Old Testament
Deuteronomy 20:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to completely eliminate certain groups of people living in the land they are about to enter.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
You must completely destroy them — the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites — just as the LORD your God has commanded you.
But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to completely eliminate certain groups of people living in the land they are about to enter. This command reflects the seriousness of their mission and the need to remove influences that could lead them away from their commitment to God. The specific groups mentioned, like the Hittites and Canaanites, represent cultures that practiced idolatry and immorality, which were contrary to the values God wanted His people to uphold. By following this command, the Israelites were to demonstrate their loyalty to God and their desire to live according to His ways. This directive may seem harsh, but it underscores the importance of purity in faith and the need to avoid distractions that could compromise their relationship with God. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, we must make difficult choices to protect our values and beliefs. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the call to prioritize our commitment to God above all else, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of our spiritual journey.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Deuteronomy 20:17 to your life
In our lives, we may encounter influences that challenge our values and beliefs. Just as the Israelites were called to remove distractions, we too must identify and eliminate anything that pulls us away from our commitment to what is right. This could mean distancing ourselves from negative relationships or harmful habits. Staying true to our values is essential for spiritual growth and integrity. We should strive to surround ourselves with positive influences.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 20:17 mean for Christians today?
Deuteronomy 20:17 reflects God's command to the Israelites to remove influences that could lead them away from their faith. For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to identify and eliminate distractions or negative influences in our lives that may compromise our commitment to God. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual integrity and make choices that align with our values.
Why did God command the destruction of these nations?
God commanded the destruction of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites because their practices were contrary to the values He wanted His people to uphold. These nations were known for idolatry and immorality, which could lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God. The command underscores the seriousness of maintaining spiritual purity and loyalty to God.
How can we apply the lessons from this verse in our daily lives?
To apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 20:17, we should evaluate our lives for influences that may lead us away from our values and beliefs. This could involve distancing ourselves from toxic relationships, avoiding harmful habits, or refraining from engaging with media that contradicts our faith. By actively choosing to surround ourselves with positive influences, we can strengthen our commitment to our spiritual journey.
Isn't the command in Deuteronomy 20:17 harsh?
The command in Deuteronomy 20:17 may seem harsh, but it reflects the seriousness of maintaining spiritual integrity. God was guiding the Israelites to protect their faith from corrupting influences. While it can be difficult to understand such commands in a modern context, they emphasize the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and making tough choices to uphold our values.
The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 1: Moses Reviews the Wilderness Journey
Moses speaks to all Israel in the plains of Moab and recalls earlier events. He says the LORD tells Israel to leave Horeb and go toward the land promised to their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses explains how the people become too numerous for him to manage alone, so leaders are appointed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and judges are instructed to judge fairly without respect of persons.
Unlock the full Deuteronomy summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Deuteronomy — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 34 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Deuteronomy summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.