Deuteronomy 7:3

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَا تُصَاهِرُوهُمْ، فَلَا تُعطُوا بَنَاتِكُمْ لِأبنَائِهِمْ، وَلَا تَأْخُذُوا بَنَاتِهُمْ لِأبنَائِكُمْ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Deuteronomy says that the Israelites should not marry people from the nations around them. God, through Moses, is speaking to remind the Israelites to stay pure and avoid the idolatrous practices of other nations.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special toy that you don't want to share with someone who might break it. Here, God is telling the Israelites not to marry people who don't believe in Him, because those marriages could lead to problems and loss of faith, just like sharing a toy with someone who might break it.

Historical Background

Moses wrote this verse around 1200 BC, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. He is addressing the Israelite people and reminding them of God's commands to avoid intermarriage with the pagan nations in Canaan, to prevent their beliefs from influencing the Israelites.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse might remind Christians to be careful about friendships and relationships that could lead them away from their faith. For example, if a person's close friend is always encouraging behaviors that go against their beliefs, they might need to reconsider that friendship.

Topics

• faith
• marriage
• idolatry
• purity
• obedience
• Israel

Related Verses

• Exodus 34:16
• Judges 3:6
• 1 Kings 11:2
• Nehemiah 13:25
• 1 Corinthians 7:39

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God command the Israelites not to marry people from other nations?

God wanted to protect the Israelites from the influence of idolatrous practices and pagan beliefs. Marrying into these groups could lead to the Israelites adopting false gods and abandoning their faith.

Does this verse apply to Christians today?

While the specific command about not marrying people from certain nations no longer applies, the principle of staying faithful to God and avoiding influences that can lead one away from their faith is still relevant.

How does this verse relate to interfaith marriages?

This verse highlights the importance of shared faith in a marriage. While it doesn't forbid all interfaith marriages, it underscores the need for compatibility in faith and values.

What is the broader context of this verse?

This verse is part of a larger section where God is giving Moses instructions on how the Israelites should live once they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing purity of faith and the importance of avoiding idolatry.