Deuteronomy 20:14
New International Version
As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the LORD your God gives you from your enemies.

New Living Translation
But you may keep for yourselves all the women, children, livestock, and other plunder. You may enjoy the plunder from your enemies that the LORD your God has given you.

English Standard Version
but the women and the little ones, the livestock, and everything else in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as plunder for yourselves. And you shall enjoy the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God has given you.

Berean Standard Bible
But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall plunder for yourself; and you shall eat the enemies’ plunder which the LORD your God gives you.

New American Standard Bible
However, the women, the children, the animals, and everything that is in the city, all of its spoils, you shall take as plunder for yourself; and you shall use the spoils of your enemies which the LORD your God has given you.

NASB 1995
“Only the women and the children and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as booty for yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the LORD your God has given you.

NASB 1977
“Only the women and the children and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as booty for yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the LORD your God has given you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Only the women and the little ones and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall plunder for yourself; and you shall consume the spoil of your enemies which Yahweh your God has given you.

Amplified Bible
Only the women and the children and the animals and everything that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as plunder for yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the LORD your God has given you.

Christian Standard Bible
But you may take the women, dependents, animals, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—as plunder. You may enjoy the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God has given you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But you may take the women, children, animals, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—as plunder. You may enjoy the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God has given you.

American Standard Version
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 for a prey unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which Jehovah thy God hath given thee.

English Revised Version
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 for a prey unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But take the women and children, the cattle and everything else in the city, including all its goods, as your loot. You may enjoy your enemies' goods that the LORD your God has given you.

Good News Translation
You may, however, take for yourselves the women, the children, the livestock, and everything else in the city. You may use everything that belongs to your enemies. The LORD has given it to you.

International Standard Version
The women, children, all the livestock in the city, and all of the spoil and plunder will belong to you. Appropriate the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God will give you.

Majority Standard Bible
But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city?all its spoil?you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you.

NET Bible
However, the women, little children, cattle, and anything else in the city--all its plunder--you may take for yourselves as spoil. You may take from your enemies the plunder that the LORD your God has given you.

New Heart English Bible
but the women, and the little ones, and the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its spoil, you shall take for a prey to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God has given you.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil of it, shalt thou take to thyself: and thou shalt eat the spoil of thy enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

World English Bible
but the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its plunder, you shall take for plunder for yourself. You may use the plunder of your enemies, which Yahweh your God has given you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Only, the women, and the infants, and the livestock, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you seize for yourself, and you have eaten the spoil of your enemies which your God YHWH has given to you.

Young's Literal Translation
Only, the women, and the infants, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, thou dost seize for thyself, and thou hast eaten the spoil of thine enemies which Jehovah thy God hath given to thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
Only the women and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that shall be in the city, all its spoil thou shalt plunder to thyself: and eat thou the spoil of thine enemies which Jehovah thy God gave to thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Excepting women and children, cattle and other things, that are in the city. And thou shalt divide all the prey to the army, and thou shalt eat the spoils of thy enemies, which the Lord thy God shall give thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
but not the women and young children, nor the cattle and the other things that are within the city. And you shall divide all the plunder to the soldiers, and you shall eat the spoils from your enemies, which the Lord your God will give to you.

New American Bible
but the women and children and livestock and anything else in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder for yourselves, and you may enjoy this spoil of your enemies, which the LORD, your God, has given you.

New Revised Standard Version
You may, however, take as your booty the women, the children, livestock, and everything else in the town, all its spoil. You may enjoy the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God has given you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the women and the little ones and the cattle and all that is in the city, even all its spoil, you shall plunder for yourselves; and you shall eat of the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God gives you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Only women and little ones and livestock and all that is in the city and all the loot, pillage for yourself, and eat from the spoils of your enemies that LORD JEHOVAH your God has given to you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 for a prey unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
except the women and the stuff: and all the cattle, and whatsoever shall be in the city, and all the plunder thou shalt take as spoil for thyself, and shalt eat all the plunder of thine enemies whom the Lord thy God gives thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws of Warfare
13When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand, you must put every male to the sword. 14But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city— all its spoil— you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. 15This is how you are to treat all the cities that are far away from you and do not belong to the nations nearby.…

Cross References
Numbers 31:9-11
The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods. / Then they burned all the cities where the Midianites had lived, as well as all their encampments, / and carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals.

Joshua 8:2
And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city.”

Joshua 11:14
The Israelites took for themselves all the plunder and livestock of these cities, but they put all the people to the sword until they had completely destroyed them, not sparing anyone who breathed.

1 Samuel 15:3
Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

2 Chronicles 14:13-15
Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder / and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. / They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 20:25
Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much.

Isaiah 10:6
I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets.

Isaiah 33:23
Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder.

Jeremiah 50:37
A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, and they will be plundered.

Ezekiel 29:19
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army.

Matthew 5:38-39
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ / But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke 11:21-22
When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. / But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shall you take to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God has given you.

the women

Numbers 31:9,12,18,35
And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods…

Joshua 8:2
And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.

Joshua 11:14
And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.

take unto thyself [heb] spoil

Joshua 22:8
And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.

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Animals Booty Cattle Children City Eat Enemies Little Livestock Ones Plunder Prey Spoil Thereof Thyself Women
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Animals Booty Cattle Children City Eat Enemies Little Livestock Ones Plunder Prey Spoil Thereof Thyself Women
Deuteronomy 20
1. The priest's exhortation to encourage the people to battle
5. The officers' proclamation of who are to be dismissed from the war
10. How to use the cities that accept or refuse the proclamation of peace
16. What cities must be devoted
19. Trees must not be destroyed in the siege














But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder
In the context of ancient warfare, taking plunder was a common practice. The Israelites were instructed to spare the women and children, which reflects a measure of mercy compared to the total destruction commanded in other instances (e.g., Deuteronomy 20:16-17). This directive aligns with the cultural norms of the time, where victors would claim the possessions and people of a defeated city. The inclusion of livestock and other goods as plunder indicates the economic aspect of warfare, where resources were vital for the survival and prosperity of the victors. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the conquest of Ai (Joshua 8:2).

and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you
This phrase emphasizes that the victory and subsequent plunder are gifts from God, underscoring the belief that God is sovereign over the outcomes of battles. The Israelites were to recognize that their success was not solely due to their own strength or strategy but was granted by divine intervention. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as 1 Samuel 17:47, where David acknowledges that "the battle is the LORD's." Theologically, this reflects the idea that God provides for His people, even through the means of warfare, and that they are to depend on Him for their needs. This provision can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides for the spiritual needs of His people through His victory over sin and death.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The people of God who are receiving instructions on warfare and conduct from Moses.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments and laws to the people.

3. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, where they are to conquer and settle.

4. Spoil/Plunder
The goods and resources taken from conquered cities, which the Israelites are permitted to use.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who provides guidance and victory in battles.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites are reminded to follow God's specific instructions in warfare, highlighting the importance of obedience in all aspects of life.

God's Provision
The spoil is described as something "the LORD your God gives you," emphasizing that all provision comes from God, and we should recognize His hand in our blessings.

Moral and Ethical Conduct
While the Israelites are allowed to take plunder, they are also called to act within the boundaries set by God, teaching us to maintain integrity and righteousness in our dealings.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores the belief that God is in control of victories and outcomes, encouraging believers to trust in His plans and timing.

Stewardship of Resources
The use of plunder should be seen as a responsibility, reminding us to be good stewards of what God provides, using resources wisely and for His glory.Verse 14. - Shalt eat the spoil; consume it for thine own maintenance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But
רַ֣ק (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

the women,
הַ֠נָּשִׁים (han·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

children,
וְהַטַּ֨ף (wə·haṭ·ṭap̄)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2945: A family

livestock,
וְהַבְּהֵמָ֜ה (wə·hab·bə·hê·māh)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal

and whatever
וְכֹל֩ (wə·ḵōl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

else is
יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

in the city—
בָעִ֛יר (ḇā·‘îr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

its spoil—
שְׁלָלָ֖הּ (šə·lā·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty

you may take as plunder,
תָּבֹ֣ז (tā·ḇōz)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 962: To spoil, plunder

and you shall use
וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֙ (wə·’ā·ḵal·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

the spoil
שְׁלַ֣ל (šə·lal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty

of your enemies
אֹיְבֶ֔יךָ (’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

gives you.
נָתַ֛ן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:14 But the women and the little ones (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 20:13
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