King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:3 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:3 in the King James Version says “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.”

Deuteronomy 7:3 · KJV

Context

1

When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;

2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

4

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

5

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. their images: Heb. their statues, or, pillars

Read Deuteronomy 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prohibition against intermarriage with pagan nations addresses covenant purity and spiritual protection. This wasn't racial prejudice but theological preservation—marriage creates the most intimate covenant bond, and spiritual unity is foundational (Amos 3:3, 'Can two walk together except they be agreed?'). The command recognizes marriage's formative power in shaping religious identity and practice. The New Testament maintains this principle, prohibiting believers from being 'unequally yoked' with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Marriage either strengthens or weakens covenant faithfulness. Paul's instruction (1 Corinthians 7:39, 'only in the Lord') applies the same wisdom to the new covenant community.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient marriage was primarily a family and tribal alliance, often involving political and religious integration. Marrying into Canaanite families would have required participation in their religious festivals, household gods, and cultural practices. Solomon's later marriages to foreign women provide tragic proof of this principle—'his wives turned away his heart after other gods' (1 Kings 11:4). Ezra and Nehemiah later enforced this command when returning exiles had intermarried with surrounding peoples, threatening covenant renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of spiritual unity in marriage apply to Christians today choosing a spouse?
  2. What other relationships or partnerships require similar spiritual discernment and boundaries?
  3. In what ways can intimate relationships with unbelievers compromise your witness and faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלֹ֥א1 of 11
H3808

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

תִתְחַתֵּ֖ן2 of 11

“Neither shalt thou make marriages”

H2859

to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage

בָּ֑ם3 of 11
H0
וּבִתּ֖וֹ4 of 11

“nor his daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לֹֽא5 of 11
H3808

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

תִתֵּ֣ן6 of 11

“thou shalt not give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִבְנֶֽךָ׃7 of 11

“unto his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבִתּ֖וֹ8 of 11

“nor his daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לֹֽא9 of 11
H3808

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

תִקַּ֥ח10 of 11

“shalt thou take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לִבְנֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“unto his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

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 7:3 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 7:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 11:2Joshua 23:12-13Exodus 34:15-162 Corinthians 6:14-17Nehemiah 13:23-27Judges 3:6-7

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