Deuteronomy 23:2
New International Version
No one born of a forbidden marriage nor any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, not even in the tenth generation.

New Living Translation
“If a person is illegitimate by birth, neither he nor his descendants for ten generations may be admitted to the assembly of the LORD.

English Standard Version
“No one born of a forbidden union may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“One of illegitimate birth shall not enter the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, may enter the assembly of the LORD.

NASB 1995
“No one of illegitimate birth shall enter the assembly of the LORD; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, shall enter the assembly of the LORD.

NASB 1977
“No one of illegitimate birth shall enter the assembly of the LORD; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, shall enter the assembly of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
No one of illegitimate birth shall enter the assembly of Yahweh; even to the tenth generation, none of his seed shall enter the assembly of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
A person of illegitimate birth shall not enter the assembly of the LORD; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation.

Christian Standard Bible
No one of illegitimate birth may enter the LORD’s assembly; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, may enter the LORD’s assembly.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
No one of illegitimate birth may enter the LORD’s assembly; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, may enter the LORD’s assembly.

American Standard Version
A bastard shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even to the tenth generation shall none of his enter into the assembly of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
No one born outside of a legal marriage, or any of their descendants for ten generations, can fully belong to the LORD's people.

English Revised Version
A bastard shall not enter into the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation shall none of his enter into the assembly of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A man born from an illicit union may not join the assembly of the LORD. No descendant of his may join the assembly of the LORD for ten generations.

Good News Translation
"No one born out of wedlock or any descendant of such a person, even in the tenth generation, may be included among the LORD's people.

International Standard Version
Furthermore, no one born due to an illicit sexual relationship may participate in the assembly of the LORD, including his descendants to the tenth generation.

Majority Standard Bible
No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation.

NET Bible
A person of illegitimate birth may not enter the assembly of the LORD; to the tenth generation no one related to him may do so.

New Heart English Bible
No one of illegitimate birth shall enter into the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation shall none of his enter into the assembly of the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
A person born of a forbidden union shall not enter into Yahweh’s assembly; even to the tenth generation shall no one of his enter into Yahweh’s assembly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
a bastard does not enter into the assembly of YHWH; even a tenth generation of him does not enter into the assembly of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
a bastard doth not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even a tenth generation of him doth not enter into the assembly of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
The corrupted shall not come in to the gathering of Jehovah; also the tenth generation to him shall not come into the gathering of Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A mamzer, that is to say, one born of a prostitute, shall not enter into the church of the Lord, until the tenth generation.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The offspring of a harlot, that is, one born of a prostitute, shall not enter into the church of the Lord, until the tenth generation.

New American Bible
No one born of an illicit union may come into the assembly of the LORD, nor any descendant of such even to the tenth generation may come into the assembly of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Those born of an illicit union shall not be admitted to the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of their descendants shall be admitted to the assembly of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Neither shall a bastard enter into the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation, his descendants shall not enter into the assembly of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a son of adultery shall not enter the assembly of LORD JEHOVAH, also not for ten generations shall he enter the assembly of LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A bastard shall not enter into the assembly of the LORD; even to the tenth generation shall none of his enter into the assembly of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
One born of a harlot shall not enter into the assembly of the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Exclusion from the Congregation
1No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD. 2No one of illegitimate birth may enter the assembly of the LORD, nor may any of his descendants, even to the tenth generation. 3No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation.…

Cross References
Leviticus 21:17-21
“Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. / No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed; / no man who has a broken foot or hand, ...

Nehemiah 13:1-3
At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, / because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). / As soon as the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all of foreign descent.

Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Isaiah 56:3-5
Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree.” / For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— / I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

Ezekiel 44:9
This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Revelation 21:27
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

John 3:3-5
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Ephesians 2:12-13
remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

1 Peter 1:23
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

1 John 3:9
Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Isaiah 57:3
But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.

Zechariah 9:6
And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

John 8:41
Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

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Assembly Bastard Birth Born Congregation Descendants Enter Illegitimate Lord's Marriage Married Meeting Mother Tenth
Jump to Next
Assembly Bastard Birth Born Congregation Descendants Enter Illegitimate Lord's Marriage Married Meeting Mother Tenth
Deuteronomy 23
1. Who may or may not enter into the congregation
9. Uncleanness is to be avoided in the host
15. Of the fugitive servant
17. Of filthiness
18. Of abominable sacrifices
19. Of usury
20. Of vows
24. Of trespass














No one of illegitimate birth
This phrase refers to individuals born outside of lawful marriage, often considered a result of fornication or adultery. In ancient Israelite society, lineage and family heritage were crucial, and legitimacy was tied to inheritance rights and social standing. The term "illegitimate" could also encompass those born from unions forbidden by the Law, such as incestuous relationships. This reflects the importance of purity and order within the community, as seen in other parts of the Torah.

may enter the assembly of the LORD
The "assembly of the LORD" refers to the congregation of Israel, particularly in religious and civic gatherings. This exclusion from the assembly signifies a restriction from participating in the full religious and communal life of Israel. It underscores the holiness required to approach God and participate in His covenant community. This concept is echoed in other scriptures that emphasize purity and holiness, such as Leviticus 19:2.

nor may any of his descendants
This clause extends the restriction to the offspring of the illegitimate individual, highlighting the generational impact of sin and the importance of maintaining a holy lineage. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where the actions of one could affect many. This generational aspect is seen in other biblical contexts, such as the blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28.

even to the tenth generation
The number ten often symbolizes completeness or fullness in biblical numerology. This extensive prohibition emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining purity within the community. However, it also points to the possibility of eventual restoration and inclusion, as seen in the story of Ruth, a Moabite, whose descendant David became king. This foreshadows the inclusive nature of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, where all are invited into the assembly of believers regardless of their background.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, who delivered God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws were given.

3. The Assembly of the LORD
Refers to the congregation or community of Israel, particularly in a religious or worship context.

4. Illegitimate Birth
Refers to those born outside of lawful marriage, which in the context of ancient Israel, had significant social and religious implications.

5. Tenth Generation
A symbolic expression indicating a long-lasting exclusion, emphasizing the seriousness of the command.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Context
Recognize the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, where lineage and purity were crucial for maintaining the covenant community.

The Holiness of God
This law underscores the holiness of God and the need for purity among His people. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for a holy community.

Grace and Redemption
While the Old Testament law excluded certain individuals, the New Testament reveals God's grace through Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and inclusion to all, regardless of background.

Spiritual Rebirth
Emphasize the importance of spiritual rebirth in Christ, which transcends any earthly status or condition of birth, making us part of God's family.

Community and Inclusion
Encourage believers to reflect on how they can create inclusive communities that reflect the grace and love of Christ, welcoming all who seek Him.(2) A bastard shall not enter.--Such a person would not, even now, be circumcised by the Jews, or permitted to marry an Israelitish woman, or be buried with his people; therefore he was excluded from the covenant. It is manifest how efficacious would be the enforcement of this law also in preserving the purity of family life.

Verse 2. - A bastard; one born of a harlot; so the Hebrew word (מָמְזֶר), which occurs only here and in Zechariah 9:6, is said to mean; LXX., ἐκ πόρνης: Vulgate, de scorto natus; the Talmud and the rabbins represent the word as denoting one begotten in adultery or incest (Maimon., 'Issure Biah.,' c. 15. §§ 1, 2, 7, 9); so also the Syriac bar game, "son of adultery." To his tenth generation; i.e. forever, ten being the number of indefiniteness (cf. Genesis 31:7; Numbers 14:22; Job 19:3; Psalm 3:6, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
No
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

one of illegitimate birth
מַמְזֵ֖ר (mam·zêr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4464: A mongrel, born of a, Jewish father and a, heathen mother

may enter
יָבֹ֥א (yā·ḇō)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the assembly
בִּקְהַ֣ל (biq·hal)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6951: Assembly, convocation, congregation

of the LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

nor may any of his descendants,
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

even
גַּ֚ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

to the tenth
עֲשִׂירִ֔י (‘ă·śî·rî)
Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 6224: Tenth, tenth month, part

generation.
דּ֣וֹר (dō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 23:2 A bastard shall not enter into (Deut. De Du)
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