Deuteronomy 20:14 Meaning and Explanation
“But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Women, children, livestock, and goods are taken as spoil of war.
The Context of Deuteronomy 20:14
The treatment of non-combatants and goods in a conquered city.
What Does Deuteronomy 20:14 Mean?
The women and children are spared from the sword and incorporated into Israel as captives. The cattle and all movable property become the spoil—the rightful reward of conquest in the ancient Near Eastern system.
The spoil is explicitly given by God, framing the conquered goods as a provision for Israel's armies and economy. This reflects the economic dimension of ancient warfare, where conquest sustained military campaigns and rewarded successful soldiers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 20:14
What does Deuteronomy 20:14 mean?
Women, children, livestock, and goods are taken as spoil of war.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 20:14?
The treatment of non-combatants and goods in a conquered city.