Old Testament
1 Chronicles 20:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He brought out the people who were in the city and cut them with saws, iron harrows, and axes. David did this to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
Compare translations
And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
What 1 Chronicles 20:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, King David took decisive action against the Ammonites after capturing their cities. He forced the people from the city and subjected them to harsh treatment using saws, iron harrows, and axes. This was a common practice in ancient warfare, demonstrating David's authority and the seriousness of his victory. The brutality of these actions reflects the intense conflict between Israel and the Ammonites. After completing this campaign, David and his people returned to Jerusalem, likely to celebrate their victory and regroup. This moment highlights the harsh realities of war and the lengths leaders would go to secure their power and territory. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of conflict and the suffering it brings to all involved. David's actions, while strategic, raise questions about morality in leadership and the impact of decisions on innocent lives. Understanding this context helps us grasp the complexities of historical narratives and the human experience in times of strife.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 20:3 to your life
This passage challenges us to consider the consequences of our actions, especially in leadership roles. It reminds us that decisions can have far-reaching effects on others. We should strive for compassion and justice, even in difficult situations, to foster peace and understanding in our communities. Reflect on how you can lead with integrity today.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Chronicles 20:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Chronicles 20:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 20:3 mean?
1 Chronicles 20:3 describes King David's harsh treatment of the Ammonites after capturing their cities. He forced the inhabitants out and subjected them to brutal methods, reflecting the severity of ancient warfare and David's authority.
What is the significance of David's actions in 1 Chronicles 20:3?
David's actions in this verse highlight the brutal realities of war and the lengths leaders would go to secure victory. It raises questions about morality in leadership and the impact of conflict on innocent lives.
What does the phrase 'cut them with saws' mean in 1 Chronicles 20:3?
The phrase 'cut them with saws' refers to the brutal treatment of the captured people, indicating the harsh methods used in ancient warfare to demonstrate power and instill fear.
How does 1 Chronicles 20:3 relate to themes of leadership?
1 Chronicles 20:3 illustrates the complexities of leadership, showing how decisions made in conflict can have severe consequences for others, emphasizing the need for compassion and justice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.