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.
A person born to unmarried parents cannot be part of the LORD's assembly, and neither can their descendants for ten generations.
This verse establishes that children born outside of marriage were excluded from formal worship in Israel's religious community, along with their descendants for many generations.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of ancient Israel, Deuteronomy 23:2 was part of the laws given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing the need to maintain the community's holiness and separation from surrounding pagan influences. This verse specifically addressed individuals born from certain forbidden unions, excluding them from the assembly of the Lord for ten generations to preserve the spiritual purity and integrity of the nation. Such regulations reflected the cultural importance of lineage and the avoidance of idolatry in a time when Israel was establishing its identity among hostile neighbors.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.