Deuteronomy 20:6
New International Version
Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it.

New Living Translation
Has anyone here just planted a vineyard but not yet eaten any of its fruit? If so, you may go home! You might die in battle, and someone else would eat the first fruit.

English Standard Version
And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

Berean Standard Bible
Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

King James Bible
And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.

New King James Version
Also what man is there who has planted a vineyard and has not eaten of it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man eat of it.

New American Standard Bible
And who is the man that has planted a vineyard but has not put it to use? Let him go and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would put it to use.

NASB 1995
‘Who is the man that has planted a vineyard and has not begun to use its fruit? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would begin to use its fruit.

NASB 1977
‘And who is the man that has planted a vineyard and has not begun to use its fruit? Let him depart and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man begin to use its fruit.

Legacy Standard Bible
Who is the man that has planted a vineyard and has not begun to use its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man begin to use its fruit.

Amplified Bible
What man has planted a vineyard and has not put it to use [harvesting its fruit]? Let him go and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would begin to use its fruit.

Christian Standard Bible
Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

American Standard Version
And what man is there that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not used the fruit thereof? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use the fruit thereof.

Contemporary English Version
If any of you have planted a vineyard but haven't had your first grape harvest, you may go home. It isn't right for you to die in battle and for somebody else to enjoy your grapes.

English Revised Version
And what man is there that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not used the fruit thereof? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use the fruit thereof.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you have planted a vineyard and not enjoyed the grapes, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will enjoy the grapes.

Good News Translation
Is there any man here who has just planted a vineyard, but has not yet had the chance to harvest its grapes? If so, he is to go home. Otherwise, if he is killed in battle, someone else will enjoy the wine.

International Standard Version
And is there a man here who has planted a vineyard and not yet benefited from it? Let him go home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man use it.

Majority Standard Bible
Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.

NET Bible
Or who among you has planted a vineyard and not benefited from it? He may go home, lest he die in battle and someone else benefit from it.

New Heart English Bible
What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit.

Webster's Bible Translation
And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return to his house, lest he should die in the battle, and another man should eat of it.

World English Bible
What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And who [is] the man that has planted a vineyard and has not made it common? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man make it common.

Young's Literal Translation
And who is the man that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not made it common? -- let him go and turn back to his house, lest he die in battle, and another man make it common.

Smith's Literal Translation
And what man who planted a vineyard, and made it not common? He Shall go and turn back to his house lest he shall die in the war, and another man shall make it common.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
What man is there, that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not as yet made it to be common, whereof all men may eat? let him go, and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man execute his office.

Catholic Public Domain Version
What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not yet caused it to be common, so that all may eat from it? Let him go, and return to his house, lest perhaps he may die in the battle, and another man may carry out his office.

New American Bible
Is there anyone who has planted a vineyard and not yet plucked its fruit? Let him return home, lest he die in battle and another pluck its fruit.

New Revised Standard Version
Has anyone planted a vineyard but not yet enjoyed its fruit? He should go back to his house, or he might die in the battle and another be first to enjoy its fruit.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And what man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not yet trod the grapes of it? Let him return and go to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man tread its grapes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And who is the man who has planted a vineyard and has not pressed out from it? Let him return, let him go to his house, lest he will be killed in war and another man will press it out.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And what man is there that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not used the fruit thereof? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use the fruit thereof.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And what man is he that has planted a vineyard, and not been made merry with it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man be made merry with it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws of Warfare
5Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it. 6Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 7Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.”…

Cross References
Luke 14:18-20
But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ / Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ / Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, so I cannot come.’

Matthew 22:2-4
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

Isaiah 65:21
They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Nehemiah 5:3
Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.”

Jeremiah 31:5
Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant and enjoy the fruit.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31
What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; / those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing; / and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

Ecclesiastes 2:4-6
I expanded my pursuits. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. / I made gardens and parks for myself, where I planted all kinds of fruit trees. / I built reservoirs to water my groves of flourishing trees.

1 Kings 4:25
Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree.

Micah 4:4
And each man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with no one to frighten him. For the mouth of the LORD of Hosts has spoken.

Amos 9:14
I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Leviticus 19:23-25
When you enter the land and plant any kind of tree for food, you shall regard the fruit as forbidden. For three years it will be forbidden to you and must not be eaten. / In the fourth year all its fruit must be consecrated as a praise offering to the LORD. / But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit; thus your harvest will be increased. I am the LORD your God.

1 Corinthians 9:7
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?

Psalm 107:37
They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest.

2 Kings 19:29
And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.


Treasury of Scripture

And what man is he that has planted a vineyard, and has not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.

eaten of it [heb] made it common

Deuteronomy 28:30
Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

Leviticus 19:23-25
And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of…

Jeremiah 31:5
Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things.

lest he die

Isaiah 65:22
They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Zephaniah 1:13
Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.

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Battle Begin Begun Death Depart Die Eat Eaten Enjoy Enjoyed Event Home House Otherwise Planted Someone Use Used Vine-Garden Vineyard
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Battle Begin Begun Death Depart Die Eat Eaten Enjoy Enjoyed Event Home House Otherwise Planted Someone Use Used Vine-Garden Vineyard
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














Has anyone planted a vineyard
The phrase "planted a vineyard" is deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of ancient Israel. Vineyards were a symbol of prosperity and blessing, often representing the fruitfulness of the land that God had promised to His people. The Hebrew word for "vineyard" is "kerem," which signifies not just a physical place but also the labor and hope invested in it. In the biblical context, planting a vineyard was a long-term investment, requiring years before it bore fruit. This reflects the patience and faithfulness expected of God's people, as they trust in His provision and timing.

but not begun to enjoy its fruit?
The enjoyment of the vineyard's fruit is a metaphor for the fulfillment of God's promises. The Hebrew word for "enjoy" is "chalal," which can also mean to begin or to profane, depending on the context. Here, it emphasizes the beginning of a new phase of life, one of enjoyment and fulfillment. The fruit of the vineyard symbolizes the blessings and rewards of one's labor, which are meant to be savored. This phrase underscores the importance of experiencing the fruits of one's labor, a gift from God, before being called to other duties or sacrifices.

Let him go back to his house
This directive to "go back to his house" is a compassionate provision within the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "house" is "bayit," which not only refers to a physical dwelling but also to one's family and household. This command reflects God's understanding of human needs and priorities, recognizing the importance of family and personal fulfillment. It highlights the value God places on the individual and their personal circumstances, allowing them to experience the joys of life before facing the uncertainties of battle.

lest he die in battle
The phrase "lest he die in battle" acknowledges the harsh realities of war. The Hebrew word for "die" is "muth," which is a stark reminder of the mortality and risks associated with warfare. This provision serves as a safeguard, ensuring that those who have not yet enjoyed the fruits of their labor are not prematurely cut off from life’s blessings. It reflects God's mercy and justice, ensuring that His people are not deprived of the joys He intends for them.

and another man enjoy its fruit
The concern that "another man enjoy its fruit" speaks to the fairness and justice inherent in God's laws. The Hebrew word for "another" is "acher," indicating someone other than the rightful owner. This phrase underscores the principle of rightful ownership and the personal enjoyment of one's labor. It serves as a reminder of the personal nature of God's blessings, intended for the individual who has invested time and effort. This provision ensures that the fruits of one's labor are not unjustly transferred to another, highlighting God's desire for equity and personal fulfillment for each of His people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Has any
וּמִֽי־ (ū·mî-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

man
הָאִ֞ישׁ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

planted
נָטַ֥ע (nā·ṭa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5193: To strike in, fix, to plant

a vineyard
כֶּ֙רֶם֙ (ke·rem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3754: A garden, vineyard

and not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

begun to enjoy its fruit?
חִלְּל֔וֹ (ḥil·lə·lōw)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play

Let him return
יֵלֵ֖ךְ (yê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

home,
לְבֵית֑וֹ (lə·ḇê·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

or
פֶּן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

he may die
יָמוּת֙ (yā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

in battle
בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (bam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

and another
אַחֵ֖ר (’a·ḥêr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other

man
וְאִ֥ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

enjoy its fruit.
יְחַלְּלֶֽנּוּ׃ (yə·ḥal·lə·len·nū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 20:6 What man is there who has planted (Deut. De Du)
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