Deuteronomy 23:12
Deuteronomy 23:12 in Multiple Translations
You must have a place outside the camp to go and relieve yourself.
¶ Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:
Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:
Let there be a place outside the tent-circle to which you may go;
Choose a place outside the camp to be used as a toilet.
Thou shalt haue a place also without the hoste whither thou shalt resort,
'And a station thou hast at the outside of the camp, and thou hast gone out thither without,
You shall have a place also outside of the camp where you go relieve yourself.
Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:
Thou shalt have a place without the camp, to which thou mayst go for the necessities of nature,
“Your soldiers must have a toilet area outside the camp where you can go when you need to.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 23:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
לִ/פְנֽוֹת
עֶ֖רֶב
יִרְחַ֣ץ
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם
וּ/כְ/בֹ֣א
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
יָבֹ֖א
אֶל
תּ֥וֹךְ
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶה
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לִ/פְנֽוֹת
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֶ֖רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
N-ms
יִרְחַ֣ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
וּ/כְ/בֹ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
יָבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
תּ֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
N-ms
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:12
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ/פְנֽוֹת
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
עֶ֖רֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
יִרְחַ֣ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
בַּ/מָּ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וּ/כְ/בֹ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
יָבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תּ֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Deuteronomy 23:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
Context — Uncleanness in the Camp
10If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he must leave the camp and stay outside.
11When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp.
12You must have a place outside the camp to go and relieve yourself.
13And you must have a digging tool in your equipment so that when you relieve yourself you can dig a hole and cover up your excrement. 14For the LORD your God walks throughout your camp to protect you and deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, lest He see anything unclean among you and turn away from you.Deuteronomy 23:12 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Israelites needed to have a special place outside their camp where they could go to the bathroom, in order to keep their camp clean and holy. This was part of God's plan to help them stay separate from sin and uncleanness, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:14. By following this command, the Israelites could show that they respected God's presence in their midst and wanted to live in a way that honored Him. This principle is still important for us today, as we seek to live lives that are pleasing to God and reflective of His holiness, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command the Israelites to have a place outside the camp to relieve themselves?
This command is part of God's larger plan to keep the camp holy and set apart, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:14, where it says that God walks throughout the camp to protect and deliver His people, and in Leviticus 26:11-12, where God promises to walk among His people and be their God if they follow His commands.
Is this command still relevant for Christians today?
While the specific command to have a place outside the camp may not be directly applicable to Christians today, the underlying principle of maintaining personal hygiene and purity is still important, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where Paul reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
How does this verse relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme in the Bible that emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from uncleanness, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, where God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy, and in 1 Peter 1:15-16, where Peter reminds believers to be holy in all their conduct.
What can we learn from God's attention to detail in this command?
God's attention to detail in this command shows that He is concerned with every aspect of our lives, and that even the smallest details can be important for maintaining a right relationship with Him, as seen in Matthew 23:23-24, where Jesus teaches that even the smallest details of the law are important.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of maintaining personal purity and holiness in my own life?
- How can I balance the need for physical hygiene with the need for spiritual purity, as seen in Jesus' teaching in Matthew 23:25-26?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be neglecting to maintain holiness and purity, and how can I address these areas?
- How can I remember that God is always present with me, even in the most mundane and private aspects of my life, and what difference should this make in my behavior and attitude?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:12
Thou shalt have also a place without the camp,.... A place prepared, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, provided on purpose for the use hereafter suggested; so Ben Melech: whither thou shalt go
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:12
If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
To wit, to ease thyself, as it follows, .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
Deuteronomy 23:12 Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:Ver. 12. And shalt turn back and cover.] How much more curious should they be of soul defilements? Sin is the soul’ s excrements, and defiles a man worse than any excement.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
Deuteronomy 23:9-14. PURITY OF THE CAMP.(9) When the host goeth forth against thine enemies . . . keep thee.—“Because Satan maketh his accusations in the hour of danger” (Rashi). (10) Uncleanness that chanceth him by night. As in Leviticus 15:16. (11) When the sun is down.—“No man is clean (after ceremonial uncleanness) except at the going down of the sun” (Rashi). (12) Without the camp.—It must not be forgotten that this is the camp of the army, not the whole encampment of Israel in the wilderness. The entire passage is continuous from Deuteronomy 23:9. Hence the whole discussion raised, after the appearance of Dr. Colenso’s work, on the size of the camp of Israel and the possibility of obeying this rule, was simply waste of words, and arose out of a misunderstanding of the matter under consideration. The sanitary value of the rule has been abundantly demonstrated in our own day.
(13) A paddle—rather, a pin, or spike, like that with which Jael slew Sisera. The word for “weapon” does not occur elsewhere. The LXX. translates it “a pin or tent-peg at thy girdle;” the Hebrew word (βzκn) being like the Greek (ζώνη). But both Targums interpret the word as “weapon,” connecting it with the Hebrew zayin, which has that meaning. The hinder end of the spear in Abner’s hand was sharp enough to strike Asahel a fatal blow when he followed him (2 Samuel 2:23). Saul’s spear also was “stuck in the ground at his bolster” (1 Samuel 26:7), probably with its point upwards, by the same spike. (14) For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of . . . thee.—A most beautiful argument for purity in every sense. It was evidently present to St. Paul’s mind in 2 Corinthians 6:16 to 2 Corinthians 7:1, “God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them. . . . Having therefore these promises . . . let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
Verse 12. &c.] These directions may appear trifling to some, but they were essentially necessary to this people in their present circumstances. Decency and cleanliness promote health, and prevent many diseases.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:12
9-14. When the host goeth forth — The purity of life in the camp, when they shall be engaged in future wars, is provided for in this passage.