Deuteronomy 23:16 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 23:16 mean?

Deuteronomy 23:16 says that if someone seeks refuge among the Israelites, that person must be allowed to live wherever they choose and must not be mistreated or oppressed. The verse emphasizes the importance of hospitality and protection for those seeking safety.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, giving them laws for how to treat individuals—specifically, runaway slaves or refugees—who come to live among them. The verse makes it clear that the Israelites are not to force these individuals to return or to harm them, but rather to let them settle in any city or place they prefer.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 23:16

• "dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to settle down or live in a place, not just to stay temporarily. The instruction is for the person to be allowed to make a home among the Israelites.
• "among" (קֶרֶב, qerev): This word means "in the midst of" or "within," highlighting that the person is to be accepted as part of the community, not kept at a distance.
• "choose" (בָּחַר, bachar): This word means to select or decide, emphasizing that the person seeking refuge has the freedom to pick where they want to live, not the host community.
• "oppress" (לָחַץ, lachats): This word means to mistreat, pressure, or exploit. The command is not just about physical safety but also about fair and respectful treatment.

Why Deuteronomy 23:16 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites were to treat vulnerable outsiders with dignity and respect, which was unusual compared to many ancient cultures that often returned runaway slaves.
• The emphasis on the refugee's choice of location ("where it liketh him best") highlights personal agency and freedom, not just tolerance.
• In the context of Deuteronomy, this law stands out as a call to justice and compassion, reflecting broader themes of care for the marginalized throughout the book.