Deuteronomy 20:7
New International Version
Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.”

New Living Translation
Has anyone here just become engaged to a woman but not yet married her? Well, you may go home and get married! You might die in the battle, and someone else would marry her.’

English Standard Version
And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.’

Berean Standard Bible
Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”

King James Bible
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

New King James Version
And what man is there who is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.’

New American Standard Bible
And who is the man that is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would marry her.’

NASB 1995
‘And who is the man that is engaged to a woman and has not married her? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would marry her.’

NASB 1977
‘And who is the man that is engaged to a woman and has not married her? Let him depart and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And who is the man that is engaged to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her.’

Amplified Bible
And who is the man who is engaged (legally promised) to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would marry her.’

Christian Standard Bible
Has any man become engaged to a woman and not married her? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man marry her.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Has any man become engaged to a woman and not married her? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man marry her.’

American Standard Version
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Contemporary English Version
If any of you are engaged to be married, you may go back home and get married. It isn't right for you to die in battle and for somebody else to marry the woman you are engaged to.

English Revised Version
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you are engaged to a woman but have not married her, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will marry her."

Good News Translation
Is there anyone here who is engaged to be married? If so, he is to go home. Otherwise, if he is killed in battle, someone else will marry the woman he is engaged to.'

International Standard Version
And is there a man here who is engaged to a woman and has not yet married her? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man marry her.'

Majority Standard Bible
Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”

NET Bible
Or who among you has become engaged to a woman but has not married her? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else marry her."

New Heart English Bible
What man is there who has pledged to be married a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her."

Webster's Bible Translation
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he should die in battle, and another man should take her.

World English Bible
What man is there who has pledged to be married to a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And who [is] the man that has betrothed a woman and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man take her.

Young's Literal Translation
And who is the man that hath betrothed a woman, and hath not taken her? -- let him go and turn back to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man take her.

Smith's Literal Translation
And what man betrothed a wife and took her not? he shall go and turn back to his house lest he shall die in the war, and another man shall take her.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
What man is there, that hath espoused a wife, and not taken her? let him go, and return to his house, lest he die in the war, and another man take her.

Catholic Public Domain Version
What man is there, who has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go, and return to his house, lest perhaps he may die in battle, and another man may take her.’

New American Bible
Is there anyone who has betrothed a woman and not yet married her? Let him return home, lest he die in battle and another marry her.”

New Revised Standard Version
Has anyone become engaged to a woman but not yet married her? He should go back to his house, or he might die in the battle and another marry her.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And what man is there who has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? Let him return and go to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And who is the man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him return, let him go to his house, lest he will be killed in war and another man will take her'.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And what man is he that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws of Warfare
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. 7Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.” 8Then the officers shall speak further to the army, saying, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him return home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.”…

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.’

1 Corinthians 7:32-34
I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.

Matthew 22:2-4
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / 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.’

Ecclesiastes 9:9
Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.

1 Corinthians 7:36-38
However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married. / But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well. / So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.

Proverbs 5:18-19
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.

Isaiah 62:5
For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Matthew 19:5
and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

Genesis 24:67
And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.

Judges 14:1-3
One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. / So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” / But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.”

1 Samuel 25:39-42
On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” ...

Song of Solomon 3:11
Come out, O daughters of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding—the day of his heart’s rejoicing.

Jeremiah 7:34
I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of the bride and bridegroom, for the land will become a wasteland.”


Treasury of Scripture

And what man is there that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Deuteronomy 22:23-25
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; …

Deuteronomy 24:5
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

lest he die

Deuteronomy 28:30
Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

Luke 14:18-20
And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused…

2 Timothy 2:4
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

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Battle Betrothed Death Depart Die Engaged Event Home House Married Marry Newly Otherwise Pledged Relations Sex Someone Wife
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Battle Betrothed Death Depart Die Engaged Event Home House Married Marry Newly Otherwise Pledged Relations Sex Someone Wife
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














And has any man become pledged to a woman
The phrase "become pledged" refers to the ancient Hebrew practice of betrothal, which was a formal and binding agreement, akin to modern-day engagement but with greater legal and social implications. The Hebrew word used here is "ארש" (aras), which signifies a promise or commitment to marry. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, betrothal was a significant step, often involving a dowry and formal agreements between families. This commitment was so binding that breaking it required a formal divorce. The emphasis on this stage highlights the importance of family and continuity in Israelite society, reflecting God's design for marriage as a sacred covenant.

and not married her?
The distinction between being pledged and being married is crucial. The Hebrew word for "married" is "לקח" (laqach), meaning to take or to receive, indicating the formalization of the marriage covenant. This phrase underscores the transitional period between betrothal and marriage, a time of preparation and anticipation. In the biblical context, marriage is not merely a social contract but a divine institution, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The protection of this relationship is paramount, as it reflects the faithfulness and commitment expected in the believer's relationship with God.

Let him go back to his house
This directive is a compassionate provision within the Mosaic Law, allowing a man who is betrothed but not yet married to return home. The Hebrew word "שוב" (shuv) means to return or to go back, indicating a restoration to one's place of origin or responsibility. This command reflects God's understanding of human emotions and the importance of personal relationships. It acknowledges the significance of establishing a family and the potential emotional turmoil of losing a loved one before the marriage is consummated. This provision ensures that the man can fulfill his personal commitments without the distraction or fear of loss in battle.

so that he may not die in battle
The phrase highlights the harsh realities of war and the potential for loss of life. The Hebrew word "מות" (muth) means to die or perish, emphasizing the finality and seriousness of death. In the context of ancient Israel, warfare was a common occurrence, and the risk of death was ever-present. This provision serves as a reminder of the value of life and the importance of preserving it for the sake of family and future generations. It reflects God's mercy and His desire for His people to experience the fullness of life, including the joys of marriage and family.

and another man marry her
This final phrase underscores the potential consequences of a man's death in battle, which would leave his betrothed without a husband. The Hebrew word "נשא" (nasa) means to lift, carry, or marry, indicating the act of taking a wife. This provision protects the betrothed woman from the uncertainty and potential hardship of losing her intended husband. It also ensures that the man can fulfill his commitment to her, reflecting the biblical principle of faithfulness and the sanctity of marriage. This command highlights the importance of personal responsibility and the protection of family integrity within the community of God's people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Has any
וּמִֽי־ (ū·mî-)
Conjunctive waw | 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

become pledged
אֵרַ֤שׂ (’ê·raś)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 781: To engage for, matrimony

to a woman
אִשָּׁה֙ (’iš·šāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

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

married her?
לְקָחָ֔הּ (lə·qā·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

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

marry her.”
יִקָּחֶֽנָּה׃ (yiq·qā·ḥen·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947: To take


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:7 What man is there who has pledged (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 20:6
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