Deuteronomy 23:2
Deuteronomy 23:2 in Multiple Translations
No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation.
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
A bastard shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even to the tenth generation shall none of his enter into the assembly of Jehovah.
One whose father and mother are not married may not come into the meeting of the Lord's people, or any of his family to the tenth generation.
No one of mixed race is allowed to enter the Lord's sanctuary, and none of his descendants may do so either, up to the tenth generation.
A bastard shall not enter into the Congregation of the Lord: euen to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the Congregation of the Lord.
a bastard doth not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even a tenth generation of him doth not enter into the assembly of Jehovah.
A person born of a forbidden union shall not enter into the LORD’s assembly; even to the tenth generation shall no one of his enter into the LORD’s assembly.
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
A mamzer, that is to say, one born of a prostitute, shall not enter into the church of the Lord, until the tenth generation.
“No ◄illegitimate person/person whose mother and father were not married►, or descendant of that person, extending to the tenth generation, shall be included as one of Yahweh’s people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:2
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 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
יָבֹ֧א
פְצֽוּעַ
דַּכָּ֛א
וּ/כְר֥וּת
שָׁפְכָ֖ה
בִּ/קְהַ֥ל
יְהוָֽה
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבֹ֧א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פְצֽוּעַ
pâtsaʻ
H6481
to wound
V-Qal-Inf-c
דַּכָּ֛א
dakkâh
H1795
crushing
N-ms
וּ/כְר֥וּת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
שָׁפְכָ֖ה
shophkâh
H8212
penis
N-fs
בִּ/קְהַ֥ל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:2
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָבֹ֧א
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.
פְצֽוּעַ
pâtsaʻ
H6481
"to wound"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to hurt or injure someone, often by crushing or bruising. It is used in the Bible to describe physical harm or violence, like wounding someone in a fight.
Definition: 1) to bruise, wound, wound by bruising 1a) (Qal) to wound by crushing
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: wound. See also: Deuteronomy 23:2; 1 Kings 20:37; Song of Solomon 5:7.
דַּכָּ֛א
dakkâh
H1795
"crushing"
N-ms
This noun refers to a crushing or mutilation, like a severe wound. It's used to describe a devastating blow, either physical or emotional. It's a powerful image of suffering and pain.
Definition: a crushing
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] wounded. See also: Deuteronomy 23:2.
וּ/כְר֥וּת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
שָׁפְכָ֖ה
shophkâh
H8212
"penis"
N-fs
The male organ, also translated as privy member. In the Bible, it is mentioned in a medical or anatomical context, such as in Deuteronomy 23:1. It refers to the physical body part.
Definition: 1) penis, urethra, male organ 1a) as fluid duct
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: privy member. See also: Deuteronomy 23:2.
בִּ/קְהַ֥ל
qâhâl
H6951
"assembly"
Prep | N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:2
Context — Exclusion from the Congregation
1No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD.
2No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation.
3No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. 4For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 9:6 | A mixed race will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:3 | “But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:8 | If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. |
| 4 | John 8:41 | You are doing the works of your father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they declared. “Our only Father is God Himself.” |
Deuteronomy 23:2 Summary
This verse from Deuteronomy 23:2 teaches us that God wants His people to be pure and holy, and that includes being mindful of our family and relationships. It's not saying that people born out of wedlock are worthless or unloved by God, but rather that God wants us to prioritize purity and holiness in our lives, as we see in verses like Psalm 51:10 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7. This is still important for us today, as we seek to live lives that honor God and reflect His love and character, as taught in Ephesians 5:1-2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'illegitimate birth' mean in Deuteronomy 23:2?
In this context, 'illegitimate birth' refers to a person born out of wedlock, highlighting the importance of purity and holiness in the community of God's people, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:13-21 and Leviticus 18:6-20.
Why are the descendants of someone born out of wedlock also excluded from the assembly?
This exclusion emphasizes the significance of family and lineage in the biblical world, as well as the need for purity and holiness in the community, as noted in Exodus 20:5 and Exodus 34:7.
Is this rule still applicable today?
While the specific rule in Deuteronomy 23:2 was given to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, the underlying principle of seeking purity and holiness remains relevant for believers today, as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
How does this verse relate to God's love and mercy?
This verse, in the context of the entire Bible, reminds us that God's love and mercy are not compromised by His call to holiness, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12 and Matthew 5:48, highlighting the importance of balancing grace and obedience in the Christian life.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's desire for purity and holiness in His people?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking holiness in my own life, especially in my relationships and family?
- What does it mean to be part of the 'assembly of the LORD' today, and how can I ensure I am living a life that honors God?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's love and mercy to those who may feel excluded or marginalized, while still upholding the importance of holiness?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:2
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord,.... That is born of whoredom, as the Targum of Jonathan; and for the sake of avoiding whoredom and deterring from it was this law made,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:2
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
A bastard; so the word is commonly rendered, and so it notes a person base-born, or born in fornication or adultery, or by incestuous or any prohibited mixtures of man and woman. Object. 1. This law seems harsh, and too severe for the innocent bastard. Answ. 1. It was only an exclusion from government, which was a tolerable burden. 2. It was a necessary caution to prevent and brand the sin of uncleanness, to which the Jews were more than ordinarily prone. Object. 2. Pharez and Jephthah were both bastards, yet advanced to great honour and authority. Answ. God gives laws to us, and not to himself; and, therefore he might, when he saw fit, confer what favour or power he pleased upon any such person, as he did to these.
But some add, that the Hebrew word mamzer signifies not every bastard, but a bastard born of any strange woman, as the word may seem to intimate, and as such persons generally seem to have been, because of that special provision, that there should be no whore of the daughters of Israel, as it is here below, . To his tenth generation; or, his tenth generation, as it is in the Hebrew, and so in the following verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
Deuteronomy 23:2 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.Ver. 2. A bastard shall not enter.] Lest the reproach of his birth render him contemptible, or less courageous; lest some son of Belial set upon him, as Saul did upon his son Jonathan, and say, "Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman." So of the base and beastly woman, "Do not I know that thou hast done this to the confusion of thy mother’ s nakedness?" The mutinous Janizaries called their Emperor Bajizet II, drunkard, beast, rascal, bastard, bengi, that is, bachelor, or scholar; and told him, moreover, that they would teach him to use his great place and calling with more sobriety and discretion. The English slighted and scorned their William the Conqueror, because a bastard; in spite also to whom, and disgrace to his mother Arlet, they called all whores harlots. The Jews at this day, amongst other opprobrious words, wherewith they spitefully load us, call all Christians Mamzer Gel, that is, heathen bastards. Our Saviour, upon better grounds, called them long since, a bastardly brood. And their own prophet Isaiah did the same thing long before, and that, for their profane scoffing at the truth and the professors thereof. Yet who so forward as they, to say, "We are not born of fornication," no bastards? Utpote qui nati sunt ex prostibulo, plane incerto patre, sed certissima infamia. Turk. Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
(2) A bastard shall not enter.—Such a person would not, even now, be circumcised by the Jews, or permitted to marry an Israelitish woman, or be buried with his people; therefore he was excluded from the covenant. It is manifest how efficacious would be the enforcement of this law also in preserving the purity of family life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
Verse 2. A bastard shall not enter] ממזר mamzer, which is here rendered bastard, should be understood as implying the offspring of an illegitimate or incestuous mixture.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 23:2
A bastard - Probably, a child born of incest or adultery. Even to his tenth generation - i. e. (see the next verse and Nehemiah 13:1), forever. Ten is the number of perfection and completeness.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:2
2. A bastard shall not enter — The Hebrew word which our translators have rendered bastard is of doubtful meaning. It occurs in only one other passage, Zechariah 9:6.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(True Disciple Conference) We Have Forgotten That the Way Is Narrow by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building one's life on the Word of God. He challenges the common misconception that building on the sand represents a weak |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the ministry being focused on bringing glory to the Lord Jesus. The speaker explains that while the ministry involves work |
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Sleeping Virgin - Fleshly Achievements by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and letting one's light shine. He warns against perverting the truths of the Bible and indulging i |
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Gospel Does: Makes You Holy if Your Heart Is Changed by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and holiness in the lives of believers. He highlights the need for a change of heart and a sincere confession o |
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Religious Hell by Sammy Allen | In this sermon, the preacher poses six questions to determine if someone has truly been born again. The questions include whether the Holy Spirit lives in them, if they have become |
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Salvation Is Due to Jesus Christ - Part 2 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living according to God's word and not pleasing our fleshly desires. He warns that Jesus is coming and will bring rewards |
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Looking Unto Jesus by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline and endurance in the Christian life. He compares the dedication and perseverance of Olympic athletes to the race |