King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 23:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 23:2 in the King James Version says “A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the co...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.”

Deuteronomy 23:2 · KJV

Context

1

He that is wounded in the stones , or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.

2

A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.

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:

4

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.

The Hebrew word mamzer (מַמְזֵר) traditionally translated 'bastard' specifically denotes a child born from an incestuous or adulterous union forbidden by Leviticus 18, not merely illegitimate birth. This narrow definition distinguished between children born to unmarried parents and those conceived through relationships that violated divine law. The exclusion extended to the tenth generation, effectively meaning permanent exclusion, as 'ten' often symbolizes completeness in Hebrew thought.

This severe restriction served multiple purposes: (1) it reinforced the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity within the covenant community; (2) it deterred heinous sexual sins by extending consequences to offspring; (3) it maintained the genealogical integrity essential for Israel's tribal land inheritance and messianic lineage; (4) it distinguished Israel's sexual ethics from Canaanite practices that accepted incest and cultic prostitution.

Yet Scripture repeatedly demonstrates God's redemptive grace overcoming these barriers. Rahab the Canaanite prostitute, Ruth the Moabitess (also excluded by v. 3), and Bathsheba (David's adulteress) all appear in Christ's genealogy (Matthew 1). The law's severity highlighted sin's devastating consequences while God's grace revealed that no ancestry disqualifies those whom Christ redeems. The New Covenant removes all genealogical barriers: 'There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, legitimacy and genealogical purity carried enormous social, legal, and religious significance. Inheritance rights, tribal membership, land ownership, and social standing depended on demonstrable lineage. Unlike surrounding cultures where temple prostitution was accepted and its offspring had recognized status in religious systems, Israel's law created clear boundaries.

Canaanite religion incorporated sacred prostitution in Baal and Asherah worship, producing children who were considered dedicated to these deities. Mesopotamian law codes like Hammurabi's addressed inheritance rights for children of concubines and secondary wives, showing complex attitudes toward legitimacy. Israel's stricter standard reflected Yahweh's covenant demands for holiness that extended beyond the individual to community purity.

The historical context also included Israel's identity as God's chosen nation with specific covenant promises tied to lineal descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Maintaining genealogical integrity was essential for fulfilling these promises. However, the law's tenth-generation limit (unlike the eternal exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites in v. 3) suggested potential restoration, pointing toward God's ultimate redemptive purposes that transcend ethnic and genealogical boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's genealogy, which includes those who would have been excluded under this law, demonstrate the gospel's radical grace?
  2. What does this law teach about the far-reaching consequences of sexual sin beyond the individuals directly involved?
  3. How should Christians balance upholding God's standards for sexual purity while extending grace to those affected by others' sins?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֹֽא1 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָ֥בֹא2 of 13

“shall he not enter”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מַמְזֵ֖ר3 of 13

“A bastard”

H4464

a mongrel, i.e., born of a jewish father and a heathen mother

בִּקְהַ֥ל4 of 13

“into the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

יְהוָֽה׃5 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

גַּ֚ם6 of 13
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

דּ֣וֹר7 of 13

“generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

עֲשִׂירִ֔י8 of 13

“even to his tenth”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

לֹא9 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָ֥בֹא10 of 13

“shall he not enter”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

ל֖וֹ11 of 13
H0
בִּקְהַ֥ל12 of 13

“into the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

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 23:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 23:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 9:6Isaiah 57:3Hebrews 12:8John 8:41

Test Your Knowledge

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