Deuteronomy 20:16 Meaning and Explanation
“But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In Canaan's cities, Israel must not spare any living creature.
The Context of Deuteronomy 20:16
The contrasting command for Canaanite cities, establishing a different standard.
What Does Deuteronomy 20:16 Mean?
A starkly different rule applies to the cities within Canaan—the inheritance God is giving Israel. For these cities, Israel is commanded to save alive nothing that breathes. No peace offer is made; no mercy is extended to any living thing.
This reflects the covenantal reality that God is giving Canaan to Israel as their land, displacing the existing inhabitants entirely. The command is not an expression of cruelty but of total conquest necessary for Israel to inherit and inhabit the land without rival claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 20:16
What does Deuteronomy 20:16 mean?
In Canaan's cities, Israel must not spare any living creature.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 20:16?
The contrasting command for Canaanite cities, establishing a different standard.