Deuteronomy 23:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A bastard {H4464} shall not enter {H935} into the congregation {H6951} of the LORD {H3068}; even to his tenth {H6224} generation {H1755} shall he not enter {H935} into the congregation {H6951} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"A mamzer may not enter the assembly of ADONAI, nor may his descendants down to the tenth generation enter the assembly of ADONAI.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:2 delineates a significant exclusionary law within the Mosaic Covenant, forbidding a "mamzer"—a person born from a severely illicit union—from full participation in the "congregation of the LORD." This prohibition, extending indefinitely as symbolized by "to his tenth generation," underscores the profound theological and social importance of purity, legitimate lineage, and sexual integrity within ancient Israel. It highlights God's demand for holiness in His covenant people, safeguarding the sanctity of their communal life and their unique relationship with Him, and demonstrating the lasting consequences of actions that violated the foundational moral and social order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 23:2 is embedded within a comprehensive legal corpus (Deuteronomy 22-25) that meticulously outlines the civil, social, and cultic regulations governing Israel's life as God's covenant people. This section directly follows the exposition of the Ten Commandments and the broader covenant stipulations, serving as practical outworkings of Israel's commitment to Yahweh. Specifically, chapter 23 focuses on the qualifications for full inclusion within the "congregation of the LORD," addressing various categories of individuals—including eunuchs, Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites—who face restrictions. The inclusion of the "mamzer" in this list underscores the chapter's overarching concern with maintaining the purity, distinct identity, and spiritual integrity of the *qahal Yahweh*, the [assembly of the LORD](/deuteronomy/23 "Deuteronomy 23 - Rules for the Assembly"), as a holy nation set apart for God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage and communal identity were paramount, and Israel was uniquely called to be a holy nation, distinct from the pagan societies that often practiced cultic prostitution, incest, and other forms of sexual immorality. The "congregation of the LORD" (קְהַל יְהוָה, _qahal Yahweh_) represented the formal, divinely constituted assembly of Israel, signifying full, privileged participation in the nation's religious, civil, and even military life. This inclusion granted rights such as access to the tabernacle/temple for worship, participation in communal sacrifices, and potentially holding positions of authority. The exclusion of the "mamzer" was therefore far more than a social stigma; it was a profound theological declaration about the purity demanded by a holy God to dwell in His presence and to maintain the sanctity of the covenant. This stricture reflected deep concern for legitimate lineage and the severe consequences of unions deemed illicit under Mosaic Law, particularly those outlined in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"), which detailed prohibitions against incest and other sexual aberrations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Deuteronomy. Firstly, **Purity and Holiness** are presented as paramount, directly reflecting God's own character and His unwavering demand for His people to be distinct and undefiled. The meticulous laws concerning sexual conduct and legitimate lineage, including the prohibition against the *mamzer*, reinforce the sanctity required of the covenant community, demonstrating that Israel's moral and cultic purity was intrinsically linked to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Secondly, the theme of **Community Integrity and Separation** is vividly underscored. These regulations served to physically and spiritually set Israel apart from the surrounding pagan nations, actively preventing the assimilation of practices that would compromise their unique identity as God's chosen people. This strict separation was crucial for their spiritual survival and their faithfulness to the covenant, ensuring they remained a peculiar treasure to the Lord. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Transgression**, particularly regarding illicit sexual unions. It emphasizes that such profound violations of God's design could have severe, long-term implications for individuals and their descendants within the covenant community, extending beyond the immediate act. This principle resonates deeply with the broader Deuteronomic framework of covenant faithfulness, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience, as extensively detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bastard (Hebrew, _mamzêr'_):** The Hebrew term מַמְזֵר (H4464, _mamzêr_) derives from a root meaning "to alienate," denoting a "mongrel." In this specific context, it refers not to a child born out of wedlock in the modern sense, but rather a child born from a severely illicit or forbidden union, often interpreted as the offspring of an incestuous relationship (as detailed in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations")) or a union between an Israelite and a prohibited foreign national, particularly a heathen. This term signifies a profound defilement of lineage and a grave violation of the covenant's social and moral order, marking the individual as fundamentally alienated from the community's purity.
* **Congregation of the LORD (Hebrew, _qâhâl Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This crucial phrase combines the Hebrew words קָהָל (H6951, _qâhâl_), meaning "assemblage" or "assembly," and יְהֹוָה (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent name of God. Together, "congregation of the LORD" refers to the formal, divinely constituted assembly of Israel—the collective body of God's covenant people. To be excluded from this *qâhâl Yᵉhôvâh* meant being denied full participation in the religious, civil, and social privileges of the community, including access to the tabernacle/temple, communal worship, and potentially leadership or legal roles. It represented a profound spiritual and social ostracism from the very heart of Israel's identity.
* **Tenth generation (Hebrew, _ʻăsîyrîy dôwr'_):** The phrase "tenth generation" combines עֲשִׂירִי (H6224, _ʻăsîyrîy_), meaning "tenth," and דּוֹר (H1755, _dôwr_), meaning "a revolution of time" or "generation." While numerically literal, in this context, "tenth generation" functions as a hyperbolic idiom signifying perpetuity or an indefinite duration, effectively meaning "forever" or "never." This emphasizes the enduring and permanent nature of the exclusion, indicating that the stain or consequence of the illicit union was considered so severe that its implications extended indefinitely, preventing the full integration of such individuals and their descendants into the full rights and privileges of the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD;":** This initial clause establishes the primary prohibition, unequivocally stating that the "mamzer"—an individual born from a specific, severely illicit sexual union—is fundamentally barred from full participation in the Israelite assembly. This immediate and absolute exclusion underscores the profound gravity with which God viewed the defilement of lineage and the sanctity of marital and familial integrity within His covenant people. "Entering the congregation" implies not merely physical presence but the full rights, privileges, and acceptance within the community's spiritual, social, and civic fabric.
* **"even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD.":** This second clause serves as a powerful reiteration and intensification of the initial prohibition, emphasizing its perpetual nature. The phrase "tenth generation" functions as a hyperbolic expression signifying an indefinite, enduring exclusion, highlighting that the consequences of such a grievous sin were considered to extend far beyond the immediate perpetrator, impacting their descendants in a lasting and profound way. The repetition itself serves to underscore the absolute and unyielding nature of this divine decree concerning the purity and sanctity of the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Repetition** of the phrase "shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD," which powerfully underscores the absolute and unyielding nature of the exclusion. This reiteration serves to engrave the divine decree into the minds of the audience, emphasizing its non-negotiable character. The numerical expression "tenth generation" is a clear instance of **Hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration not intended to be taken as a literal count of ten generations, but rather to convey the idea of perpetuity or an indefinite duration. This rhetorical device effectively communicates the enduring and severe consequences of the specified illicit unions, highlighting the profound and lasting impact on the lineage and the sanctity of the community. Furthermore, the language throughout the verse is distinctly **Legalistic**, a hallmark of the Deuteronomic code, employing precise and unambiguous terms to define boundaries, establish prohibitions, and enforce the stipulations of the covenant with unwavering authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 23:2, though rooted in the specific context of ancient Israel's covenant with God, reveals enduring theological truths about divine holiness and the nature of God's relationship with His chosen people. This stringent prohibition vividly demonstrates God's unwavering demand for profound holiness and moral purity within His covenant community. The exclusion of the "mamzer" was not merely a social or civil regulation; it was a powerful theological and symbolic act that underscored the sanctity of God's presence among His people and the imperative to maintain the integrity of the nation chosen to bear His name. This law highlights the sobering reality that certain actions, particularly those that grievously violate the sacred boundaries of marriage and family, carry far-reaching consequences that can profoundly impact one's standing within the visible community of faith. It firmly establishes the principle that God desires a people set apart, reflecting His own moral perfection, and that defilement, especially of a sexual nature, was regarded as a severe breach of covenant faithfulness and a threat to communal purity.

* [Nehemiah 13:1-3](/nehemiah/13-1 "Nehemiah 13:1-3 - Exclusion based on the Law")
* [Leviticus 18:6-18](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6-18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations and Incest")
* [Numbers 5:1-4](/numbers/5-1 "Numbers 5:1-4 - Purity in the Camp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific literal application of Deuteronomy 23:2 belongs to the Old Covenant and does not directly govern believers under the New Covenant, the profound underlying principles it conveys remain eternally relevant for the people of God. This ancient law serves as a powerful tutor, illuminating God's unchanging desire for purity, the pervasive seriousness of sin, and the sanctity of the community that bears His name. Under the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, the locus of purity shifts from physical lineage and national distinctiveness to spiritual birth and the internal holiness of the individual heart, and the church as the new, spiritual "congregation" or assembly of God's people. We are now called to be a holy people, not through external regulations of birth or nationality, but by the transformative power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This verse challenges contemporary believers to deeply consider the far-reaching consequences of our actions, especially those that transgress God's sacred design for human relationships, while simultaneously compelling us to appreciate the radical, counter-cultural inclusivity of the gospel, which, through Christ, welcomes all who come to God by faith, regardless of their past or earthly lineage, into His spiritual family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this Old Testament law illuminate God's unchanging character of holiness and His desire for purity within His people?**
* **In what ways does the New Covenant fulfill or transform the principles of community purity and inclusion found in this verse?**
* **How should the church, as the "congregation of the Lord" today, balance the call to holiness with the radical inclusivity of the gospel?**
* **What does "tenth generation" imply about the enduring impact of sin, and how does the grace of Christ address this reality?**

### FAQ
**Does this law apply to Christians today?**

Answer: No, the literal application of Deuteronomy 23:2 does not apply to Christians today. This law was part of the Mosaic Covenant, given specifically to ancient Israel to maintain their distinct identity and purity as a physical nation under a theocratic government. Under the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ, the basis for inclusion in God's people has shifted from physical lineage and adherence to ceremonial laws to spiritual birth through faith in Christ. [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ") declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." The focus is now on spiritual purity and transformation of the heart, rather than external lineage or national origin. All who are "in Christ" are welcomed into God's spiritual family, the church, which is the new "congregation of the Lord."

**What does "tenth generation" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "tenth generation" (עֲשִׂירִי דּוֹר, _ʿaśiriy dor_) is a Hebrew idiom signifying perpetuity or an indefinite duration, rather than a literal count of ten generations. It means "forever" or "never." This emphasizes the enduring and permanent nature of the exclusion of the "mamzer" from the full rights and privileges of the Israelite assembly. It highlights the severity of the illicit union from which the "mamzer" was born, indicating that its consequences were considered to extend indefinitely, preventing the integration of such individuals and their descendants into the sacred community.

**What kind of "bastard" is being referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "bastard" is מַמְזֵר (_mamzêr_). This term does not refer to a child born out of wedlock in the modern sense (i.e., a child of unmarried parents). Instead, it specifically denotes a child born from a severely illicit or incestuous union, particularly those forbidden by Mosaic Law, such as relations with close relatives (e.g., [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations")) or adultery with a married woman. It signifies a child whose very existence was the product of a grave and defiling sin against the covenant community's moral and social order, rather than simply a child born outside of a legal marriage contract.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 23:2, with its stringent rules for exclusion from the "congregation of the LORD" based on physical lineage and the consequences of sin, serves as a poignant backdrop that powerfully foreshadows the radical inclusivity and spiritual purity found exclusively in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant's emphasis on external purity and the enduring implications of sin across generations starkly highlighted humanity's inherent inability to achieve perfect standing before a holy God through human effort, birthright, or adherence to external regulations. Jesus Christ, however, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for a truly pure and holy people. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose perfect sacrifice cleanses us from all unrighteousness, regardless of our past, our lineage, or any earthly disqualification. Through faith in Him, those who were once "far off" from God's covenant people are now [brought near by the blood of Christ](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood"), welcomed into God's spiritual family. The "congregation of the LORD" is now embodied in the Church, a spiritual body where all barriers are broken down: there is [neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"), for all are one in Christ Jesus. He has demolished the dividing wall of hostility, making it possible for all believers to [boldly approach the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") and be constituted as a [chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Holy Nation"), fully included by divine grace, not by birth or human merit.

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

Zechariah 9:6

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

Isaiah 57:3

¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.

Hebrews 12:8

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

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.