Exodus 34:16 - Intermarriage leads to idolatry?

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ מִבְּנֹתָיו לְבָנֶיךָ וְזָנוּ בְנֹתָיו אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהֵיהֶן וְהִזְנוּ אֶת־בָּנֶיךָ אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהֵיהֶן׃

English Translation

and thou take of their daughters to thy sons, and their daughters play the harlot after their gods, and make thy sons play the harlot after their gods.

Transliteration

Velakachta mibenotav levanecha vezanu venotav acharei eloheihen vehiznu et-banecha acharei eloheihen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ מִבְּנֹתָ֖יו לְבָנֶ֑יךָ וְזָנ֣וּ בְנֹתָ֗יו אַחֲרֵי֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ן וְהִזְנוּ֙ אֶת־בָּנֶ֔יךָ אַחֲרֵ֖י אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽן׃

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 34:16, within the broader context of the prohibition against intermarriage with the Canaanite nations. This warning follows the incident of the Golden Calf and the renewal of the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

Rashi explains that the verse warns against intermarriage with the Canaanite nations, as their daughters will lead Jewish sons astray to idol worship. The term "וְזָנוּ" (play the harlot) refers not only to literal promiscuity but also to spiritual infidelity—abandoning Hashem for foreign gods. The repetition of "וְהִזְנוּ אֶת־בָּנֶיךָ" (make thy sons play the harlot) emphasizes the generational danger: the influence of idolatrous spouses corrupts not only the individual but also their descendants.

Halachic Implications (Rambam)

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Issurei Biah 12:1-2 derives from this verse the prohibition of intermarriage with the seven Canaanite nations, extending it by rabbinic decree to all non-Jews. The concern is not merely ethnic but spiritual—preserving the sanctity of Jewish lineage and preventing assimilation into idolatrous practices.

Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 8) elaborates that the verse alludes to the cyclical nature of sin: intermarriage leads to idolatry, which in turn brings divine punishment. It compares this to a parable of a king who warns his son not to marry a woman of ill repute, lest her influence corrupt him and his household.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

Spiritual Safeguards: The verse underscores the need for boundaries in relationships to protect Jewish identity and faith.
Parental Responsibility: Parents must educate their children to choose spouses who will strengthen, not undermine, their commitment to Torah.
Communal Vigilance: The collective Jewish community must uphold standards that prevent assimilation and preserve religious integrity.

Kabbalistic Insight (Zohar)

The Zohar (III:79b) interprets the "harlotry" metaphor as a disruption of the soul's connection to the Divine. Intermarriage severs the sacred bond between the Jewish people and Hashem, replacing it with attachment to foreign spiritual forces (kelipot).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 36b

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the prohibition of intermarriage with idolaters and the potential spiritual consequences for one's descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 34:16 mean?
A: Exodus 34:16 warns against intermarrying with idolatrous nations because their daughters may lead Jewish sons astray to worship foreign gods. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the spiritual danger of such unions, as they can result in assimilation and abandonment of Torah values.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes a foundational principle in Jewish law (Halacha) against intermarriage with idolaters. The Rambam (Maimonides) cites this verse in discussing the prohibition of intermarriage (Hilchot Issurei Biah 12:1-2), as it threatens Jewish continuity and religious fidelity.

Q: How does this apply today?
A: While today we do not face the same idolatrous nations, Orthodox Judaism maintains the prohibition of intermarriage to preserve Jewish identity and Torah observance. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) extends this principle to prevent assimilation and ensure the transmission of Jewish tradition to future generations.

Q: What can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of maintaining strong Jewish families and communities. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 52) highlights that spiritual influences within the home are critical—marrying within the faith helps ensure that children are raised with Torah values.

Q: Does this verse only apply to daughters of idolaters?
A: While the verse specifically mentions daughters of idolaters, Jewish law (based on Talmudic interpretation in Kiddushin 68b) applies the prohibition to intermarriage with all non-Jews, as the concern for spiritual influence remains relevant in any mixed-faith relationship.