Deuteronomy 23:13
Deuteronomy 23:13 in Multiple Translations
And 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.
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
and thou shalt have a paddle among thy weapons; and it shall be, when thou sittest down abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
And have among your arms a spade; and when you have been to that place, let that which comes from you be covered up with earth:
You need to have a spade as part of your equipment so that you can dig a hole, and then when you're finished you can cover up your excrement.
And thou shalt haue a paddle among thy weapons, and when thou wouldest sit downe without, thou shalt shalt digge therewith, and returning thou shalt couer thine excrements.
and a nail thou hast on thy staff, and it hath been, in thy sitting without, that thou hast digged with it, and turned back, and covered thy filth;
You shall have a trowel among your weapons. It shall be, when you relieve yourself, you shall dig with it, and shall turn back and cover your excrement;
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon: and it shall be when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig with it, and shalt turn back, and cover that which cometh from thee:
Carrying a paddle at thy girdle. And when thou sittest down, thou shalt dig round about, and with the earth that is dug up thou shalt cover
When you go to fight against your enemies, carry a stick along with your weapons, in order that when you need to defecate [EUP], you can dig a hole with the stick, and then cover up the hole when you have finished defecating.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:13
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 23:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יָד֙
תִּהְיֶ֣ה
לְ/ךָ֔
מִ/ח֖וּץ
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
וְ/יָצָ֥אתָ
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
חֽוּץ
וְ/יָד֙
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | N-cs
תִּהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לְ/ךָ֔
Prep | Suff
מִ/ח֖וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
וְ/יָצָ֥אתָ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
חֽוּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:13
וְ/יָד֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
תִּהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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.
לְ/ךָ֔
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/ח֖וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
לַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | 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.
וְ/יָצָ֥אתָ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
שָׁ֖מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
חֽוּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
Context — Uncleanness in the Camp
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. 15Do not return a slave to his master if he has taken refuge with you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 24:6–8 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed, to the pot now rusted, whose rust will not come off! Empty it piece by piece; cast no lots for its contents. For the blood she shed is still within her; she poured it out on the bare rock; she did not pour it on the ground to cover it with dust. In order to stir up wrath and take vengeance, I have placed her blood on the bare rock, so that it would not be covered.’ |
Deuteronomy 23:13 Summary
[Deuteronomy 23:13 teaches us that God wants us to be clean and pure, not just physically, but also spiritually, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1. This means we should try to remove anything in our lives that is sinful or unclean, like bad habits or wrong thoughts, and replace them with good things like prayer, Bible reading, and kindness. By doing so, we can honor God and reflect His character, as mentioned in Ephesians 5:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to cover up excrement in the camp?
God wants His people to maintain a clean and holy environment, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:13, because He dwells among them, and uncleanness can lead to His judgment, as mentioned in Leviticus 26:16-20 and Deuteronomy 23:14.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse shows that God is a God of order and cleanliness, who desires His people to reflect His character, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 14:40 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7.
How does this apply to us today?
While we may not be in a literal camp, this verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining purity and cleanliness in our own lives, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and Ephesians 5:3-4, to honor God and reflect His character.
Is this verse still relevant for New Testament believers?
Although this verse was given to the Israelites, the principle of maintaining cleanliness and purity is still relevant for New Testament believers, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, where we are called to live holy lives and separate from sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'cover up' or remove uncleanness to honor God?
- How can I apply the principle of cleanliness and purity in my daily life, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:13?
- What are some things that I can do to maintain a 'holy camp' in my own home and community?
- In what ways can I reflect God's character of order and cleanliness in my own life, as expressed in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:13
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon,.... A nail or spike, some kind of instrument to make a hole in the ground with, which was fastened to the sword upon their loins; which was to be instead
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:13
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: Thou shalt have
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
A paddle; the nature of which may be known from the use, which here follows. Cover that which cometh from thee; partly, to prevent the annoyance of ourselves or others; partly, to preserve and exercise modesty and natural honesty; and principally, that by such outward rites they might be inured to the greater reverence of the Divine Majesty, and the greater caution to avoid all real and moral uncleanness, especially now when it was most necessary so to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
Deuteronomy 23:13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:Ver. 13. Thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp.] Where he is both van and rear. And to give up thine enemies.] Hence the Philistines were so frighted at the sight of the ark. "Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fighteth for them," said those Egyptians. That he see no unclean thing.] Hereby God taught his people holy conversation, that they should keep themselves from their iniquity, as David did - that is, from such sins as either by their constitution, calling, company, or custom, they are most prone to.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
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.”
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
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.