Deuteronomy 23:6
Deuteronomy 23:6 in Multiple Translations
You are not to seek peace or prosperity from them as long as you live.
Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
Do nothing for their peace or well-being for ever.
Don't arrange a peace treaty with them or help them out as long as you live.
Thou shalt not seeke their peace nor their prosperitie all thy dayes for euer.
thou dost not seek their peace and their good all thy days — to the age.
You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever.
Thou shalt not seek their peace, nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
Thou shalt not make peace with them, neither shalt thou seek their prosperity all the days of thy life for ever.
As long as Israel is a nation, you must not do anything to cause things to go well for those two people-groups or enable them to prosper.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:6
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 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
אָבָ֞ה
יְהוָ֤ה
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֔ם
וַ/יַּהֲפֹךְ֩
יְהוָ֨ה
אֱלֹהֶ֧י/ךָ
לְּ/ךָ֛
אֶת
הַ/קְּלָלָ֖ה
לִ/בְרָכָ֑ה
כִּ֥י
אֲהֵֽבְ/ךָ֖
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָבָ֞ה
ʼâbâh
H14
be willing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יַּהֲפֹךְ֩
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֨ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֧י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
לְּ/ךָ֛
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/קְּלָלָ֖ה
qᵉlâlâh
H7045
curse
Art | N-fs
לִ/בְרָכָ֑ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
Prep | N-fs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲהֵֽבְ/ךָ֖
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
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 23:6
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
אָבָ֞ה
ʼâbâh
H14
"be willing"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
יְהוָ֤ה
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.
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
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.
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יַּהֲפֹךְ֩
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
יְהוָ֨ה
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.
אֱלֹהֶ֧י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לְּ/ךָ֛
""
Prep | Suff
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.
הַ/קְּלָלָ֖ה
qᵉlâlâh
H7045
"curse"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a curse, which is a wish for harm or evil to come to someone. It is used in many places, including the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Curses were taken seriously in biblical times.
Definition: curse, vilification, execration
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: (ac-) curse(-d, -ing). See also: Genesis 27:12; 1 Kings 2:8; Psalms 109:17.
לִ/בְרָכָ֑ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
כִּ֥י
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.
אֲהֵֽבְ/ךָ֖
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
יְהוָ֥ה
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.
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:6
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 23:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:6
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:6
Context — Exclusion from the Congregation
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.
6You are not to seek peace or prosperity from them as long as you live.
7Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land. 8The third generation of children born to them may enter the assembly of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 9:12 | Now, therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and may eat the good things of the land, leaving it as an inheritance to your sons forever.’ |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 12:31 | David brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them work at the brick kilns. He did the same to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all his troops returned to Jerusalem. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 13:23–25 | In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 8:2 | David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. |
Deuteronomy 23:6 Summary
[This verse means that the Israelites were not to try to make friends or get benefits from the Moabites and other nations that had been mean to them, because these nations had tried to hurt them in the past, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:4. Instead, the Israelites were to trust in God and seek their prosperity and protection from Him, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. This reminds us to be careful about who we trust and to prioritize our relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 6:33. By doing so, we can experience God's blessings and peace, even in difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Israelites commanded not to seek peace or prosperity from certain nations?
This command is given because these nations, such as the Moabites, did not show kindness to the Israelites when they needed it, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:4, and instead tried to curse them, but God turned the curse into a blessing, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:5.
Does this verse mean that we should never try to be at peace with our enemies?
While Deuteronomy 23:6 warns against seeking peace or prosperity from those who have shown hostility, other scriptures like Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:44 encourage us to seek peace and love our enemies, showing that the command is specific to the nations mentioned in the context.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with unbelievers or those who oppose God?
This verse serves as a reminder to be cautious in our relationships with those who may oppose God or have shown hostility towards His people, and to prioritize our relationship with God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, while still being called to love and witness to them.
Is this command still applicable to believers today?
While the specific command in Deuteronomy 23:6 is given to the Israelites in their historical context, the principle of being discerning in our relationships and alliances, and prioritizing our loyalty to God, is still relevant for believers today, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and 1 John 2:15-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be seeking peace or prosperity from sources that are not God-honoring, and how can I adjust my priorities?
- How can I balance the command to love my enemies with the warning to be cautious in my relationships with those who oppose God?
- What are some ways in which God has turned curses into blessings in my own life, and how can I trust Him to do so in the future?
- In what ways can I demonstrate loyalty to God and prioritize my relationship with Him, even in the face of opposition or hostility from others?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:6
Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:6
Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:6
i.e. Make no contracts, either by marriages, or leagues, or commerce with them, but rather shalt constantly keep a jealous eye over them, as enemies who will watch every opportunity to insnare or disturb thee. This counsel was now the more necessary, because a great part of the Israelites lived beyond Jordan in the borders of those people, and therefore God sets up this wall of partition betwixt them, as well knowing the mischief of bad neighbours, and Israel’ s proneness to receive infection from them. Each particular Israelite is not hereby forbidden to perform any office of humanity to them, but the body of the nation are forbidden all friendly and familiar conversation with them.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:6
Deuteronomy 23:6 Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.Ver. 6. Thou shalt not seek their peace.] Or, Enter into confederacy with them; which when David did, he was basely abused in his ambassadors. Hannibal’ s hatred to the Romans is well known. Tyrone, 1567, so boiled in hatred against the English, that he named a castle that he built, Feoghnegal, that is, "the hatred of the English." Among those wild Irish, the fathers are said to inflict a heavy curse on all their posterity, if ever they should sow corn, build houses, or learn the English tongue. Camden’ s Elisab.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 23:6
i. e. “thou shalt not invite them robe on terms of amity with thee (compare Deuteronomy 20:10 ff), nor make their welfare thy care”: compare Ezra 9:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:6
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 23:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Bible Survey - Ezra by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebu |
|
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 |
|
The Message of Malachi by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan delivers a profound sermon on 'The Message of Malachi,' emphasizing God's unfailing love and the human tendency to fail in maintaining true relationships with Hi |