Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 23:13
And you must have a digging tool in your equipment so that when you relieve yourself you can dig a hole and cover up your excrement.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelite assembly on the plains of Moab, issuing practical regulations for military camp conduct before they cross the Jordan.
The words — The text specifies יָתֵד (ya.Ted), literally a spade or digging tool, and the verb חָפַרְתָּה (cha.far.Tah), meaning you will dig.
The thread — Deuteronomy 23:12 establishes the required location outside the camp, and Deuteronomy 23:14 provides the rationale by linking camp holiness to God's protective presence.
Why it lands — It requires practical obedience to maintain ritual cleanliness so God's presence remains among the community.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 24:6 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed, to the pot now rusted, whose rust will not come off! Empty it piece by piece; cast no lots for its contents.