John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 23:1

"He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah." — Deuteronomy 23:1 (ASV)

He that is wounded.

What is delivered here concerning those who are mutilated, and who are bastards, has a similar object: to prevent the Church of God from being contaminated by foul stains, and thus religion losing its honor. Moses rejects two sorts of men from the congregation of the faithful: namely, eunuchs and bastards.

But, before we discuss the subject itself, the definition of the words must be considered. The first question is, what it means to enter into the congregation; the second, what it means to be wounded in the stones; and the third, who are the ממזרים (mamzerim), whom we have translated as bastards (spurios).

Many understand that both are rejected from the church to prevent them from undertaking any public office in it. Others believe it is to prevent them from marrying wives from the descendants of Abraham, because it would not be fair for women to be wasted on bastards (Latin, mamzeris; ), and it would be absurd for those who were created to multiply God’s people to marry impotent persons, (effoeminatis). But both these opinions seem to me to be unconvincing.

For what is later added concerning certain foreign nations cannot be understood to mean that no government or dignity should be entrusted to them. Besides, the phrase the congregation of the LORD sufficiently expresses the purity and holiness of religion. I do not doubt, then, that Moses prohibits those who are defiled by these two stains from participating in the sacrifices.

For although they were circumcised just like the rest of the chosen people, still God intended for them to bear this mark of their disgrace, so that they might be an example to others, and that the people might be more diligent in keeping themselves from all pollution. Therefore, it is to be concluded that the privilege unique to the legitimate Israelites—namely, being participants and associates¹⁹ in the sacrifices—was to be denied to them.

Regarding the "wounded testicles," the Jews, in my opinion, dispute more minutely than the subject warrants, and ultimately miss the true meaning. For God intended nothing other than to exclude from the congregation of His people, wherever holy assemblies were held, those who were mutilated or defective in the genital organs; although by synecdoche, He includes more than are specified.

Finally, by condemning this external bodily defect, He highlights the excellence of His people, so that they may remember they are His chosen property—not so that they should become proud because of it,²⁰ but so that the holiness of their lives might correspond with such high nobility.

¹⁹ “Et d’entrer au parvis pour faire service solennel a Dieu;” and to enter into the court to perform solemn service to God — ;” and to enter into the court to perform solemn service to God — Fr.

²⁰ “Mais afin de se maintenir en sa grace par sainetete de vie;” but that they might keep themselves in His favor by holiness of life—;” but that they might keep themselves in His favor by holiness of life—Fr.