King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 23:11 Mean?

“But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again. cometh: Heb. turneth toward”

Context

When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.

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:

But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again. cometh: Heb. turneth toward

Thou shalt have a place also without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad:

And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee: wilt: Heb. sittest down

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-17. if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee--**If they declined to avail themselves of the privilege of release and chose to remain with their master, then by a peculiar form of ceremony they became a party to the transaction, voluntarily sold themselves to their employer, and continued in his service till death.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 23:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.