Old Testament
Deuteronomy 20:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But if the city refuses to make peace and chooses to fight, then lay siege to it.
Compare translations
And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it:
What Deuteronomy 20:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a clear directive about conflict and resolution. If a city decides not to seek peace and instead opts for war, the instruction is to lay siege to it. This reflects a serious approach to conflict, emphasizing that peace is always the preferred option. However, when faced with hostility, one must take decisive action. The idea here is not to engage in violence lightly but to respond appropriately when peace is rejected. It highlights the importance of making choices in relationships, whether personal or communal. Choosing to fight can lead to significant consequences, and sometimes, one must prepare for a difficult path if peace is not an option. This verse serves as a reminder that while we should strive for harmony, we must also be ready to stand firm when faced with aggression. It encourages us to evaluate our own conflicts and consider how we respond when peace is not offered. Ultimately, it teaches us about the balance between seeking peace and standing our ground.
How to apply Deuteronomy 20:12 to your life
In our daily lives, we often face conflicts where peace is not an option. This verse encourages us to assess our situations carefully. If someone is unwilling to compromise, we may need to take a stand. Remember, it's essential to choose our battles wisely and seek resolution whenever possible. Standing firm can sometimes be necessary for our well-being and values. It’s about knowing when to fight for what matters most to us.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy 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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 Deuteronomy 20:12
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 Deuteronomy 20:12
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 20:12 mean?
Deuteronomy 20:12 instructs that if a city refuses to make peace and chooses to engage in conflict, the appropriate response is to lay siege to it. This emphasizes the seriousness of conflict and the need for decisive action when peace is rejected.
What is the meaning of 'lay siege' in Deuteronomy 20:12?
In Deuteronomy 20:12, 'lay siege' means to surround and attack a city that has chosen to fight instead of seeking peace. This action reflects a strategic response to hostility when diplomatic efforts fail.
How does Deuteronomy 20:12 apply to personal conflicts?
Deuteronomy 20:12 can be applied to personal conflicts by encouraging individuals to assess situations where peace is not possible. It suggests that sometimes, standing firm is necessary when faced with unwillingness to compromise.
What themes are present in Deuteronomy 20:12?
The themes present in Deuteronomy 20:12 include conflict, the pursuit of peace, the need for decisive action, the consequences of choices, and the dynamics of relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.