Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take captives, New Living Translation “Suppose you go out to war against your enemies and the LORD your God hands them over to you, and you take some of them as captives. English Standard Version “When you go out to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God gives them into your hand and you take them captive, Berean Standard Bible When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand and you take them captive, Berean Literal Bible When you go out to war against your enemies, and YHWH your God delivers them into your hand, and you have taken captive its captivity, King James Bible When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive, New King James Version “When you go out to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand, and you take them captive, New American Standard Bible “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God hands them over to you and you take them away captive, NASB 1995 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take them away captive, NASB 1977 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands, and you take them away captive, Legacy Standard Bible “If you go out to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God gives them over into your hands and you take them away captive, Amplified Bible “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God hands them over to you and you lead them away captive, Berean Annotated Bible When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} delivers them into your hand and you take them captive, Christian Standard Bible “When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God hands them over to you and you take some of them prisoner, and Holman Christian Standard Bible When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God hands them over to you and you take some of them prisoner, and American Standard Version When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and Jehovah thy God delivereth them into thy hands, and thou carriest them away captive, Contemporary English Version From time to time, you men will serve as soldiers and go off to war. The LORD your God will help you defeat your enemies, and you will take many prisoners. English Revised Version When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God delivereth them into thine hands, and thou carriest them away captive, GOD'S WORD® Translation When you go to war with your enemies and the LORD your God hands them over to you, you may take them captive. Good News Translation "When the LORD your God gives you victory in battle and you take prisoners, International Standard Version "If you go to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your control, you may take some prisoners captive. NET Bible When you go out to do battle with your enemies and the LORD your God allows you to prevail and you take prisoners, New Heart English Bible When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands, and you carry them away captive, Webster's Bible Translation When thou goest forth to war against thy enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thy hands, and thou hast taken them captive, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand and you take them captive, World English Bible When you go out to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands and you carry them away captive, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen you go out to battle against your enemies, and your God YHWH has given them into your hand, and you have taken captive its captivity, Berean Literal Bible When you go out to war against your enemies, and YHWH your God delivers them into your hand, and you have taken captive its captivity, Young's Literal Translation 'When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and Jehovah thy God hath given them into thy hand, and thou hast taken captive its captivity, Smith's Literal Translation When thou shalt go forth to war against thine enemy, and Jehovah thy God gave him into thine hand, and thou didst take him captive, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf thou go out to fight against thy enemies, and the Lord thy God deliver them into thy hand, and thou lead them away captives, Catholic Public Domain Version If you have gone out to fight against your enemies, and the Lord your God has delivered them into your hand, and if, as you are leading away the captives, New American Bible When you go out to war against your enemies and the LORD, your God, delivers them into your power, so that you take captives, New Revised Standard Version When you go out to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God hands them over to you and you take them captive, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen you go forth to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands, and you take them captive, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when you go out for battle against your enemies, LORD JEHOVAH your God shall deliver them into your hands and you shall lead some of them in captivity, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917When thou goest forth to battle against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God delivereth them into thy hands, and thou carriest them away captive, Brenton Septuagint Translation And if when thou goest out to war against thine enemies, the Lord thy God should deliver them into thine hands, and thou shouldest take their spoil, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Marrying a Captive Woman10When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand and you take them captive, 11if you see a beautiful woman among them, and you desire her and want to take her as your wife,… Cross References When you go to war against your enemies Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. Numbers 10:9 When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. Numbers 31:3 So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand Joshua 10:8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.” 1 Samuel 23:4 Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” Deuteronomy 7:2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. and you take them captive, 2 Chronicles 28:8 Then the Israelites took 200,000 captives from their kinsmen—women, sons, and daughters. They also carried off a great deal of plunder and brought it to Samaria. Numbers 31:9 The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods. Deuteronomy 20:14 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. Judges 21:10-14 So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: “Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children. / This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.” / So they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred young women who had not had relations with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan. … 1 Samuel 30:1-2 On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. 2 Kings 5:2 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. Genesis 34:29 They carried off all their possessions and women and children, and they plundered everything in their houses. Exodus 21:7-11 And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. / If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. / And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter. … 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. Nehemiah 5:5 We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” Treasury of Scripture When you go forth to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God has delivered them into your hands, and you have taken them captive, thou goest Deuteronomy 20:10-16 When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it… Jump to Previous Battle Captive Captives Captivity Carriest Carry Delivered Delivereth Delivers Enemies Hand Hands Prisoners WarJump to Next Battle Captive Captives Captivity Carriest Carry Delivered Delivereth Delivers Enemies Hand Hands Prisoners WarDeuteronomy 21 1. The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder10. The usage of a captive taken to wife 15. The firstborn is not to be disinherited upon private affection 18. A rebellious son is to be stoned to death 22. The malefactor must not hang all night on a tree When you go to war against your enemies In the context of ancient Israel, warfare was a common occurrence as the Israelites sought to claim the land promised to them by God. This phrase sets the stage for a divinely sanctioned military campaign. The Israelites were often in conflict with surrounding nations, such as the Canaanites, Philistines, and others who occupied the Promised Land. The concept of "holy war" is significant here, as these battles were not merely political but were seen as fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites were to rely on God's guidance and strength rather than their own military prowess. and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand and you take them captive Persons / Places / Events 1. Israelite SoldiersThe context of Deuteronomy 21:10 involves Israelite soldiers who are returning from battle. These soldiers are part of God's chosen people, tasked with following His commandments even in times of war. 2. Foreign Nations The verse implies a context of warfare with foreign nations. These nations are those that the Israelites encounter as they enter the Promised Land, often representing pagan cultures and practices. 3. Captive Woman The verse introduces the concept of a captive woman taken during warfare. This woman is from the defeated foreign nations and becomes a subject of specific laws regarding her treatment. Teaching Points Respect for Human DignityThe laws in Deuteronomy 21:10 and following emphasize the importance of treating captives with dignity and respect, reflecting God's concern for all human beings. God's Sovereignty in Warfare The context of this verse reminds us that God is sovereign over nations and battles. His laws guide His people even in times of conflict. Moral Conduct in Difficult Situations The passage challenges believers to maintain moral integrity and compassion, even in challenging circumstances like warfare. Integration of Foreigners The treatment of the captive woman can be seen as an early form of integrating foreigners into the community of God's people, foreshadowing the New Testament inclusion of Gentiles. Obedience to God's Commands The specific instructions given to the Israelites highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands, regardless of personal desires or cultural norms. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 21:10?2. How does Deuteronomy 21:10 guide us in treating captives with dignity today? 3. What does Deuteronomy 21:10 reveal about God's concern for justice in warfare? 4. How can we apply the principles of mercy in Deuteronomy 21:10 today? 5. How does Deuteronomy 21:10 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving enemies? 6. What lessons from Deuteronomy 21:10 can influence our approach to conflict resolution? 7. How does Deuteronomy 21:10 align with modern views on war and captives? 8. What historical context influenced the laws in Deuteronomy 21:10? 9. How should Christians interpret the treatment of captives in Deuteronomy 21:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 21? 11. Deuteronomy 21:10–14: Why would a just God permit the taking of war captives as brides under these conditions? 12. What are the Lost Books of the Bible? 13. What is the Bible's perspective on jihad? 14. What does the Bible say about women's rights? What Does Deuteronomy 21:10 Mean When you go to war against your enemies“When you go to war against your enemies…” • War is assumed, not condemned; Israel lives in a fallen world where conflict happens (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:8; Romans 13:4). • The phrase reminds Israel that conflicts are not random; they occur under God’s sovereign timetable (see 1 Samuel 17:47). • “Enemies” identifies those opposed to God’s covenant people. Like Exodus 17:16, the battle line is ultimately drawn between loyalty to the LORD and resistance to Him. • Application: believers today still face battles—spiritual rather than territorial (Ephesians 6:12)—but the principle of trusting God’s leading remains unchanged. and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand “…and the LORD your God delivers them into your hand…” • Victory is attributed to the LORD, not military prowess (Deuteronomy 20:4; Psalm 44:3). • “Delivers” underscores God’s active role; He gives success in line with His covenant promises (Deuteronomy 7:23–24). • This clause reassures Israel that obedience precedes triumph; disobedience forfeits divine help (Joshua 7:1–12). • For New-Covenant believers, the same pattern holds: victory over sin comes through God’s power, not self-effort (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57). and you take them captive “…and you take them captive.” • Captivity was a normal outcome of ancient warfare (Numbers 31:9). Here God regulates rather than ignores the reality (see the humane instructions that follow in vv. 11-14). • The clause shows partnership: God grants the win, but Israel must still act (Nehemiah 4:20). • Taking captives introduces the need for just treatment of the vulnerable—echoed later in Deuteronomy 24:17–18. • Spiritually, we “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5), an echo of the same divine-human cooperation. summary Deuteronomy 21:10 reminds us that battles are inevitable, victories are God-given, and responsibilities follow success. The verse anchors Israel—and us—in reliance on the LORD’s power while calling for faithful action and compassionate restraint once the battle is won. Deuteronomy 21:10-14. MARRIAGE OF CAPTIVE WOMEN.(10, 11) When thou . . . seest among the captives a beautiful woman.--This could not be among the seven nations, of whom it is said (Deuteronomy 20:1-6), "thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth." But it may well apply to the recent case of the Midianitish maidens (Numbers 31:15-18), who had been taken captive in great numbers, and would naturally be reduced to slavery. It is clear from this passage that they could not be treated as concubines. (12) Shall shave her head, and pare her nails.--Rashi's view is that the object of this order is to spoil the beauty of the captive. The long hair is to be cut off, and the nails pared. On this last point the Targums differ; one taking the view that they are to be left to grow and the other the opposite interpretation. In 2Samuel 19:24, there are two examples of the use of the word in the sense of attending to the person. The correct interpretation in this place depends upon the purpose for which the thing was to be done. If the intention was any kind of purification, and long or taper nails were considered an ornament (as by some Eastern nations), it is more probable that the nails were to be cut short. (13) The raiment of her captivity.--Rashi takes this to mean the beautiful raiment put on for the purpose of attracting her captors. (Compare Jezebel's attempt to captivate Jehu, 2Kings 9:30.) Whatever may be the precise intent of these several instructions, it is clear that the law is intended to encourage lawful marriage, and no other form of union. In this view it throws an important light upon the treatment of the Midianitish captives in Numbers 31 . . . Verses 10-14. - If an Israelite saw among captives taken in war a woman, fair of aspect, and loved her, and took her to be his wife, he was to allow her a full month to mourn her lost kindred, and become accustomed to her new condition, before he consummated his union with her. This refers to captives from other nations than those of Canaan, with whom the Israelites were to form no alliance, and whom they were not to take captive, but either wholly destroy or render tributary (cf. Deuteronomy 7:3; Numbers 21:1, etc.; Joshua 11:19).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whenכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you go תֵצֵ֥א (ṯê·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to war לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against your enemies אֹיְבֶ֑יךָ (’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary and the LORD יְהוָ֧ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative delivers them וּנְתָנ֞וֹ (ū·nə·ṯā·nōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set into your hands בְּיָדֶ֖ךָ (bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand and you take וְשָׁבִ֥יתָ (wə·šā·ḇî·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7617: To transport into captivity them captive, שִׁבְיֽוֹ׃ (šiḇ·yōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7617: To transport into captivity Links Deuteronomy 21:10 NIVDeuteronomy 21:10 NLT Deuteronomy 21:10 ESV Deuteronomy 21:10 NASB Deuteronomy 21:10 KJV Deuteronomy 21:10 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 21:10 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 21:10 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 21:10 French Bible Deuteronomy 21:10 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 21:10 When you go forth to battle against (Deut. 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