Deuteronomy 23:8 Meaning and Explanation
“The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Edomites and Egyptians may eventually bring their children into the congregation after three generations.
The Context of Deuteronomy 23:8
Pathway to community inclusion for certain nations' descendants.
What Does Deuteronomy 23:8 Mean?
Unlike the permanent exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites, Edomites and Egyptians face a limited restriction tied to family lineage. Third-generation descendants of Edomites and Egyptians could be incorporated into Israel's community, showing a path toward inclusion based on time and descent.
This provision granted gradual assimilation and reflected principles of covenant renewal across generations. It acknowledged that children born to communities in proximity to Israel could eventually participate in the congregation, provided sufficient generational distance had passed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 23:8
What does Deuteronomy 23:8 mean?
Edomites and Egyptians may eventually bring their children into the congregation after three generations.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 23:8?
Pathway to community inclusion for certain nations' descendants.