Deuteronomy 21:11

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 21:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and thou hast a desire unto her, and wouldest take her to thee to wife;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and thou hast a desire unto her, and wouldest take her to thee to wife;
Deuteronomy 21:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11and seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and thou hast a desire unto her, and wouldest take her to thee to wife;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, etc.] Whether a virgin, wife, or widow, according to the Jewish writers, even though another man’s wife; so Jarchi f275, and Maimonides f276; the marriages of Gentiles being reckoned by the Jews no marriages: and hast a desire unto her; being captivated with her beauty; some understand this of the strength and rage of lust, but it rather signifies a passionate desire of enjoying her in a lawful way, as follows: that thou wouldest have her to thy wife; to be married to her in a legal manner; for though it was not allowed the Israelites to marry any of the seven nations of Canaan, nor indeed with any of other nations continuing in their idolatry;…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Hast a desire unto her - Or, hast taken delight in her: which may be a modest expression for lying with her, and seems probable, because it is said, Deu 21:14, that he had humbled her. And here seem to be two cases supposed, and direction given what to do in both of them, that he did desire to marry her, of which he speaks, Deu 21:11-13. that he did not desire this, of which he speaks, Deu 21:14. Deuteronomy 21:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“desire: Gen 6:2, Gen 12:14, Gen 12:15, Gen 29:18-20, Gen 34:3, Gen 34:8; Jdg 14:2, Jdg 14:3; Pro 6:25, Pro 31:10, Pro 31:30 that: Num 31:18 Deuteronomy 21:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification