Deuteronomy 20:7

KJV

And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And what man {H376} is there that hath betrothed {H781} a wife {H802}, and hath not taken {H3947} her? let him go {H3212} and return {H7725} unto his house {H1004}, lest he die {H4191} in the battle {H4421}, and another {H312} man {H376} take {H3947} her.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Is there a man here who is engaged to a woman, but hasn't married her yet? He should go back home; otherwise he may die fighting, and another man will marry her.'

Berean Standard Bible

Has 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.”

American Standard Version

And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 20:7 stands as a profound testament to God's compassionate governance, offering a unique exemption from military service for men who had recently betrothed a wife but had not yet consummated the marriage. This specific instruction, embedded within Israel's laws of warfare, underscores the divine value placed on personal relationships, the sanctity of marriage, and the preservation of family lineage, even amidst the dire demands of national defense. It reveals a God who meticulously cares for the individual's well-being and the foundational structures of society, ensuring that life's most significant covenants are honored and fulfilled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 20 presents a detailed set of laws concerning warfare, immediately following instructions on judicial matters and preceding laws on various social and ritual purity issues. This chapter begins with a call to courage and trust in God's presence in battle, followed by the address of officers who were to offer specific exemptions from military duty. These exemptions, found in [Deuteronomy 20:5-7](/deuteronomy/20-5 "Deuteronomy 20:5-7 - Exemptions from Military Service"), include those who had built a new house and not dedicated it, planted a vineyard and not enjoyed its fruit, and, as in [Deuteronomy 20:7](/deuteronomy/20-7 "Deuteronomy 20:7 - Betrothed Man Exemption"), those who had betrothed a wife but not yet taken her. The placement of these compassionate provisions before the actual commands for battle highlights God's holistic concern for His people, prioritizing human flourishing and covenant fulfillment alongside national security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, betrothal (Hebrew: _ʾerusin_) was a legally binding covenant, far more serious than a modern engagement. It typically lasted for a year, during which the couple was considered legally married, though they did not yet cohabit. The "taking" of the wife (Hebrew: _laqach_) involved the groom bringing his bride into his home, a public procession, and the consummation of the marriage. This act formalized the union and initiated the establishment of a new household and lineage. The exemption in [Deuteronomy 20:7](/deuteronomy/20-7 "Deuteronomy 20:7 - Betrothed Man Exemption") was crucial because dying before consummation would leave the betrothed woman in a precarious, ambiguous state—a widow before marriage, without the security of a husband or the potential for children, and potentially vulnerable to social stigma. This law protected the individual, the family unit, and the societal emphasis on progeny and inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Compassion and Wisdom**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for the individual's life and personal circumstances, even within the rigid demands of military service. It underscores the **Sanctity and Importance of Marriage and Family**, recognizing betrothal and marriage as foundational covenants essential for the continuity of the Israelite nation and the fulfillment of God's promises of progeny, as seen from [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Be Fruitful and Multiply") and throughout the patriarchal narratives. Furthermore, it reflects **Practical and Humane Leadership**, recognizing that soldiers burdened by unfulfilled personal commitments would be distracted and less effective in battle, thus promoting both individual well-being and military cohesion. The law prevents unnecessary tragedy and ensures that those who serve do so with a clear mind, illustrating a profound respect for human dignity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Betrothed (Hebrew, אָרַשׂ, _ʾāras_):** This verb signifies a formal, legally binding engagement. In ancient Israel, betrothal was a covenant agreement, often made by the fathers of the prospective bride and groom, which established the legal union of the couple. It was so serious that breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce, and adultery during this period was punishable as if the couple were fully married (cf. [Deuteronomy 22:23-24](/deuteronomy/22-23 "Deuteronomy 22:23-24 - Adultery with a Betrothed Woman")). The exemption highlights the sacred and irrevocable nature of this initial commitment.
* **Taken her (Hebrew, לָקַח, _laqach_):** This refers to the act of the groom bringing his betrothed wife into his home and consummating the marriage. This was the public and physical completion of the betrothal covenant. Until this act, the marriage, though legally binding, was not yet fully established in terms of cohabitation and the potential for progeny. The law's concern is to ensure that the man fulfills this crucial step before risking his life in battle, thereby securing the union and avoiding the tragedy of a "widow" who was never truly a wife in the full sense.
* **Lest he die (Hebrew, פֶּן־יָמוּת, _pen yāmût_):** This phrase expresses a strong negative purpose or fear, emphasizing the dire consequence the law seeks to prevent. The concern is not merely for the individual's life but for the tragic disruption of a sacred covenant and the potential loss of lineage. It underscores the value of life and the importance of fulfilling one's personal and familial duties before facing mortal danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her?"**: This opening rhetorical question introduces the specific scenario for the exemption. It identifies a man who is legally bound in betrothal but has not yet completed the marriage by bringing his wife into his home and consummating the union. The phrasing implies a recognition of the incomplete status of this significant life event.
* **"let him go and return unto his house,"**: This is the divine command and compassionate provision. Such a man is explicitly permitted, indeed commanded, to be released from military duty. He is to return to his home to fulfill his marital obligations, ensuring the completion of the covenant and the establishment of his family. This demonstrates God's priority for the individual's well-being and the sanctity of marriage over immediate military necessity.
* **"lest he die in the battle, and another man take her."**: This clause provides the rationale for the exemption, highlighting the tragic consequences the law seeks to avert. If the betrothed man were to die before taking his wife, she would be left in an extremely vulnerable and anomalous position—a "widow" in legal standing but never truly a wife in consummation, without the security of a husband or the prospect of children through him. The phrase "another man take her" refers to the possibility of her marrying someone else, but only after a complex process, if at all, further emphasizing the disruption and sorrow of such a scenario. The law prevents this personal tragedy and societal disruption.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 20:7 employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The primary structure is that of **Casuistic Law**, presented as a conditional statement ("If a man has betrothed a wife... then let him go..."). This legal form, common in ancient Near Eastern law codes, clearly defines specific cases and their corresponding legal outcomes, providing clarity and precision. The verse also utilizes **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing** by explicitly stating the negative consequence ("lest he die in the battle, and another man take her"). This not only explains the reason for the exemption but also evokes empathy for the potential tragedy, emphasizing the divine compassion that undergirds the law. Furthermore, the rhetorical question "And what man [is there]..." serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the specific, sensitive nature of this particular exemption, highlighting its importance among the other provisions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 20:7 profoundly illustrates God's holistic care for His people, demonstrating that His laws are not merely about external obedience but are deeply rooted in compassion for the individual and a profound respect for the foundational institutions of human society, particularly marriage and family. This exemption reveals a divine wisdom that prioritizes the sacred covenant of marriage and the continuity of lineage, recognizing that these personal fulfillments are integral to the well-being and stability of the community. It teaches that even in times of national crisis and warfare, God's concern extends to the personal milestones and emotional well-being of His children, preventing unnecessary sorrow and ensuring that life's most significant commitments are honored. This principle reflects God's character as one who values life, relationships, and the fulfillment of promises.

* [Deuteronomy 24:5](/deuteronomy/24-5 "Deuteronomy 24:5 - Exemption for Newly Married Men")
* [Proverbs 18:22](/proverbs/18-22 "Proverbs 18:22 - Finding a Good Wife")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 20:7 offers timeless principles for personal and communal life. It challenges us to consider how we prioritize relationships and commitments, especially in demanding circumstances. God's compassionate exemption for the betrothed man reminds us that true wisdom in leadership, whether in family, church, or workplace, involves understanding and valuing the personal circumstances and well-being of individuals. It encourages us to cultivate a culture where human dignity, the sanctity of covenants, and the fulfillment of life's significant milestones are held in high regard. Just as God sought to prevent unnecessary tragedy and disruption for His people, we are called to act with foresight, empathy, and practical wisdom, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect a deep care for others and a commitment to honoring our sacred vows. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan for us is holistic, encompassing both our spiritual walk and our earthly relationships, and that His grace often manifests through practical, humane considerations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this exemption challenge our modern understanding of duty versus personal well-being?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, demonstrate God's compassionate consideration for others' significant life milestones and commitments?**
* **What unfulfilled "betrothals" or significant commitments in our lives might God be calling us to prioritize and complete before engaging in other demanding endeavors?**

### FAQ
**Why was the betrothal period considered so serious in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, betrothal was a legally binding covenant, not merely a casual engagement. It was established through formal agreements, often involving a bride-price, and was considered the first, crucial step of marriage. The betrothed couple was legally recognized as husband and wife, though they did not yet cohabit. Breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce, and infidelity during this period was treated as adultery, punishable by death ([Deuteronomy 22:23-24](/deuteronomy/22-23 "Deuteronomy 22:23-24 - Adultery with a Betrothed Woman")). This high regard for betrothal underscored the sanctity of marriage and the importance of lineage in Israelite society. The exemption in [Deuteronomy 20:7](/deuteronomy/20-7 "Deuteronomy 20:7 - Betrothed Man Exemption") protected this sacred covenant and the individuals involved from potential tragedy.

**Does this military exemption apply to other significant life events or commitments?**

Answer: While [Deuteronomy 20:7](/deuteronomy/20-7 "Deuteronomy 20:7 - Betrothed Man Exemption") specifically addresses betrothal, it is part of a broader set of exemptions in [Deuteronomy 20:5-7](/deuteronomy/20-5 "Deuteronomy 20:5-7 - Exemptions from Military Service") that also include men who had built a new house but not dedicated it, and those who had planted a vineyard but not yet enjoyed its fruit. These exemptions collectively demonstrate God's compassionate concern for major life milestones and the fulfillment of significant personal endeavors. The underlying principle is that God values the completion of these foundational life events and the prevention of unnecessary personal tragedy, even in times of national crisis. While the specific applications are culturally bound, the principle of divine compassion for individual well-being and the honoring of commitments remains timeless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 20:7, with its profound emphasis on the sanctity of covenant, the protection of life, and the compassionate consideration for personal fulfillment, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the law sought to prevent a man from dying before consummating his earthly marriage, Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, entered into a covenant with humanity, ultimately giving His life not to prevent a tragedy, but to redeem us from the ultimate tragedy of spiritual death. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has "taken" His bride, the Church, into an eternal covenant, ensuring that we will never be left desolate or "taken by another" (spiritually speaking). He came to ensure that we, His betrothed, would not "die in the battle" of sin and judgment, but would be brought safely into His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")). His compassion extends beyond temporary earthly concerns to provide eternal security and the consummation of our union with God, as depicted in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). He is the true fulfillment of every compassionate provision in the law, ensuring our ultimate spiritual "betrothal" leads to eternal "marriage" and life.

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

Deuteronomy 24:5

¶ When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: [but] he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

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.

2 Timothy 2:4

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Matthew 1:18

¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 14:18

And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

Luke 14:20

And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

Deuteronomy 22:23

If a damsel [that is] a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;