Deuteronomy 23:7

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

Translations

Modern
Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.
Traditional
Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.
Literal
You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were a sojourner in his land.
Latin
Non abominaberis Idumæum, quia frater tuus est: nec Ægyptium, quia advena fuisti in terra ejus.

Original

Hebrew
English
Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.

Notes

The Edomites were descendants of Jacob’s brother, Esau (see 2:8).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Ethnic Hatred

Places

Edom: Descendants of Esau; enemy nation southeast of Israel Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy Mixed Marriage Numbers, Book of

Topics

Aliens: Kindness to Edomites, Enjoined Brother: Signifies: A Neighbor Edomites: from Being Held in Abhorrence by the Israelites Egypt: Inhabitants of not to be Abhorred by Israel Egyptians: Eligible to Membership in Israelite Congregation in the Third Generation Proselytes: from the Egyptians and Edomites Restricted to the Third Strangers: Abhorrence of, Forbidden The Edomites: Israel Forbidden to Hate