Deuteronomy 23:8 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 23:8 mean?

Deuteronomy 23:8 says that descendants of Edomites and Egyptians could enter the LORD’s congregation in their third generation. The verse gives these families a place among the people of Israel after the passing of generations.

Moses is addressing Israel as he gives the people instructions for life in their land. After verse 7 names Edomites and Egyptians, verse 8 addresses the standing of their children born in later generations.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 23:8

• “congregation” — קָהָל (qahal): This word means an assembly or gathered community. Here, “the congregation of the LORD” refers to Israel as the LORD’s assembled people.
• “generation” — דּוֹר (dor): This word can refer to a generation of people or to a period marked by a generation. In this verse, “third generation” marks the point at which the descendants may enter the assembly.

Why Deuteronomy 23:8 matters

• The permission concerns descendants, not only the Edomites and Egyptians named in verse 7. Verse 8 speaks of “the children that are begotten of them.”
• The passage gives reasons for treating these peoples with regard. Verse 7 calls Edom Israel’s brother and recalls that Israel lived as a stranger in Egypt.
• The third-generation rule differs from the rule for Ammonites and Moabites nearby. Verse 3 says that even their tenth generation may not enter the LORD’s congregation.