Deuteronomy 23:16
Deuteronomy 23:16 in Multiple Translations
Let him live among you wherever he chooses, in the town of his pleasing. Do not oppress him.
He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.
he shall dwell with thee, in the midst of thee, in the place which he shall choose within one of thy gates, where it pleaseth him best: thou shalt not oppress him.
Let him go on living among you in whatever place is most pleasing to him: do not be hard on him.
Let the slave live in your country wherever they want, in whatever town they want. Don't mistreat them.
He shall dwell with thee, euen among you, in what place he shall chuse, in one of thy cities where it liketh him best: thou shalt not vexe him.
with thee he doth dwell, in thy midst, in the place which he chooseth within one of thy gates, where it is pleasing to him; thou dost not oppress him.
He shall dwell with you, among you, in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases him best. You shall not oppress him.
He shall dwell with thee, even among you in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates where it pleaseth him best: thou shalt not oppress him.
He shall dwell with thee ill the place that shall please him, and shall rest, in one of thy cities: give him no trouble.
Allow them to stay/live among you, in whatever town they choose, and do not mistreat them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:16
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 23:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תַסְגִּ֥יר
עֶ֖בֶד
אֶל
אֲדֹנָ֑י/ו
אֲשֶׁר
יִנָּצֵ֥ל
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
מֵ/עִ֥ם
אֲדֹנָֽי/ו
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַסְגִּ֥יר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
עֶ֖בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲדֹנָ֑י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִנָּצֵ֥ל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מֵ/עִ֥ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep
אֲדֹנָֽי/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | 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 23:16
לֹא
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.
תַסְגִּ֥יר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
עֶ֖בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲדֹנָ֑י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִנָּצֵ֥ל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֵ/עִ֥ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֲדֹנָֽי/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:16
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:16
Context — Miscellaneous Laws
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.
17No daughter or son of Israel is to be a shrine prostitute. 18You must not bring the wages of a prostitute, whether female or male, into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:21 | You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 2 | Zechariah 7:10 | Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ |
| 3 | Jeremiah 7:6 | if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, |
| 4 | James 2:6 | But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? |
| 5 | Titus 3:2–3 | to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone. For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. |
| 6 | Isaiah 16:3–4 | “Give us counsel; render a decision. Shelter us at noonday with shade as dark as night. Hide the refugees; do not betray the one who flees. Let my fugitives stay with you; be a refuge for Moab from the destroyer.” When the oppressor has gone, destruction has ceased, and the oppressors have vanished from the land, |
| 7 | Exodus 23:9 | Do not oppress a foreign resident, since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. |
| 8 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 9 | Luke 15:15–24 | So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death! I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. |
Deuteronomy 23:16 Summary
[Deuteronomy 23:16 is a verse about treating people with kindness and respect, especially those who are vulnerable or in need. It says that if a slave escapes from their master and comes to live among the Israelites, they should be allowed to live freely and choose their own place of residence. This verse teaches us to treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances, just like we would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). By following this principle, we can create a more loving and compassionate community, where everyone is valued and respected.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'live among you wherever he chooses' in Deuteronomy 23:16?
This phrase refers to a slave who has escaped from their master and is seeking refuge among the Israelites, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:15. According to this verse, such a person is allowed to live freely among the Israelites, choosing their own place of residence, as long as they are not oppressed or mistreated.
How does this verse relate to the concept of freedom and slavery in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 23:16 highlights the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. This principle is also reflected in other Bible verses, such as Exodus 21:16 and Leviticus 25:10, which emphasize the value of human freedom and the need to protect the vulnerable.
What does it mean to 'not oppress him' in this context?
To 'not oppress him' means to not take advantage of or exploit the escaped slave, but rather to treat them with kindness, respect, and fairness, as commanded in Leviticus 19:33-34 and Exodus 22:21. This includes providing for their physical and emotional needs, and ensuring they are not mistreated or abused in any way.
How can we apply the principles of Deuteronomy 23:16 to our lives today?
We can apply the principles of this verse by treating all people with love, respect, and compassion, regardless of their background or circumstances, as taught in Matthew 25:40 and Galatians 3:28. This includes being mindful of the needs of the vulnerable and marginalized in our communities, and advocating for their rights and dignity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate love and respect to those who may be marginalized or oppressed in my community?
- How can I ensure that I am treating all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principles of Deuteronomy 23:16 to my relationships with others?
- How can I balance the need to provide for the physical and emotional needs of others with the need to respect their autonomy and freedom?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:16
He shall dwell in thee, [even] among you,.... This seems to confirm the sense of it, being a stranger, a: proselyte servant that is here spoken of, since the law provides for his dwelling among the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:16
Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee: Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped - evidently a servant of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:16
Taking advantage from his low and afflicted condition to be unreasonable or injurious to him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:16
Deuteronomy 23:15-16.—.Thou shalt not deliver . . . the servant.—Even on Israelitish ground the escaped slave was free. Rashi adds, “Even a Canaanitish slave who has escaped from abroad into the land of Israel.”
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:16
15, 16. The servant which is escaped — The fugitive from oppression was to be received. A slave who had fled from a heathen master was not to be sent back into bondage.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Warfare of Suffering Brothers by Russell Moore | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting an orphanage and adopting two boys. He describes the terrible conditions of the orphanage and the fear and horr |
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Are You Known for Being Reasonable and Gentle by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings | This sermon emphasizes the importance of embodying gentleness, reasonableness, and humility in our interactions with others, both within the church and in the world. It highlights |
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The Apostate's Lifestyle by J.B. Buffington | J.B. Buffington preaches on the dangers of apostasy and the characteristics of false teachers as outlined in 2 Peter 2:10-16. He emphasizes how these apostates walk after the flesh |
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Evil-Speaking by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the divine command to 'speak evil of no man' as outlined in Titus 3:2, warning that failing to adhere to this command leads to numerous spiritual ev |
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On Christian Conversation by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of Christian conversation, emphasizing the need for speech filled with love, humility, and purity as outlined in the Scriptures. He highligh |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hindrances and the revelation of the man of sin. He references Revelation chapter 4, where he sees the church being taken up i |
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Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being detached from worldly attractions and desires in order to serve God effectively. He uses the example of Moses, who h |