Deuteronomy 20:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Betrothed men who haven't yet married are exempted so they may complete their marriage.
The Context of Deuteronomy 20:7
The third category of men exempted from mandatory military service.
What Does Deuteronomy 20:7 Mean?
The third exemption involves a man betrothed to a wife but not yet married. Betrothal was a serious commitment in Israel, and a man who dies before the marriage is consummated leaves his promised wife in a precarious state.
The concern is not merely sentimental but practical and relational. God's law protects both the man's right to marry and the woman's dignity and provision, ensuring that neither is left in an incomplete or vulnerable circumstance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 20:7
What does Deuteronomy 20:7 mean?
Betrothed men who haven't yet married are exempted so they may complete their marriage.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 20:7?
The third category of men exempted from mandatory military service.