Deuteronomy 20:15
Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.
Original Language Analysis
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙
Thus shalt thou do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙
Thus shalt thou do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מֵעָרֵ֥י
are not of the cities
H5892
מֵעָרֵ֥י
are not of the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הָֽרְחֹקֹ֥ת
far off
H7350
הָֽרְחֹקֹ֥ת
far off
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
5 of 13
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
מִמְּךָ֖
H4480
מִמְּךָ֖
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
מְאֹ֑ד
which are very
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
which are very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מֵעָרֵ֥י
are not of the cities
H5892
מֵעָרֵ֥י
are not of the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
10 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Israel's geographical position between Egypt and Mesopotamia meant frequent interaction with distant empires (Assyria, Babylon, Persia). God's law permitted peaceful relations with distant nations while requiring complete separation from neighboring Canaanites whose religious practices posed immediate, daily temptation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish 'distant' engagement (missions, evangelism) from 'neighboring' compromise (intimate fellowship with unbelief)?
- What modern 'Canaanite' influences (entertainment, relationships, philosophies) are dangerously 'near' and require radical separation?
- How did Jesus model engaging sinners (distant) while maintaining holiness (separation from sin)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations—This verse distinguishes warfare categories: very far off (distant, non-Canaanite) versus these nations (the seven Canaanite peoples, Deuteronomy 7:1). Distant cities receive peace offers and mercy if they surrender; Canaanite cities face total herem (next verses) because their proximity threatens Israel's covenant fidelity through idolatrous influence.
Proximity determines danger—not ethnicity but spiritual contagion risk. Paul warns: Evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). The principle applies spiritually: Come out from among them, and be ye separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). We engage distant culture (missions, evangelism) but guard against intimate spiritual compromise (close fellowship with unbelief). Jesus ate with sinners (evangelism) but didn't adopt their practices (sanctification).