Deuteronomy 23:1-8

New International Reader's Version

Who Can Join in Worship With the Lord’s People?

23 No man whose sex organs have been crushed or cut can join in worship with the Lord’s people.

² No one born to an unmarried woman can join in worship with the Lord’s people. That also applies to the person’s children for all time to come.

³ The people of Ammon and Moab can’t join in worship with the Lord’s people. That also applies to their children after them for all time to come. ⁴ The Ammonites and Moabites didn’t come to meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt. They even hired Balaam from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to put a curse on you. Balaam was the son of Beor. ⁵ The Lord your God wouldn’t listen to Balaam. Instead, he turned the curse into a blessing for you. He did it because he loves you. ⁶ So don’t make a peace treaty with the Ammonites and Moabites as long as you live.

⁷ Don’t hate the people of Edom. They are your relatives. Don’t hate the people of Egypt. After all, you lived as outsiders in their country. ⁸ The great-grandchildren of the Edomites and Egyptians can join in worship with the Lord’s people.