Deuteronomy 20:19 Meaning and Explanation
“When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them: for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down (for the tree of the field is man's life) to employ them in the siege:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →During siege, Israel must not destroy fruit-bearing trees, which provide food.
The Context of Deuteronomy 20:19
Regulations limiting destruction of resources during siege warfare.
What Does Deuteronomy 20:19 Mean?
Even in warfare, Israel is restricted from destroying fruit-bearing trees. The command prohibits chopping down trees for siege materials when those trees provide food. The reasoning is practical: the trees sustain life beyond the immediate military campaign.
The phrase 'the tree of the field is man's life' reveals a principle of conservation. A fruit tree's productive life span outlasts any siege, and destroying it for temporary military advantage would be foolish waste of a long-term resource.
Deuteronomy 20:19 in the Original Language
The term 'tree of the field' (ets hassadeh, עץ השׂדה) emphasizes a tree's role as a cultivated food source, distinguished from timber or wood used in construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 20:19
What does Deuteronomy 20:19 mean?
During siege, Israel must not destroy fruit-bearing trees, which provide food.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 20:19?
Regulations limiting destruction of resources during siege warfare.