Deuteronomy 23:10
Deuteronomy 23:10 in Multiple Translations
If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he must leave the camp and stay outside.
¶ 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:
If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of that which chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:
If any man among you becomes unclean through anything which has taken place in the night, he is to go out from the tent-circle and keep outside it:
Any man there who becomes unclean because of a release of semen must leave the camp and remain outside.
If there be among you any that is vncleane by that which commeth to him by night, he shall goe out of the hoste, and shall not enter into the hoste,
'When there is in thee a man who is not clean, from an accident at night — then he hath gone out unto the outside of the camp — he doth not come in unto the midst of the camp —
If there is among you any man who is not clean by reason of that which happens to him by night, then shall he go outside of the camp. He shall not come within the camp;
If there shall be among you any man that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chanceth to him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:
If there be among you any man, that is defiled in a dream by night, he shall go forth out of the camp.
If any soldier becomes unacceptable to God because semen comes out of his body during the night, the next morning he must go outside the camp and stay there during that day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:10
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 23:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
תֵצֵ֥א
מַחֲנֶ֖ה
עַל
אֹיְבֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ/נִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
דָּבָ֥ר
רָֽע
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֵצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מַחֲנֶ֖ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֹיְבֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/נִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:10
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תֵצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
מַחֲנֶ֖ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֹיְבֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/נִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:10
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:10
Context — Uncleanness in the Camp
8The third generation of children born to them may enter the assembly of the LORD.
9When you are encamped against your enemies, then you shall keep yourself from every wicked thing.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 15:16 | When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean until evening. |
| 2 | Numbers 5:2–3 | “Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, and anyone who is defiled by a dead body. You must send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 5:11–13 | But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” |
Deuteronomy 23:10 Summary
[This verse is saying that if a man had a nocturnal emission, he had to leave the camp where the Israelites were living and stay outside until he was clean again. This was because the Israelites were supposed to be a holy people, set apart for God, and anything that made them unclean had to be dealt with. This rule was part of the Old Covenant, but it still teaches us today about the importance of living a pure and holy life, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16. By following God's rules and seeking His purification, we can live in a way that honors Him and reflects our love for Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a nocturnal emission make someone unclean in the Bible?
In the Bible, a nocturnal emission was considered a form of uncleanness because it involved the loss of bodily fluids, which were associated with life and purity, as seen in Leviticus 15:16. This is why the man had to leave the camp and purify himself before returning.
Is this rule still applicable to Christians today?
While this specific rule was given to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, the principle of maintaining personal purity and holiness is still relevant for Christians today, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7. However, the specific regulations regarding uncleanness are no longer binding under the New Covenant.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse shows that God is a holy God who desires His people to be set apart and consecrated to Him, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45. He is concerned with the smallest details of our lives and desires us to live in a way that honors Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and guilt?
This verse highlights the idea that sin and uncleanness can separate us from God's presence and the community of believers, as seen in Isaiah 59:2. However, it also points to the possibility of restoration and cleansing, as seen in the provision for the man to wash and return to the camp in the evening.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be unknowingly living in a state of 'uncleanness' before God, and how can I seek His purification and restoration?
- How can I balance the need for personal purity and holiness with the reality of my own weaknesses and failures?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of self-control and self-awareness in my walk with God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of separating myself from 'every wicked thing' in my own life, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:9?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:10
If there be among you any man that is not clean,.... Any unclean person in the army, that was even ceremonially unclean in any of the instances the law makes so, one of which put for the rest is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:10
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 23:10
Of which uncleanness see ,16,17; or by uncleanness of any like kind; one kind being here, as oft, put for all. He shall go out of the camp. Quest. Why doth this uncleanness oblige a man to go out of the camp, when it did not oblige him to such a removal, Leviticus 15? Answ. 1. It is not unreasonable if they were obliged to greater strictness and purity when they were undertaking so difficult and dangerous a work. 2. There is a manifest reason of the difference, because in their houses they had private chambers, where they could in such cases keep themselves from converse with others; whereas in the camp their conveniencies were so small, and their occasions of action so many, that it was very hard for his fellow soldiers that continued with him in the same tent, or part of the camp, to avoid the touching of him, which yet was infectious, ,22.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:10
Deuteronomy 23:10 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:Ver. 10. Then shall he go abroad.] Go voluntarily, though he be not excluded, as lepers and the like were, Arcta nimis obedientia est, ad legem solummodo iustum esse, saith one: God likes a freewill offering.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:10
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 23:10
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.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Anabaptist History (Day 11) the Birth of the Amish by Dean Taylor | This sermon delves into the historical context of the Anabaptist movement in Emmental Valley, focusing on the division that led to the Amish community's formation. It explores the |
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-04 1 Cor 4:14-5:7 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the issue of the Corinthians becoming followers of men and forming parties around favorite preachers. The preacher emphasizes the importance |
|
The Power of the Cross - (Part 3) by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the pastor tells a story about a woman who was too busy to clean her house. The pastor confronts her and tells her that the reason she is dirty is because she hates |
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How to Form a House Church and When by Edgar Reich | This sermon discusses the formation of house churches and the circumstances under which one should consider starting a house church, emphasizing the importance of being able to rec |
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Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 1 by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson addresses the controversial topic of alcohol consumption among Christians, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards social drinking within the church. He emphasi |
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The Nature and End of Excommunication by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the nature and purpose of excommunication based on 1 Corinthians 5:11, emphasizing the duty of the church to maintain purity by casting out visibly wic |
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Anabaptists and the Bible by John Christian Wenger | John Christian Wenger delves into the foundational Christian doctrines upheld by the original Anabaptists of Switzerland, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to the Apostles' C |