Deuteronomy 23:14
Deuteronomy 23:14 in Multiple Translations
For 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.
For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
for Jehovah thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy, that he may not see an unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
For the Lord your God is walking among your tents, to keep you safe and to give up into your hands those who are fighting against you; then let your tents be holy, so that he may see no unclean thing among you, and be turned away from you.
The Lord your God is present with you in your camp to keep you safe and to defeat your enemies. Your camp must be kept holy, because if he sees anything unclean among you, he will leave you.
For the Lord thy God walketh in the mids of thy campe to deliuer thee, and to giue thee thine enemies before thee: therefore thine hoste shalbe holy, that he see no filthie thing in thee and turne away from thee.
for Jehovah thy God is walking up and down in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give thine enemies before thee, and thy camp hath been holy, and He doth not see in thee the nakedness of anything, and hath turned back from after thee.
for the LORD your God walks in the middle of your camp, to deliver you, and to give up your enemies before you. Therefore your camp shall be holy, that he may not see an unclean thing in you, and turn away from you.
For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thy enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he may see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
That which thou art eased of: (for the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thy enemies to thee:) and let thy camp be holy, and let no uncleanness appear therein, lest he go away from thee.
You must keep the camp acceptable to Yahweh our God, because he is with you in your camp to protect you and to enable you to defeat your enemies. Do not do anything disgraceful/indecent that would cause Yahweh to abandon you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:14
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 23:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יָתֵ֛ד
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
לְ/ךָ֖
עַל
אֲזֵנֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/הָיָה֙
בְּ/שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֣
ח֔וּץ
וְ/חָפַרְתָּ֣ה
בָ֔/הּ
וְ/שַׁבְתָּ֖
וְ/כִסִּ֥יתָ
אֶת
צֵאָתֶֽ/ךָ
וְ/יָתֵ֛ד
yâthêd
H3489
peg
Conj | N-fs
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֲזֵנֶ֑/ךָ
ʼâzên
H240
weapon
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְּ/שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֣
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
ח֔וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
N-ms
וְ/חָפַרְתָּ֣ה
châphar
H2658
to search
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בָ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
וְ/שַׁבְתָּ֖
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
וְ/כִסִּ֥יתָ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֵאָתֶֽ/ךָ
tsâʼâh
H6627
excrement
N-fs | Suff
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 23:14
וְ/יָתֵ֛ד
yâthêd
H3489
"peg"
Conj | N-fs
A peg or nail is a small, pointed piece of metal used to hold things together, like the pegs used in the tabernacle in Exodus.
Definition: 1) pin, stake, peg, nail 1a) pin, peg, tent pin, tent stake 1b) nail, pin (fig.) 1c) pin (used in weaving)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: nail, paddle, pin, stake. See also: Exodus 27:19; Judges 4:22; Isaiah 22:23.
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
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/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
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.
אֲזֵנֶ֑/ךָ
ʼâzên
H240
"weapon"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a tool or implement, often translated as a weapon, like a spade or paddle with a broad end. It is used to describe various objects in the Bible. The KJV translates it as 'weapon'.
Definition: tools, implements, weapons
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: weapon. See also: Deuteronomy 23:14.
וְ/הָיָה֙
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.
בְּ/שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֣
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
ח֔וּץ
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.
וְ/חָפַרְתָּ֣ה
châphar
H2658
"to search"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word châphar means to search or dig, often used to describe seeking something deeply. In Psalm 139:1, David asks God to search him, knowing God already knows everything. It implies a thorough examination.
Definition: 1) to dig, search for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dig 1a2) to search, search out, explore
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dig, paw, search out, seek. See also: Genesis 21:30; Deuteronomy 23:14; Psalms 7:16.
בָ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/שַׁבְתָּ֖
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וְ/כִסִּ֥יתָ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֵאָתֶֽ/ךָ
tsâʼâh
H6627
"excrement"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to human waste or excrement, and is used to describe something that is filthy or unclean. It is used in a few places in the Bible to convey a sense of disgust or impurity.
Definition: filth, human excrement, excrement, faeces
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: that (which) cometh from (out). See also: Deuteronomy 23:14; Ezekiel 4:12.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:14
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:14
Context — Uncleanness in 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. 16Let him live among you wherever he chooses, in the town of his pleasing. Do not oppress him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:1 | When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:12 | I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 6:16 | What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” |
| 4 | Exodus 3:5 | “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” |
Deuteronomy 23:14 Summary
[Deuteronomy 23:14 reminds us that God is always with us and wants to protect and bless us, but He cannot tolerate sin or uncleanliness in our lives. This means we must strive to maintain moral and spiritual purity, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7. We can do this by confessing and repenting of our sins, and seeking to live according to God's standards, as outlined in Psalm 119:9-11. By doing so, we can experience God's presence and blessing in our lives, and live in a way that is pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to 'walk throughout your camp' in Deuteronomy 23:14?
This phrase indicates God's presence and care for His people, as seen in Exodus 33:14-15 where God promises to go with the Israelites and give them rest. It emphasizes God's active involvement in the lives of His people.
Why is it important for the camp to be holy in Deuteronomy 23:14?
The camp must be holy because God is present among His people, and He cannot tolerate sin or uncleanliness, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45. This requires the people to maintain a high standard of moral and ceremonial purity.
What happens if the Lord sees anything unclean among His people in Deuteronomy 23:14?
If the Lord sees anything unclean among His people, He will turn away from them, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:14. This is consistent with the warning in Psalm 66:18, which says that God will not hear the prayers of those who cherish sin in their hearts.
How can we apply the principle of maintaining a holy camp in our personal lives today?
We can apply this principle by recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and striving to maintain moral and spiritual purity in our thoughts, words, and actions, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in my life, as described in Deuteronomy 23:14?
- How can I ensure that my heart and life are holy and pleasing to God, so that He will not turn away from me?
- What are some potential 'unclean' things in my life that I need to confess and repent of, in order to maintain a right relationship with God?
- In what ways can I serve as a 'holy' influence in my family, community, or church, and how can I promote a culture of purity and righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:14
For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp,.... In the tabernacle, which moved when the host marched after the camps of Judah and Reuben, and before those of Ephraim and Dan, in the midst
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:14
For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:14
In the midst of thy camp; either because the ark was commonly present with them, or at least some of the holy instruments, which were pledges of God’ s presence; or because God had promised to go forth with them when they engaged in a just and necessary war.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:14
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 23:14
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 23:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Epistle 379 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's spiritual life while engaging in outward missions, particularly in America. He encourages his friends to cultivate their hea |
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Comfort for the Church by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always |
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Protection From Backslidding by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and avoiding backsliding. He highlights three key actions that must be consciously and deliberately done t |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omnipotence of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three propositions about God's power. The first proposition is that God has power, which is evident in the creation of the world. The preache |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of faith and its application in the work of the Lord. He refers to various passages from the Bible, including Genesis, Romans, an |
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God's Covenant With Man by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the sounding of the trumpets. He describes the darkening of the sun, |
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Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |