Deuteronomy 23:16

16 Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.

Deuteronomy 23:16 in Other Translations

KJV
16 He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.
ESV
16 He shall dwell with you, in your midst, in the place that he shall choose within one of your towns, wherever it suits him. You shall not wrong him.
NLT
16 Let them live among you in any town they choose, and do not oppress them.
MSG
16 Let him live wherever he wishes within the protective gates of your city. Don't take advantage of him.
CSB
16 Let him live among you wherever he wants within your gates. Do not mistreat him.

Deuteronomy 23:16 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:16

He shall dwell in thee, [even] among you
This seems to confirm the sense of it, being a stranger, a: proselyte servant that is here spoken of, since the law provides for his dwelling among the Israelites:

in that place he shall choose, in one of thy gates, where it liketh
him best:
he was not to be detained by the person that took him up in his own house, or be obliged to dwell in any certain place under, a restraint, but he might take up his abode in any of the cities of Israel, which would be most for his good, profit, and advantage:

thou shalt not oppress him;
by words, as the Targum of Jonathan adds,

``calling him a fugitive servant, or by any opprobrious name.''

Deuteronomy 23:16 In-Context

14 For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.
15 If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master.
16 Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.
17 No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute.
18 You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Exodus 22:21; S Exodus 23:6
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