Deuteronomy 23:4 - Moabite exclusion: eternal or conditional?

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Hebrew Text

לֹא־יָבֹא עַמּוֹנִי וּמוֹאָבִי בִּקְהַל יְהוָה גַּם דּוֹר עֲשִׂירִי לֹא־יָבֹא לָהֶם בִּקְהַל יְהוָה עַד־עוֹלָם׃

English Translation

An ῾Ammonite or a Mo᾽avite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever:

Transliteration

Lo-yavo Amoni u-Moavi bikhal Adonai gam dor asiri lo-yavo lahem bikhal Adonai ad-olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־יָבֹ֧א עַמּוֹנִ֛י וּמוֹאָבִ֖י בִּקְהַ֣ל יְהֹוָ֑ה גַּ֚ם דּ֣וֹר עֲשִׂירִ֔י לֹא־יָבֹ֥א לָהֶ֛ם בִּקְהַ֥ל יְהֹוָ֖ה עַד־עוֹלָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Ammonite and Moabite Entry into the Congregation

The verse (Devarim 23:4) prohibits Ammonites and Moabites from entering the "congregation of Hashem" (Kahal Hashem), even after ten generations. This halachic restriction is rooted in their historical mistreatment of Bnei Yisrael during the Exodus (Rashi, Devarim 23:5). The term Kahal Hashem refers to marriage or full integration into the Jewish people (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 12:1).

Reasons for the Prohibition

Lack of Hospitality: Ammon and Moav failed to offer bread and water to Bnei Yisrael when they passed near their lands, violating basic ethical norms (Talmud Yevamot 76b).
Moav's Role in Hiring Bilaam: Moav sought to curse Bnei Yisrael through Bilaam, demonstrating hostility (Rashi, Devarim 23:5).

Halachic Applications

Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 12:25) rules that male Ammonites and Moabites are permanently barred from marrying Jewish women, but their female counterparts may convert and marry Jews. This distinction is derived from the verse's masculine phrasing ("lo yavo"—"shall not enter") (Talmud Yevamot 77a). The prohibition applies even after conversion unless a Beit Din formally nullifies it (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 8:7).

Exceptions and Later Developments

The Talmud (Yevamot 76b) notes that Sancheriv's forced population transfers (see Melachim II 17:24) rendered many ancient national identities uncertain, potentially limiting the practical application of this law in later generations. However, the principle remains halachically binding where lineage is confirmed.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 76b

The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against Ammonites and Moabites entering the congregation of Israel, with the Talmud exploring the reasons and implications of this prohibition.

📖 Kiddushin 68b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the status of converts and the specific exclusions of Ammonites and Moabites from marrying into the Jewish people.

📖 Berakhot 28a

The verse is mentioned in a broader discussion about the inclusion and exclusion of various groups from the community and the prayers for the righteous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Ammonites and Moabites forbidden from joining the Jewish people?
A: The Torah forbids Ammonites and Moabites from joining the Jewish people because they did not show kindness to the Israelites when they left Egypt. Specifically, they hired Balaam to curse the Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:5). Rashi explains that their lack of hospitality and their hostility are the reasons for this prohibition.

Q: Does the prohibition against Ammonites and Moabites apply today?
A: According to the Talmud (Yevamot 76b-77a), the nations of Ammon and Moab no longer exist in their original form due to the conquests of Sennacherib, who mixed up the nations. Therefore, the prohibition does not apply today, as we cannot identify who would be an Ammonite or Moabite.

Q: What does 'even to the tenth generation' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'even to the tenth generation' emphasizes that the prohibition is permanent and does not expire after ten generations. Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this wording is used to stress that the ban is everlasting, unlike other restrictions in the Torah that may have time limits.

Q: Can a convert from Ammon or Moab ever join the Jewish people?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 76b) discusses that in later generations, if an Ammonite or Moabite sincerely converts to Judaism, they may be accepted. However, this is based on the principle that the original nations no longer exist in a recognizable form, as explained by the Sages.

Q: Why is this law important in Jewish tradition?
A: This law teaches the importance of gratitude and kindness. Ammon and Moab were descendants of Lot, whom Avraham saved (Genesis 14), yet they acted with hostility toward the Jewish people. The Torah emphasizes that nations who display such ingratitude and malice cannot be part of the congregation of Hashem.