Deuteronomy 23:13

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt have a paddle {H3489} upon thy weapon {H240}; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease {H3427} thyself abroad {H2351}, thou shalt dig {H2658} therewith, and shalt turn back {H7725} and cover {H3680} that which cometh {H6627} from thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

You must include a trowel with your equipment, and when you relieve yourself, you are to dig a hole first and afterwards cover your excrement.

Berean Standard Bible

And you must have a digging tool in your equipment so that when you relieve yourself you can dig a hole and cover up your excrement.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt have a paddle among thy weapons; and it shall be, when thou sittest down abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:13 presents a practical yet profound command for the Israelite community, mandating that each individual carry a digging tool to properly bury human waste outside the camp. This seemingly mundane instruction reveals God's meticulous concern for the physical health, ritual purity, and overall holiness of His people, underscoring that even the most basic aspects of daily life were to reflect the covenant relationship and the sanctity required by His divine presence dwelling among them. It serves as a testament to God's comprehensive care, extending from spiritual matters to the most fundamental aspects of public health and communal order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 23 is situated within the larger legal corpus of Deuteronomy (chapters 12-26), often referred to as the Deuteronomic Code, which Moses delivers to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab before their entry into the Promised Land. This section of laws focuses on maintaining the purity and order of the Israelite assembly or "camp," particularly in preparation for their life in the land. The verses immediately preceding [Deuteronomy 23:13](/deuteronomy/23-13 "Deuteronomy 23:13 - Sanitation in the Camp") address various forms of ritual impurity that would necessitate temporary exclusion from the camp, such as nocturnal emissions ([Deuteronomy 23:10-11](/deuteronomy/23-10-11 "Deuteronomy 23:10-11 - Purity in the Camp")), thereby emphasizing the critical importance of a holy and undefiled environment where God's presence could reside. Crucially, the subsequent verse, [Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - God's Presence in the Camp"), provides the explicit theological rationale for the sanitation command, directly linking it to the divine presence walking in their midst.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, sophisticated sanitation practices were largely non-existent, and the lack of proper human waste disposal was a primary cause of widespread disease. For a large, concentrated population like the Israelites, whether in a nomadic camp or a settled community, this posed a significant public health challenge. The command in [Deuteronomy 23:13](/deuteronomy/23-13 "Deuteronomy 23:13 - Sanitation in the Camp") was, therefore, a revolutionary and remarkably advanced public health measure for its time, designed to prevent the rapid spread of debilitating and often fatal diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and typhoid. The "weapon" (Hebrew: *'âzên*, often translated as "spade" or "paddle") likely refers to an essential piece of equipment carried by every able-bodied man, whether a soldier's gear or a traveler's staff, indicating that this instruction was universal and mandatory for all within the community. The directive to go "abroad" (outside the camp) was vital to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the living areas, distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and holistic concern for the **holiness and purity** of His people, demonstrating that this concern extends beyond ritual or spiritual matters to encompass their physical environment. The explicit connection in [Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - God's Presence in the Camp")—"For the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp"—elevates hygiene to a sacred duty, reflecting God's desire for a consecrated space. Furthermore, it highlights God's practical **wisdom and foresight** in establishing laws that promote **public health and well-being**, a clear testament to His benevolent care for His creation and His covenant people. Finally, it underscores the theme of **communal responsibility and order**, where individual actions directly impact the collective welfare, reflecting the disciplined and set-apart life expected of a people chosen by God, a principle echoed in various other regulations concerning community life found in chapters like [Deuteronomy 22](/deuteronomy/22 "Deuteronomy 22 - Various Laws of Community Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Paddle (Hebrew, _yâthêd'_):** This word (H3489) refers to a peg, nail, or stake, but in this context, it specifically denotes a small shovel or spade. The KJV's "upon thy weapon" suggests it was to be carried as an integral part of one's essential gear, perhaps attached to military equipment or a walking staff, making it readily accessible for its prescribed use. This highlights the practical and ever-present nature of the command, emphasizing preparedness for maintaining camp hygiene.
* **Abroad (Hebrew, _chûwts'_):** This term (H2351), meaning "outside" or "outdoors," specifies the required location for defecation. The instruction to go "abroad" or "outside" the camp was crucial, as it prevented the contamination of the living areas and ensured that waste was deposited in a designated, separate space. This spatial separation was fundamental to maintaining both the physical cleanliness and the ritual purity of the Israelite community.
* **Cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This verb (H3680) means "to cover," "to conceal," or "to hide." In this context, it specifically mandates the burial of human waste. The command to "turn back and cover that which cometh from thee" emphasizes the thoroughness required, ensuring the waste is completely hidden from sight and protected from vectors of disease. This act of covering was essential for both public health and for maintaining the visual decency and sanctity of the camp in the presence of a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon;":** This initial clause issues a direct, imperative command to every individual within the Israelite community, particularly those carrying essential gear or weapons, to possess a specific digging tool. The mention of it being "upon thy weapon" implies that this tool was to be an indispensable part of one's standard kit, signifying that preparedness for this sanitary duty was as critical as being ready for defense or daily tasks. It mandates a proactive approach to maintaining hygiene within the camp.
* **"and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith,":** This segment specifies both the occasion and the required action. When an individual needs to relieve themselves, they are explicitly commanded to go "abroad" (outside the main camp) and to use the aforementioned digging tool to excavate a hole. This instruction ensures that human waste is not left exposed within the communal living area, thereby preventing environmental contamination, the spread of disease, and the defilement of the camp's purity.
* **"and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:":** This final instruction mandates the complete and thorough burial of the waste. The phrase "turn back" implies a deliberate return to the spot to ensure the proper and complete covering of the excrement. This act not only serves to prevent the spread of pathogens but also maintains the visual and olfactory cleanliness of the environment, demonstrating respect for the communal space and, most importantly, for the divine presence dwelling within the camp.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:13 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its important message. It utilizes **euphemism** ("ease thyself abroad") to refer to a necessary bodily function in a decorous and sensitive manner, reflecting a cultural propriety even in the most practical of commands. The instruction is delivered as a **direct command** or imperative ("thou shalt have," "thou shalt dig," "shalt turn back and cover"), emphasizing its non-negotiable nature and the divine authority behind it. The verse is structured as a clear **conditional statement** ("when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover"), outlining a specific action to be taken under a given circumstance. Furthermore, the passage functions as a form of **legal instruction** or statute, characteristic of the Deuteronomic law code, providing practical regulations essential for the ordered and holy life of the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 23:13, though seemingly a simple instruction on sanitation, carries profound theological weight. It reveals God's holistic concern for His people, where physical well-being is intrinsically linked to spiritual purity and the maintenance of His holy presence. The command to keep the camp clean because "the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp... therefore your camp must be holy" ([Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - God's Presence in the Camp")) elevates hygiene from a mere practical matter to a sacred duty. It teaches that God's holiness demands purity in all aspects of life—ritual, moral, and even physical—because His presence sanctifies the space and the people within it. This principle resonates with the broader biblical theme that God desires to dwell among a holy people, and that human actions, even mundane ones, can either facilitate or hinder that divine indwelling.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3-4 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 23:13 offers timeless principles that extend far beyond ancient sanitation practices. It serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not confined to spiritual acts or religious rituals but permeates every aspect of our lives, including our physical environment and our interactions within community. Just as God desired a physically clean camp because He dwelt among His people, so too are we, as temples of the Holy Spirit, called to pursue holistic purity. This involves responsible stewardship of our bodies, our homes, and the broader environment. It challenges us to consider how our personal habits—from maintaining cleanliness to managing waste—impact the well-being of our community and the world around us. Ultimately, this verse calls us to live with intentionality and reverence, recognizing that every detail of our existence can either honor or dishonor the God who is present with us. Our commitment to cleanliness, order, and respect for creation is an act of worship, reflecting the character of a holy God who cares deeply about every facet of His creation and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this ancient command challenge our modern understanding of "holiness" and its practical implications for daily life, beyond just spiritual acts?**
* **In what ways can our personal habits regarding hygiene, waste management, and environmental stewardship reflect our reverence for God and our consideration for others in our community?**
* **How does the principle of God's presence in the "camp" (or our lives and communities today) motivate us to pursue purity and order in all areas, not just those overtly spiritual?**

### FAQ
**Why did God care about something as seemingly trivial as human waste disposal?**

Answer: God's concern for waste disposal, as meticulously detailed in [Deuteronomy 23:13](/deuteronomy/23-13 "Deuteronomy 23:13 - Sanitation in the Camp"), was far from trivial; it was a matter of profound importance for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it was crucial for **public health**. In a densely populated camp without modern sanitation, exposed waste would quickly lead to the rampant spread of diseases like dysentery, cholera, and typhoid, which could decimate the community. God, in His infinite wisdom and compassionate care for His people, provided practical laws to safeguard their physical well-being and prevent widespread illness. Secondly, it was a matter of **ritual and spiritual purity**. The subsequent verse, [Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - God's Presence in the Camp"), explicitly states the ultimate reason: "For the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp... therefore your camp must be holy, so that He may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you." God's holy presence demanded a consecrated environment, free from anything physically or ritually defiling. This taught the Israelites that holiness encompassed all aspects of life—physical, moral, and spiritual—not just religious rituals. Lastly, it fostered **discipline and order** within the community, ensuring that every individual contributed to the collective welfare and reflected the ordered and disciplined nature of God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 23:13 provides a specific Mosaic law for physical sanitation in the Israelite camp, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The command for external purity because God "walks in the midst of your camp" ([Deuteronomy 23:14](/deuteronomy/23-14 "Deuteronomy 23:14 - God's Presence in the Camp")) powerfully foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the incarnate Word, "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing God's holy and undefiled presence into the very midst of a fallen world. Furthermore, through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, believers are purified not merely externally, but internally, becoming true temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies are Temples")). The call for a clean and holy camp prefigures the New Testament emphasis on spiritual purity and holiness, not as a means to earn God's presence, but as a joyful and obedient response to His indwelling Spirit. Just as the physical camp was to be kept clean to honor God's presence, so too are our lives—our thoughts, words, and deeds—to be consecrated and pure, reflecting the holiness of the One who has made us His dwelling place and presented us as a "radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). The ultimate and complete fulfillment of this desire for God's dwelling in purity lies in the new heavens and new earth, where God's dwelling will be perfectly and eternally with humanity, in a place of absolute purity and no defilement ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man") and [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Uncleanness in New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 24:6

Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum [is] therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it.

Ezekiel 24:8

That it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance; I have set her blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered.