Deuteronomy 20:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →These siege rules apply to distant cities, not those in Canaan itself.
The Context of Deuteronomy 20:15
A clarification limiting the scope of the peace-offer rules to distant cities.
What Does Deuteronomy 20:15 Mean?
The laws outlined—offering peace, accepting tributes, laying siege—apply to cities far away from Israel's territory. These distant cities remain outside the scope of Canaan itself.
A distinction is being drawn between conquest of foreign nations at a distance and conquest of the specific peoples already in Canaan. The law is signaling that different rules govern the land of Canaan and its inhabitants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 20:15
What does Deuteronomy 20:15 mean?
These siege rules apply to distant cities, not those in Canaan itself.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 20:15?
A clarification limiting the scope of the peace-offer rules to distant cities.