Deuteronomy 23:1

Exclusion from the Congregation · Deuteronomy 23:1–8
Read Deuteronomy 23

Translations

Modern
No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD.
Traditional
He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord.
Literal
One bruised by crushing or severing the genitals shall not enter into the assembly of YHWH.
Latin
Non intravit eunuchus, attritis vel amputatis testiculis et abscisso veretro, ecclesiam Domini.

Original

Hebrew
English
No man with crushed or severed genitals may enter the assembly of the LORD.

Notes

Emasculation is the removal of a man’s sexual organs. In the ancient world, it was sometimes linked to pagan rituals and customs. Such practices were deeply offensive to the Lord (compare Isaiah 56:3–4).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Eunuch Genealogy

Topics

Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Congregation: Those Who Were Excluded From Eunuch: Prohibited from Certain Privileges of the Congregation Eunuchs Ignoring God Sterilization