The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 20:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And the captains shall proclaim through every band in the hearing of the army: What man is there, that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Douay-Rheims

וְדִבְּר֣וּ הַשֹּֽׁטְרִים֮ אֶל־הָעָ֣ם לֵאמֹר֒ מִֽי־הָאִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר בָּנָ֤ה בַֽיִת־חָדָשׁ֙ וְלֹ֣א חֲנָכ֔וֹ יֵלֵ֖ךְ וְיָשֹׁ֣ב לְבֵית֑וֹ פֶּן־יָמוּת֙ בַּמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְאִ֥ישׁ אַחֵ֖ר יַחְנְכֶֽנּוּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Clement of Alexandria

2nd centuryChurch Father

If a man who has just constructed a home has not yet had the opportunity to dwell in it, or if he has cultivated a new vineyard but has not yet gathered its yield, or if he has pledged to marry a woman but has not yet taken her as his wife, the principles of human affection dictate that such individuals should be exempt from military duty. This is justified militarily, as being preoccupied with personal desires can hinder one's ability to fight with diligence (for those who enter into perilous situations must be free from distraction). Additionally, it is morally sound, as the Law recognizes the uncertainty of warfare and deemed it unfair for one to toil for the fruits of his labor while another reaps the benefits without having exerted effort.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.