Deuteronomy 7:3 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 7:3 mean?

Deuteronomy 7:3 tells the Israelites not to arrange marriages between their children and the people living in the land they are entering. The verse specifically forbids giving their daughters to the sons of those nations or taking daughters from those nations for their own sons.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan, warning them not to form family ties with the local peoples. The concern in this setting is that such marriages could lead the Israelites away from their distinct identity and beliefs, which is a major theme in the surrounding chapters.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 7:3

• The word for "marriages" is חָתַן (ḥāthan), which often means to become related by marriage or to intermarry. This highlights that the command is about forming binding family relationships, not just casual interactions.
• The word for "give" is נָתַן (nāthan), which means to hand over or grant. In this context, it emphasizes the act of arranging or approving a marriage, showing parental involvement.
• The word for "take" is לָקַח (lāqach), meaning to take or receive. Here, it refers to accepting someone from another group into one’s family through marriage.

Why Deuteronomy 7:3 matters

• This verse clarifies that the concern is not about general contact with other peoples, but specifically about the deep, binding ties created by marriage.
• The command is part of a larger section where Moses warns against adopting the religious practices of the surrounding nations, highlighting the risk of losing Israel’s distinct faith.
• Understanding the specific Hebrew words helps show that the focus is on formal, family-level decisions, not just individual choices.