Deuteronomy 20:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And what man {H376} is he that hath planted {H5193} a vineyard {H3754}, and hath not yet eaten {H2490} of it? let him also go {H3212} and return {H7725} unto his house {H1004}, lest he die {H4191} in the battle {H4421}, and another {H312} man {H376} eat {H2490} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Is there a man here who has planted a vineyard, but hasn't yet made use of its fruit? He should go back home; otherwise he may die fighting, and another man will use it.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:6 outlines a specific exemption from military service for men who had planted a vineyard but had not yet partaken of its fruit. This compassionate law, part of a broader set of regulations concerning warfare, ensured that individuals would have the opportunity to enjoy the significant fruits of their long-term labor and investment before risking their lives in battle. It underscores God's profound care for the individual's well-being, the value of personal effort, and the importance of experiencing the blessings derived from one's diligent work, preventing the tragic scenario where another would benefit from their unfulfilled toil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 20:6 is situated within a crucial passage (Deuteronomy 20:1-9) detailing the laws of warfare given by Moses to the Israelites before their entry into the Promised Land. This section begins with instructions for the priests and officers to address the army, encouraging them and reminding them that the Lord God fights with them. Following this exhortation, specific exemptions from military service are listed in verses 5-7. These exemptions are not arbitrary but reflect a divine concern for the individual's significant life milestones and investments, including building a new house ([Deuteronomy 20:5](/deuteronomy/20-5 "Deuteronomy 20:5 - Exemption for a New House")), planting a vineyard ([Deuteronomy 20:6](/deuteronomy/20-6 "Deuteronomy 20:6 - Exemption for a New Vineyard")), and being newly betrothed ([Deuteronomy 20:7](/deuteronomy/20-7 "Deuteronomy 20:7 - Exemption for a Newly Betrothed Man")). The underlying principle is to prevent a man from dying in battle before fulfilling these important life events, thereby preserving their personal legacy and ensuring the enjoyment of their labor or relationships. This segment of laws concludes with the instruction for officers to dismiss fearful men, lest they discourage others ([Deuteronomy 20:8](/deuteronomy/20-8 "Deuteronomy 20:8 - Exemption for the Fearful")), emphasizing the spiritual and psychological readiness required for holy war.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, agriculture, particularly viticulture (vineyard cultivation), was a cornerstone of the economy and daily life. Planting a vineyard was a substantial, long-term investment that required significant labor, patience, and resources. Grapevines typically take three to five years to produce a usable yield, and often the firstfruits were dedicated or considered unripe for general consumption for several years (cf. [Leviticus 19:23-25](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23-25 - Law of Fruit Trees")). Therefore, to plant a vineyard and then die in battle before enjoying its first harvest represented a profound personal and economic loss. This law underscores the sacredness of life and the value of human effort within an agrarian society. It reflects a compassionate divine perspective that understood the deep human desire to see the fruit of one's toil, contrasting sharply with the often brutal realities of ancient warfare. The exemption ensured that men could fulfill their personal responsibilities and enjoy the blessings of their labor, a principle deeply embedded in Israelite society and law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Compassion and Justice**, demonstrating God's meticulous care not only for the nation as a whole but also for the individual's well-being and personal fulfillment. God's laws are not merely prescriptive but are imbued with a profound understanding of human experience and a desire for justice that extends to ensuring individuals can enjoy the results of their significant efforts. Secondly, the theme of the **Right to Enjoy Labor** is prominent. The law explicitly protects a person's ability to partake in the benefits of their hard work, preventing the tragic scenario where "another man eat of it." This resonates with wisdom literature, which often laments the vanity of labor if one cannot enjoy its fruits, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoying the Fruit of Your Labor"). Thirdly, it speaks to **Stewardship and Investment**, acknowledging the value of long-term agricultural and personal investments vital to the nation's sustenance and individual prosperity. Finally, and most fundamentally, these exemptions collectively underscore the **Preservation of Life** and the sanctity of human experience, indicating a divine wisdom that prioritizes human flourishing even amidst the demands of national defense.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **planted (Hebrew, _nāṭaʿ_):** This verb signifies the act of setting a plant or tree in the ground for growth. In the context of a vineyard, it implies a deliberate, long-term investment of time, effort, and resources, anticipating future yield. The choice of "vineyard" (כֶּרֶם, _kerem_) is significant, as vineyards were not quick crops but required years of cultivation before producing fruit, making the investment particularly weighty.
* **eaten (Hebrew, _’āḵal_):** While literally meaning "to eat," in this context, it carries the broader sense of "to partake of," "to enjoy the fruit of," or "to benefit from." The phrase "hath not yet eaten of it" emphasizes the lack of having experienced the first, full, and beneficial yield of the vineyard. It points to the unfulfilled potential and the absence of the expected reward for the planter's diligent labor.
* **lest he die (Hebrew, _pen yāmût_):** This phrase introduces the dire consequence the law seeks to prevent. "Die" (_mût_) is a stark term, highlighting the ultimate loss of life. The fear is not just of death itself but of a death that would tragically sever the individual from the fruit of their life's significant labor, leading to the injustice of "another man eat of it."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what man [is he] that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not [yet] eaten of it?":** This rhetorical question sets the condition for the exemption. It identifies a specific individual who has made a substantial, long-term investment in a vineyard but has not yet received the expected return on that investment, specifically the initial harvest or firstfruits. The emphasis is on the unfulfilled enjoyment of one's labor.
* **"let him [also] go and return unto his house,":** This is the divine command or permission. Such a man is to be honorably discharged from military service and allowed to return home. The phrase "unto his house" signifies a return to his personal life, his family, and his agricultural responsibilities, implying the preservation of his personal sphere and the opportunity to fulfill his domestic and economic duties.
* **"lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.":** This clause provides the rationale and the tragic consequence to be avoided. The concern is that if this man were to die in battle, his significant investment would be lost to him, and the fruit of his labor would unjustly be enjoyed by someone else. This highlights God's compassionate desire to prevent such personal tragedy and to ensure that individuals reap what they sow, especially in matters of such significant personal and economic investment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. It is structured as a **Casuistic Law**, presenting a specific case ("If a man has planted a vineyard...") and prescribing a consequence ("...then let him go home..."). This "if-then" format is characteristic of ancient Near Eastern legal codes, providing clear, actionable directives. The verse also utilizes **Rhetorical Question** ("And what man [is he] that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not [yet] eaten of it?") to draw the listener into the scenario and emphasize the self-evident nature of the compassionate exemption. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Foreshadowing** or **Irony** in the phrase "lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it." This stark contrast between the planter's effort and another's consumption highlights the profound injustice and personal tragedy that the law seeks to avert, underscoring the value God places on personal fulfillment and the enjoyment of one's labor. The vineyard itself serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for long-term investment, hope, and the tangible results of diligent work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 20:6 profoundly reveals God's character as a compassionate and just sovereign who values the individual and their diligent labor. It transcends a mere military regulation, embodying a theological principle that God desires His people to experience the full blessing and enjoyment of their efforts. This divine concern for personal fulfillment and the prevention of unfulfilled toil speaks to a broader biblical theology where God is not only concerned with collective obedience but also with the flourishing and well-being of each person. It underscores the idea that human labor, when undertaken faithfully, is a gift from God intended to be enjoyed, not merely endured or tragically cut short. This principle finds echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of savoring the blessings God provides and recognizing His hand in enabling us to work and enjoy the fruit of that work.

* [Deuteronomy 20:5](/deuteronomy/20-5 "Deuteronomy 20:5 - Exemption for a New House")
* [Deuteronomy 20:7](/deuteronomy/20-7 "Deuteronomy 20:7 - Exemption for a Newly Betrothed Man")
* [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoying the Fruit of Your Labor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:6 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, encouraging us to reflect on the balance between our service, our investments, and our ability to enjoy the blessings God provides. In a world that often glorifies relentless striving and immediate gratification, this ancient law reminds us of the divine principle that there is a time for sowing and a time for reaping, and that God desires us to experience the joy of the harvest. It challenges us to consider whether we are truly savoring the fruits of our labor—be it in our careers, relationships, spiritual disciplines, or personal projects—or if we are perpetually moving to the next task without pausing to appreciate what has been accomplished. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of God's personal concern for each of us; He is not a distant deity but one who cares deeply about our individual well-being and the fulfillment of our life's significant endeavors. As stewards of our time, talents, and resources, we are called not only to work diligently but also to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and enjoyment for the blessings that come from our efforts, recognizing them as gifts from our benevolent Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "planting a vineyard" (making significant long-term investments)?**
* **How can you ensure that you are taking the time to "eat of its fruit" and truly enjoy the blessings that come from your labor and efforts?**
* **How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's compassionate character and His concern for your personal well-being?**
* **What might it look like to apply the principle of "not dying before enjoying the fruit" to your spiritual life or relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why was planting a vineyard specifically mentioned among the exemptions?**

Answer: Planting a vineyard was specifically mentioned because it represented a uniquely significant, long-term, and vulnerable investment in ancient Israelite society. Unlike other agricultural endeavors, a vineyard required several years of diligent care and waiting (typically 3-5 years) before it produced its first viable harvest. Furthermore, the firstfruits often had specific religious or cultural restrictions ([Leviticus 19:23-25](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23-25 - Law of Fruit Trees")), meaning the true enjoyment of the vineyard's bounty might be even further off. To die in battle before this substantial investment came to fruition would be a profound personal and economic tragedy, not only for the individual but potentially for his family and the community. God's law, therefore, highlights a compassionate concern for the individual's right to enjoy the tangible results of their most significant, patient, and hope-filled labors, preventing the injustice of "another man eat of it." This specific mention underscores the divine value placed on the fulfillment of long-term personal endeavors.

**Does this law imply that God values personal gain over national defense?**

Answer: No, this law does not imply that God values personal gain over national defense; rather, it demonstrates a holistic and wise approach to warfare that prioritizes both the well-being of the individual and the spiritual readiness of the nation. The exemptions in [Deuteronomy 20:5-8](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws of Warfare") are not about avoiding duty but about ensuring that those who *do* go to battle are fully committed and not burdened by significant unfulfilled life milestones or personal anxieties. A man who has just planted a vineyard, built a house, or is newly betrothed would likely be preoccupied and less effective in battle, potentially even demoralizing others ([Deuteronomy 20:8](/deuteronomy/20-8 "Deuteronomy 20:8 - Exemption for the Fearful")). By allowing these individuals to return home, God ensures a more focused and spiritually prepared fighting force, trusting that He, the Lord, would ultimately fight for Israel ([Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for Israel")). It reflects God's compassionate justice, recognizing the deep human desire to see the fruit of one's labor and to fulfill significant life events, while simultaneously fostering a more effective and trusting army.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:6, with its compassionate exemption for the vineyard planter, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The law speaks to the deep human desire to see the fruit of one's labor and to avoid the tragedy of unfulfilled toil. In a spiritual sense, humanity has been "planting" and striving, yet often finds itself unable to "eat of the fruit" due to the pervasive reality of sin and death, which always threatens to claim our efforts and leave us unfulfilled. Jesus, however, is the ultimate "planter" and the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), whose life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate investment. He did not "die in battle" in vain, but rather, His sacrifice on the cross ensures that we, His people, can partake of the eternal and abundant "fruit" of His labor—salvation, reconciliation with God, and everlasting life. He came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")), not that our efforts would be cut short and enjoyed by another (i.e., by sin or death). Through Christ, we are invited to enter into a rest from our futile striving and to enjoy the spiritual blessings that flow from His completed work ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - Entering God's Rest")). He ensures that the "vineyard" of our lives, planted in Him, will indeed yield fruit for eternity, and that we will ultimately "eat of it" in His glorious presence, experiencing the fulfillment of all God's promises and the enjoyment of His everlasting kingdom ([Revelation 22:2](/revelation/22-2 "Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 19:23

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.

Leviticus 19:25

And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I [am] the LORD your God.

Jeremiah 31:5

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

Deuteronomy 28:1

¶ And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

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.

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.

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.