Deuteronomy 23:3
Deuteronomy 23:3 in Multiple Translations
No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation.
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even to the tenth generation shall none belonging to them enter into the assembly of Jehovah for ever:
No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their people to the tenth generation may come into the meeting of the Lord's people:
No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants are allowed to enter the Lord's sanctuary, up to the tenth generation.
The Ammonites and the Moabites shall not enter into the Congregation of the Lord: euen to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the Congregation of the Lord for euer,
'An Ammonite and a Moabite doth not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even a tenth generation of them doth not enter into the assembly of Jehovah — to the age;
An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the LORD’s assembly; even to the tenth generation shall no one belonging to them enter into the LORD’s assembly forever,
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
The Ammonite and the Moabite, even after the tenth generation shall not enter into the church of the Lord for ever:
“No one from the Ammon or Moab people-groups shall be ◄included as one of/allowed to worship with► Yahweh’s people, extending to the tenth generation.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:3
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 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
יָבֹ֥א
מַמְזֵ֖ר
בִּ/קְהַ֣ל
יְהוָ֑ה
גַּ֚ם
דּ֣וֹר
עֲשִׂירִ֔י
לֹא
יָ֥בֹא
ל֖/וֹ
בִּ/קְהַ֥ל
יְהוָֽה
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מַמְזֵ֖ר
mamzêr
H4464
bastard
N-ms
בִּ/קְהַ֣ל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
דּ֣וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
N-ms
עֲשִׂירִ֔י
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
tenth
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָ֥בֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
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 23:3
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.
יָבֹ֥א
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.
מַמְזֵ֖ר
mamzêr
H4464
"bastard"
N-ms
In biblical times, this word described a child born to a Jewish parent and a non-Jewish parent, or a child born out of wedlock. The concept is discussed in books like Deuteronomy and Zechariah, highlighting the importance of following God's laws regarding marriage and family.
Definition: 1) bastard, child of incest, illegitimate child 1a) bastard 1b) mixed population (fig.) 1c) born of a Jewish father and a heathen mother or visa versa
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bastard. See also: Deuteronomy 23:3; Zechariah 9:6.
בִּ/קְהַ֣ל
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.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
דּ֣וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
עֲשִׂירִ֔י
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
"tenth"
Adj
The Hebrew word for 'tenth' is used to describe a tenth part of something, like a tenth of one's income. It can also refer to the tenth month of the year. In English Bibles, it is often translated as 'tenth' or 'tenth part'.
Definition: 1) ordinal number 1a) a tenth
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part). See also: Genesis 8:5; 1 Chronicles 25:17; Isaiah 6:13.
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.
יָ֥בֹא
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.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
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 23:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:3
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. 5Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 13:1–2 | At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). |
| 2 | Nehemiah 13:23 | In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. |
| 3 | Ruth 4:6 | The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 56:3 | Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.” |
| 5 | Nehemiah 4:3 | Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!” |
| 6 | Ruth 4:10–22 | Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” “We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem. And may your house become like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the LORD will give you by this young woman.” So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And when he had relations with her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel. He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” And Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became a nurse to him. The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David. Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron was the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, Nahshon was the father of Salmon, Salmon was the father of Boaz, Boaz was the father of Obed, Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 4:7 | When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, |
Deuteronomy 23:3 Summary
This verse is saying that the Ammonites and Moabites, and their descendants, were not allowed to join the community of believers because of their past actions. They had not shown kindness to the Israelites when they were in need, and had even tried to curse them, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:4-5. This teaches us the importance of showing kindness and compassion to others, as seen in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:31-46. By showing love and kindness to those around us, we can demonstrate God's love and character, as seen in 1 John 4:7-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Ammonites and Moabites excluded from the assembly of the Lord?
The Ammonites and Moabites were excluded because they did not show kindness to the Israelites when they were coming out of Egypt, and they even hired Balaam to curse them, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:4-5, but God turned the curse into a blessing, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:5 and referenced in Numbers 22-24.
What does 'the assembly of the Lord' mean in this verse?
The assembly of the Lord refers to the community of believers, the congregation of Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:1-8, and later in the New Testament, it refers to the church, as seen in Hebrews 12:23, where it is called the 'assembly of the firstborn'.
Is this rule still applicable today?
This specific rule about Ammonites and Moabites is part of the Old Testament law and is not directly applicable today, as seen in Romans 10:12 and Galatians 3:28, where it is stated that there is no distinction between different nations in Christ, and the wall of separation has been broken down, as seen in Ephesians 2:14-16.
What is the significance of 'even to the tenth generation'?
The phrase 'even to the tenth generation' emphasizes the severity of the exclusion, showing that the consequences of the Ammonites' and Moabites' actions would be long-lasting, as seen in Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 23:2, where similar language is used to describe the punishment for disobedience.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the Ammonites' and Moabites' actions about the importance of showing kindness to others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 6:27-36?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, demonstrate kindness and compassion to those around me, as seen in Galatians 6:10 and 1 John 3:17-18?
- What does this verse teach me about the long-term consequences of my actions, and how can I use this knowledge to make wise choices, as seen in Proverbs 22:1 and Ecclesiastes 3:15?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:3
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord,.... Or marry an Israelitish woman, as Jarchi, and so the Targum of Jonathan, "the male Ammonites and Moabites are not fit to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:3
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: Even to their tenth generation shall they not enter.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
This may be understood either, 1. Of the males only, or the children of such fathers, as interpreters commonly take it. Or rather, 2. Of females also, or of all that were born either of such fathers or mothers, as may be gathered from Ezra 10 Ne 13, where the children of strange wives were separated from Israel no less than the children of strange fathers. And it is an allowed maxim, that the birth follows the belly. And whereas the children of Rahab and Ruth are produced to the contrary, it may be said as it was before, that these were extraordinary instances, and that God when he pleased might exempt any particular person of them from this curse, though the Israelites might not do so. For ever; so it seems to note the immutability and perpetuity of this law, that it should be inviolably observed in all succeeding ages, and not dispensed with for any merit in the persons, or any pretence whatsoever. But why then should this clause be added only here, seeing the foregoing laws are as inviolable as this? It seems therefore to extend the duration of this exclusion of them from the congregation of the Lord beyond what was said at first, and to be added by way of aggravation, even to their tenth generation shall they not enter— yea, even for ever, i.e. they shall never enter, as it is expressed, without any mention of the tenth generation, , that they shall not come into the congregation of God for ever.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
Deuteronomy 23:3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:Ver. 3. For ever,] i.e., This law is perpetual and indispensable; so highly displeasing are many mere omissions of duty. Omission of diet breeds diseases, brings death; so here.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
(3) An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter. According to Rashi, “shall not marry an Israelitish woman.” It must be remembered that the children, according to Jewish law, follow the father, not the mother. The case of Ruth would not, therefore, be touched by this precept.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
Verse 3. An Ammonite or Moabite] These nations were subjected for their impiety and wickedness, (see Deuteronomy 23:4; Deuteronomy 23:5), to peculiar disgrace, and on this account were not permitted to hold any office among the Israelites. But this did not disqualify them from being proselytes: Ruth, who was a Moabitess, was married to Boaz, and she became one of the progenitors of our Lord. Even to their tenth generation] That is, for ever, as the next clause explains; see Ne 13:1.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 23:3
This law forbids only the naturalization of those against whom it is directed. It does not forbid their dwelling in the land; and seems to refer rather to the nations than to individuals.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:3
3-6. An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter — Not as such. The case of Ruth shows they might on embracing Judaism.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Matthew 7:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6. He warns against the dangers of indiscri |
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The Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks discusses 'The Warfare', emphasizing the unique and intense spiritual conflict associated with fulfilling God's ultimate purpose. He illustrates this through the o |
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Notes on the Book of Ruth - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the importance of embracing the resurrection by faith and leaving behind the cursed land of Moab, symbolizing a life under judgment and hopelessness. T |
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Moab Exposed by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the arrival of the tilters and the impending arrival of Moab. He warns Tobiah to leave because his time is up and advises those who are not h |
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Chosen Vessel - What Is Revival? by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in the church. He refers to the story of Nehemiah, who was appointed as the governor to oversee the rebui |
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Why Is the House of God Forsaken by Steve Zehr | In this sermon on Nehemiah chapter 13, the preacher discusses four main points. The first point is about the importance of being disciplined and prioritizing the things that God wa |
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The Danger of Faltering and Failing by Michael Catt | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of faltering and failing in the Christian walk. He references the military's current struggles due to not doing their job the firs |