Deuteronomy 20:5
New International Version
The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it.

New Living Translation
“Then the officers of the army must address the troops and say, ‘Has anyone here just built a new house but not yet dedicated it? If so, you may go home! You might be killed in the battle, and someone else would dedicate your house.

English Standard Version
Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.

Berean Standard Bible
Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying: ‘What man is there who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.

New American Standard Bible
The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Who is the man that has built a new house but has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it.

NASB 1995
“The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Who is the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it.

NASB 1977
“The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Who is the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him depart and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.

Legacy Standard Bible
The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Who is the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it.

Amplified Bible
The officers shall also speak to the soldiers, saying, ‘What man is there who has built a new house and has not yet dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it.

Christian Standard Bible
“The officers are to address the army, ‘Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The officers are to address the army, ‘Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Then the tribal officials will say to the troops: If any of you have built a new house, but haven't yet moved in, you may go home. It isn't right for you to die in battle and for somebody else to live in your new house.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The officers should tell the troops, "If you have built a new house but not dedicated it, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will dedicate it.

Good News Translation
"Then the officers will address the men and say, 'Is there any man here who has just built a house, but has not yet dedicated it? If so, he is to go home. Otherwise, if he is killed in battle, someone else will dedicate his house.

International Standard Version
"Furthermore, let the officials ask the army, 'Is there a man here who has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

Majority Standard Bible
Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, ?Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.

NET Bible
Moreover, the officers are to say to the troops, "Who among you has built a new house and not dedicated it? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else dedicate it.

New Heart English Bible
The officers shall speak to the people, saying, "What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the officers shall speak to 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 should die in the battle, and another man should dedicate it.

World English Bible
The officers shall speak to the people, saying, “What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the authorities have spoken to the people, saying, Who [is] the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in battle and another man dedicate it.

Young's Literal Translation
And the authorities have spoken unto the people, saying, Who is the man that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? -- let him go and turn back to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man dedicate it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the scribes spake to the people, saying, What man who built a new house and consecrated it not? be shall go and turn back to his house, lest he shall die in the war, and another man shall consecrate it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the captains shall proclaim through every band in the hearing of the army: 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, the officers shall proclaim, throughout every company, in the hearing of the soldiers: ‘What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest perhaps he may die in the battle, and another man may dedicate it.

New American Bible
Then the officials shall speak to the army: “Is there anyone who has built a new house and not yet dedicated it? Let him return home, lest he die in battle and another dedicate it.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the officials shall address the troops, saying, “Has anyone built a new house but not dedicated it? He should go back to his house, or he might die in the battle and another dedicate it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the scribes shall speak to the people, saying, What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him return and go to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Scribes will say to the people: 'Who is the man who built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him return, let him go to his house, lest he be killed in war and another man will dedicate it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the scribes shall speak to the people, saying, What man is he that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the war, and another man dedicate it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws of Warfare
4For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” 5Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it. 6Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.…

Cross References
Luke 14:18-20
But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ / Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ / Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, so I cannot come.’

Matthew 22:4-5
Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ / But they paid no attention and went away, one to his field, another to his business.

1 Corinthians 7:33
But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife,

Proverbs 24:27
Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.

Nehemiah 6:3
So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”

1 Kings 8:66
On the fifteenth day Solomon sent the people away. So they blessed the king and went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things that the LORD had done for His servant David and for His people Israel.

2 Samuel 7:10
And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning

Isaiah 65:21
They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Jeremiah 29:5
“Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce.

1 Kings 4:25
Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree.

Micah 4:4
And each man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with no one to frighten him. For the mouth of the LORD of Hosts has spoken.

Zechariah 3:10
On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, you will each invite your neighbor to sit under your own vine and fig tree.’”

1 Corinthians 7:29-31
What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; / those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing; / and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

Ecclesiastes 3:3
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build,

1 Thessalonians 4:11
and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the officers

Deuteronomy 1:15
So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.

Deuteronomy 16:18
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

Numbers 31:14,48
And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle…

dedicated

Nehemiah 12:27
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

Psalm 30:1
A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

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Battle Built Dedicate Dedicated Depart Die House New Officers Otherwise Speak
Deuteronomy 20
1. The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle
5. 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














Then the officers shall address the army, saying
This phrase introduces a directive given by the officers to the Israelite army. The Hebrew word for "officers" is "שֹׁטְרִים" (shotrim), which refers to officials or overseers responsible for maintaining order and implementing commands. Historically, these officers played a crucial role in organizing and preparing the troops for battle, ensuring that the army was not only physically ready but also spiritually and mentally prepared. This reflects the importance of leadership and communication in times of conflict, emphasizing that God’s people must be led with wisdom and clarity.

‘Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it?
The concept of building a "new house" in ancient Israel was significant, as it represented stability, provision, and the establishment of a family legacy. The Hebrew word for "dedicated" is "חָנַךְ" (chanak), which means to initiate or consecrate. This dedication was a ceremonial act, acknowledging God’s provision and blessing. The historical context here is that a man who has built a new house but not yet dedicated it should be allowed to return home, highlighting the value placed on family and personal commitments even amidst national duties. It underscores the principle that God cares for the individual’s personal life and responsibilities.

Let him go back to his house
This phrase is a compassionate command, allowing the individual to prioritize personal and familial obligations over military service. The Hebrew verb "יֵלֵךְ" (yelek) means "to go" or "to walk," indicating a return to one's home and responsibilities. This reflects God’s understanding of human needs and the importance of personal commitments. It serves as a reminder that God’s laws are not burdensome but are designed to promote the well-being of His people.

lest he die in battle and another man dedicate it
The concern here is for the individual’s life and legacy. The phrase "lest he die in battle" acknowledges the reality and risk of warfare. The Hebrew word for "die" is "יָמוּת" (yamut), which is a stark reminder of the mortality and the potential cost of war. The provision that "another man dedicate it" highlights the importance of personal fulfillment and the completion of one’s duties and dreams. This reflects a deep respect for individual rights and the sanctity of personal achievements, emphasizing that God’s laws are designed to protect and honor the individual’s life and legacy.

(5) And the officers.--The shoterim of Deuteronomy 16:18; the civil magistrates apparently. The organisation of Israel was not military, but military leaders were to be appointed for special services, as appears by Deuteronomy 20:9, "they shall make captains of the armies." The captains of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens were called shoterim (Deuteronomy 1:15).

(5-8) What man is there . . .--These questions show that, primarily, all Israelites of military age (20 to 50) were expected to attend the muster; then those who were unprepared for the campaign were suffered to depart. The only recorded instance of the observance of these rules is in Judges 7:3, at the muster of Gideon's army. The proclamation "Whosoever, is afraid let him depart," sent away 22,000 out of 32,000 on that occasion, or rather more than two-thirds of the army!

Verses 5-7. - The officers; the shoterim, the keepers of the genealogical tables (Deuteronomy 16:18). It belonged to them to appoint the men who were to serve, and to release those who had been summoned to the war, but whose domestic relations were such as to entitle them to exemption. If there was one who had built a house, but had not dedicated it, i.e. by taking possession of it and dwelling in it; or if there was one who had planted a vineyard and had not eaten of the fruit thereof; or if there was one who had betrothed a wife, but had not yet married her; - such were to be allowed to return home, lest they should die in battle, and it be left to others to consummate what they had begun. According to Josephus, this exemption was for a year, according to the analogy of Deuteronomy 24:5. Dedicated; probably formal possession was taken of the house by some solemn ceremony, followed by a festive entertainment. Vineyard. The Hebrew word (כֶּרֶם) here used designates "a field or park of the nobler plants and trees cultivated in the manner of a garden or orchard" (Ges.); so that not vineyards alone, but also olive yards and plots of the more valuable fruit trees may be intended. Hath not eaten of it; literally, hath not laid it open, made it common, i.e. begun to use it, to gather its produce for common use (cf. Deuteronomy 28:30; Jeremiah 31:5). Trees planted for food were not to be used before the fifth year of their growth (Leviticus 19:23, etc.; cf. Deuteronomy 24:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Furthermore, the officers
הַשֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ (haš·šō·ṭə·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7860: A scribe, an official superintendent, magistrate

are to address
וְדִבְּר֣וּ (wə·ḏib·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

the army,
הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

saying,
לֵאמֹר֒ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Has any
מִֽי־ (mî-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

man
הָאִ֞ישׁ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

built
בָּנָ֤ה (bā·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

a new
חָדָשׁ֙ (ḥā·ḏāš)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2319: New

house
בַֽיִת־ (ḇa·yiṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

and not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

dedicated it?
חֲנָכ֔וֹ (ḥă·nā·ḵōw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2596: To narrow, to initiate, discipline

Let him return
יֵלֵ֖ךְ (yê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

home,
לְבֵית֑וֹ (lə·ḇê·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

or
פֶּן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

he may die
יָמוּת֙ (yā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

in battle
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (bam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

and another
אַחֵ֖ר (’a·ḥêr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other

man
וְאִ֥ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

dedicate it.
יַחְנְכֶֽנּוּ׃ (yaḥ·nə·ḵen·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2596: To narrow, to initiate, discipline


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:5 The officers shall speak to the people (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 20:4
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