Deuteronomy 23

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 23 of 34

1 He being wounded, crushed, or cut in his male member shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah.

2 An illegitimate child shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah, even to the tenth generation none of his shall enter into the assembly of Jehovah.

3 An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even to the tenth generation shall none of them enter into the assembly of Jehovah, perpetually;

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Chapter Summary

Who may or may not enter into the congregation. 15 Of the fugitive servant. 17 Of filthiness. 18 Of abominable sacrifices. 19 Of usury. 21 Of vows. 24 Of trespasses.

Key Hebrew Words

קָהָל assembly of Jehovah H6951 · TWOT 1991a
נֶ֫דֶר vow H5088 · TWOT 1308a
קְלָלָה curse H7045 · TWOT 2028d
בְּרָכָה blessing H1293 · TWOT 285b
נֶ֫שֶׁךְ interest, usury H5392 · TWOT 1430a
קָדוֹשׁ holy H6918 · TWOT 1990b

People & Context

Balaam

Son of Beor from Pethor, hired by Ammon and Moab to curse Israel; Jehovah turned his curse to blessing (vv. 4-5).

Beor

Father of Balaam, named to identify the diviner's lineage (v. 4).

Timeline

Exclusions from the Assembly of Jehovah

Emasculated men, illegitimate children, Ammonites, and Moabites are barred from entering the assembly of Jehovah. Edomites and Egyptians may enter in the third generation.

Deuteronomy 23:1-8
Laws of Camp Purity

Soldiers with nocturnal emissions must bathe outside the camp until evening. The camp must also have a designated latrine area outside, using a tool to cover excrement, because God walks in the camp.

Deuteronomy 23:9-14
Protection for Escaped Slaves

An escaped slave seeking refuge must not be returned to his master, but allowed to live freely in any chosen town without oppression.

Deuteronomy 23:15-16

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