve you at forced labor. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if the city give you answer of peace, and it open to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be servants and tributaries to you, and they shall serve you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if it will answer you, 'Peace!', and it will open up to you, all the people who are found in it shall be Servants to you, paying taxes, and they shall work for you. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that are found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee. Brenton Septuagint Translation If then they should answer peaceably to thee, and open to thee, it shall be that all the people found in it shall be tributary and subject to thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Laws of Warfare…10When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. 11 If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. 12But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city.… Cross References If they accept your offer of peace Joshua 9:15 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. 2 Kings 18:31-32 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree and drink water from his own cistern, / until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Joshua 11:19-20 No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle. / For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses. and open their gates, Jeremiah 21:8-10 Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. / Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war. / For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’ Jeremiah 38:17-18 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. / But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’” 2 Kings 24:10-12 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. / And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. / Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. all the people there will become forced laborers 1 Kings 9:20-21 As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. 2 Chronicles 8:7-8 As for all the people who remained of the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (these people were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites had not destroyed—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. Joshua 16:10 But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, but they are forced laborers. to serve you. Joshua 9:23-27 Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” / The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this. / Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” … 2 Samuel 8:2 David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. 1 Kings 4:21 And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. Genesis 9:25-27 he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.” / He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. / May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.” Exodus 1:11 So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. Leviticus 25:44-46 Your menservants and maidservants shall come from the nations around you, from whom you may purchase them. / You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or their clans living among you who are born in your land. These may become your property. / You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. 1 Samuel 15:6 And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. Treasury of Scripture And it shall be, if it make you answer of peace, and open to you, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries to you, and they shall serve you. tributaries Leviticus 25:42-46 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen… Joshua 9:22,23,27 And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us? … Joshua 11:19,20 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle… Jump to Previous Accept Agrees Doors Labor Open Opened Opening Opens Peace Servants Serve Served Subject Therein Tributaries Tributary WorkJump to Next Accept Agrees Doors Labor Open Opened Opening Opens Peace Servants Serve Served Subject Therein Tributaries Tributary WorkDeuteronomy 20 1. The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle5. The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war 10. How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace 16. What cities must be devoted 19. Trees must not be destroyed in the siege If they accept your offer of peace This phrase indicates the possibility of a peaceful resolution before engaging in warfare. In the context of ancient Israel, offering peace was a common practice before besieging a city. This reflects God's desire for peace and mercy, even in times of conflict. The offer of peace can be seen as an opportunity for the city to submit to Israel's authority without bloodshed, aligning with the broader biblical theme of seeking peace (Psalm 34:14). It also foreshadows the peace offered through Christ, who is the ultimate peacemaker (Matthew 5:9). and open their gates all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people receiving the instructions from God through Moses. They are preparing to enter the Promised Land and are given guidelines for warfare. 2. Canaanite Cities The cities that the Israelites would encounter as they enter the Promised Land. These cities are the subject of the peace offer mentioned in the verse. 3. Moses The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments and instructions to the people. 4. God The ultimate authority giving these instructions to ensure the Israelites conduct themselves according to His will. 5. Peace Offer A diplomatic approach commanded by God to be extended to cities before engaging in battle, highlighting a preference for peace over conflict. Teaching Points God's Preference for PeaceGod instructs His people to offer peace before engaging in conflict, reflecting His desire for reconciliation and harmony. Obedience to Divine Instructions The Israelites are called to follow God's commands precisely, demonstrating the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. The Role of Servitude The concept of forced labor in this context can be seen as a means of integrating conquered peoples into the community, which can be a metaphor for how believers are to serve God willingly. Moral and Ethical Warfare The passage provides a framework for conducting warfare ethically, emphasizing the importance of offering peace and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. Spiritual Warfare Just as the Israelites were to offer peace before battle, Christians are called to approach spiritual battles with a mindset of peace and reconciliation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 20:11?2. How does Deuteronomy 20:11 guide us in making peace with adversaries today? 3. What does "forced labor" in Deuteronomy 20:11 teach about servitude and responsibility? 4. How can we apply Deuteronomy 20:11's principles to modern conflicts and resolutions? 5. What New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 20:11's approach to peace and submission? 6. How does Deuteronomy 20:11 reflect God's justice and mercy in dealing with enemies? 7. How does Deuteronomy 20:11 align with the concept of a loving God? 8. What historical context explains the command in Deuteronomy 20:11? 9. How should modern Christians interpret Deuteronomy 20:11's message on warfare? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 20? 11. How does the humble tone in Psalm 131 compare to other passages that depict a vengeful or warlike God (e.g., Deuteronomy 20)? 12. How does the absolute obedience in Joshua 11:12-15 align with prior instructions about sparing certain peoples? 13. How can God's people be told to offer terms of peace in one situation but show no mercy in another (Deuteronomy 20:10-18)? 14. What signifies the wide gate leading to destruction? What Does Deuteronomy 20:11 Mean If they accept your offer of peaceDeuteronomy 20:10 commands Israel to “proclaim peace” before laying siege. The verse we are studying assumes that message has been delivered and received. By God’s design: • Israel’s first move was diplomatic, not destructive (cf. 2 Kings 14:8–9; Proverbs 12:20). • Acceptance signified submission to the LORD’s covenant people, recognizing His rule in the land (Psalm 2:10–12). • This practice reflected God’s mercy even in warfare, contrasting sharply with nations that offered no terms (Joshua 11:19; Romans 2:4). and open their gates In Scripture, city gates represent authority and security (Genesis 22:17; Ruth 4:1). Opening them meant: • A public, irreversible act of trust—no ambush, no hidden resistance (Nehemiah 6:10–11). • Immediate surrender of civic leadership to Israel’s oversight (Judges 1:24–25). • A tangible sign of choosing life rather than destruction, echoing Deuteronomy 30:19. all the people there will become forced laborers The term describes corvée service common in the ancient world (1 Kings 5:13–18). Under God’s law: • Captives were spared death; they were not slaves in the harsh, chattel sense seen in Egypt (cf. Exodus 1:13–14). • They performed public works—building roads, preparing supplies—freeing Israeli men for military defense (1 Kings 9:20–22). • Their lives, families, and property were preserved, a merciful concession compared to total destruction required for Canaanite cities (Deuteronomy 20:16–18). to serve you Service was directed toward Israel as the covenant nation, ultimately serving the purposes of the LORD (Deuteronomy 7:6). This arrangement: • Demonstrated God’s promise to give Israel “nations in your hand” (Genesis 27:29; Isaiah 60:12). • Pointed forward to the Messianic hope when all nations will serve God’s king (Psalm 72:11; Revelation 11:15). • Reminded Israel that they too were once servants rescued by grace, tempering any abuse (Leviticus 19:34; Ephesians 6:9). summary Deuteronomy 20:11 reveals a merciful wartime policy: if a distant city embraced peace and visibly surrendered, its inhabitants were spared and assigned corvée labor under Israel’s oversight. The verse underscores God’s justice balanced with compassion, secures Israel’s safety and resources, and foreshadows the day when every nation willingly serves the Lord’s Anointed. Verse 11. - Shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee; literally, shall be to thee for tribute and service. The word rendered by "tribute" (מַם) denotes properly tribute service, service rendered as a tribute, whether for a season or in perpetuity (cf. Genesis 49:15; Judges 1:30, 33, 35; 1 Kings 5:13; 1 Kings 9:21; Isaiah 31:8 [Authorized Version, "discomfited"])Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not they accept תַּֽעַנְךָ֔ (ta·‘an·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond your offer of peace שָׁל֣וֹם (šā·lō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace and open [their gates], וּפָתְחָ֖ה (ū·p̄ā·ṯə·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock [there] הַנִּמְצָא־ (han·nim·ṣā-) Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present will become וְהָיָה֙ (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be forced laborers לָמַ֖ס (lā·mas) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4522: Body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers, taskwork, serfdom to serve you. וַעֲבָדֽוּךָ׃ (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏū·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | second person masculine singular Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave Links Deuteronomy 20:11 NIVDeuteronomy 20:11 NLT Deuteronomy 20:11 ESV Deuteronomy 20:11 NASB Deuteronomy 20:11 KJV Deuteronomy 20:11 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 20:11 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 20:11 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 20:11 French Bible Deuteronomy 20:11 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:11 It shall be if it make you (Deut. 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