King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 23:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 23:7 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger i...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.”

Deuteronomy 23:7 · KJV

Context

5

Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

6

Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever. prosperity: Heb. good

7

Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

8

The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation.

9

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

Read Deuteronomy 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

This verse presents a striking contrast with the prohibition against Ammonites and Moabites (vv. 3-6). Despite Edom's often hostile relationship with Israel, they were to be treated differently because of kinship—'he is thy brother.' Edom descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother, making Edomites close relatives (Genesis 25-36). The Hebrew lo te'avev (לֹא תְתַעֵב, 'thou shalt not abhor') uses a strong term for abomination, commanding Israel to avoid the visceral disgust they might naturally feel toward hostile neighbors.

Even more remarkable is the command concerning Egyptians. Despite Egypt's brutal enslavement of Israel for generations, they were not to be abhorred 'because thou wast a stranger in his land.' This recalls that Egypt initially welcomed Jacob's family during famine, providing refuge and sustenance (Genesis 46-47). God commanded Israel to remember hospitality received, not just oppression endured. This principle of measured response and historical perspective countered the human tendency toward perpetual grudge-holding.

Theologically, this demonstrates that God's judgments are discriminating, not arbitrary. Different sins receive different responses. Edom's kinship and Egypt's initial hospitality warranted more lenient treatment than Moab's cursing and Ammon's hostility. This nuanced approach reveals God's justice tempered with mercy, His sovereignty in making distinctions, and His concern that His people respond to enemies with proportional rather than indiscriminate hatred. The law cultivated both discernment and restraint in Israel's relationship with surrounding nations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Edom's relationship with Israel was perpetually conflicted. Despite their shared ancestry through Isaac, Edom refused Israel passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21), leading to ongoing tensions. Throughout Israel's monarchy, relations alternated between subjugation (2 Samuel 8:14), rebellion (2 Kings 8:20-22), and outright hostility. Edom's celebration of Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC provoked prophetic condemnation (Obadiah, Psalm 137:7, Lamentations 4:21-22). Yet this law commanded restraint even toward such a troublesome brother.

Egypt's dual role in Israel's history complicated their relationship. The Exodus narrative emphasizes Egyptian oppression and God's judgment through the ten plagues. However, earlier history recorded Egypt's provision during Joseph's administration (Genesis 41-47) and initial welcome of Jacob's family. Archaeological evidence confirms significant Semitic populations in Egypt's Delta region during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, consistent with biblical accounts. Egypt remained a major power throughout Israel's monarchical period, alternately threatening and offering alliance.

The command's historical wisdom became evident in later periods. During various crises, Israel sought Egyptian help (Isaiah 30-31) and Edomite alliances, despite prophetic warnings. The law's nuanced approach—neither unconditional friendship nor perpetual enmity—provided flexibility for necessary diplomatic relations while maintaining distinct covenant identity. This balanced foreign policy recognized the complexity of international relations while upholding theological priorities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this command to avoid abhorring Edomites and Egyptians shape a biblical understanding of how to treat hostile groups?
  2. What does this law teach about remembering both kindnesses and injustices from our past when relating to others?
  3. How do Christians balance legitimate opposition to evil with the command to love enemies and avoid sinful hatred?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֹֽא1 of 13
H3808

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

תְתַעֵ֣ב2 of 13

“Thou shalt not abhor”

H8581

to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest

אֲדֹמִ֔י3 of 13

“an Edomite”

H130

an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom

כִּ֥י4 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָחִ֖יךָ5 of 13

“for he is thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

ה֑וּא6 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹֽא7 of 13
H3808

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

תְתַעֵ֣ב8 of 13

“Thou shalt not abhor”

H8581

to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest

מִצְרִ֔י9 of 13

“an Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

כִּי10 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גֵ֖ר11 of 13

“because thou wast a stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

הָיִ֥יתָ12 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְאַרְצֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“in his land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 23:7 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 23:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:21Deuteronomy 10:19Leviticus 19:34Exodus 23:9Genesis 25:24-26Numbers 20:14

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