share torah logo

Deuteronomy 7:3 - Intermarriage forbidden: why?

Deuteronomy 7:3 - דברים 7:3

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא תִתְחַתֵּן בָּם בִּתְּךָ לֹא־תִתֵּן לִבְנוֹ וּבִתּוֹ לֹא־תִקַּח לִבְנֶךָ׃

English Translation

neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give to his son, nor shalt thou take his daughter to thy son.

Transliteration

Ve'lo titkhaten bam bitekha lo-titen livno uvito lo-tikakh livnekha

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹ֥א תִתְחַתֵּ֖ן בָּ֑ם בִּתְּךָ֙ לֹא־תִתֵּ֣ן לִבְנ֔וֹ וּבִתּ֖וֹ לֹא־תִקַּ֥ח לִבְנֶֽךָ׃
וְלֹ֥א תִתְחַתֵּ֖ן בָּ֑ם בִּתְּךָ֙ לֹא־תִתֵּ֣ן לִבְנ֔וֹ וּבִתּ֖וֹ לֹא־תִקַּ֥ח לִבְנֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Intermarriage

The verse (Devarim 7:3) prohibits intermarriage with the seven Canaanite nations, as well as other idolatrous nations. This prohibition is rooted in the concern that such unions would lead to spiritual assimilation and the adoption of foreign beliefs and practices, as stated in the following verse (Devarim 7:4): "For they will turn away your son from following Me, and they will serve other gods."

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 7:3) emphasizes that the prohibition applies not only to the seven Canaanite nations but extends to all idolaters. He cites the Sifrei, which explains that the phrase "with them" includes any nation that engages in idolatry. Rashi further notes that the Torah specifies both giving a daughter to their son and taking their daughter for one's son to indicate that the prohibition applies regardless of gender.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 12:1-2) codifies this prohibition and expands it to include all non-Jews, not just the original seven nations. He explains that intermarriage leads to the erosion of Jewish identity and commitment to Torah. Rambam also notes that this prohibition applies even if the non-Jew converts for ulterior motives (e.g., marriage) rather than sincere belief in Torah.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Teitzei 1) compares intermarriage to mixing different species (kilayim), which the Torah also forbids. Just as mixing species disrupts the natural order, intermarriage disrupts the spiritual integrity of the Jewish people. The Midrash further warns that intermarriage leads to the loss of Jewish continuity, as the children may not be raised in the ways of Torah.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) discusses the severity of this prohibition, stating that it is one of the few sins for which one must give up their life rather than transgress (in times of religious persecution). The Gemara also notes that the prohibition applies even if the non-Jew is not an idolater but is not part of the Jewish people, as the concern for assimilation remains.

Practical Implications

  • The prohibition applies to both men and women, as the verse specifies "your daughter" and "his daughter."
  • It includes all non-Jews, not just the original seven Canaanite nations, as derived from the words "with them."
  • The underlying concern is the preservation of Jewish identity and adherence to Torah values.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 36b
The verse is cited in the discussion about the prohibition of intermarriage with idolaters, emphasizing the Torah's command to avoid such unions.
📖 Kiddushin 68b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of marriage and the prohibitions related to marrying non-Jews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:3 mean when it says not to intermarry with certain nations?
A: Deuteronomy 7:3 prohibits intermarriage with the seven Canaanite nations (and later extended to other idolatrous nations) to prevent Jews from being influenced by their idolatrous practices. Rashi explains that this commandment safeguards the spiritual purity of the Jewish people and prevents assimilation into foreign cultures that oppose Torah values.
Q: Why is the Torah so strict about intermarriage?
A: The Torah is strict about intermarriage because marriage creates the closest bond between people, and marrying someone from an idolatrous nation could lead a Jew away from Torah observance. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 12:1-2) explains that intermarriage often leads to adopting foreign beliefs and practices, which contradicts the Jewish mission to uphold monotheism and Torah values.
Q: Does the prohibition against intermarriage in Deuteronomy 7:3 still apply today?
A: Yes, according to Halacha (Jewish law), the prohibition against intermarriage remains in effect. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) and later codifiers like the Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 16:1) maintain these restrictions to preserve Jewish identity and continuity. Today, Orthodox Judaism prohibits marriage with non-Jews, though conversion according to Halacha is possible for those who sincerely wish to join the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from the commandment not to intermarry?
A: This commandment teaches the importance of maintaining Jewish identity and spiritual integrity. The Sforno explains that intermarriage jeopardizes the transmission of Torah values to future generations. By marrying within the faith, Jews ensure the continuity of Torah observance and the unique mission of the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish continuity?
A: Deuteronomy 7:3 emphasizes that Jewish continuity depends not just on biological descent but on maintaining Torah values. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this to the verse's context - the Jewish people are a 'treasured nation' (Deuteronomy 7:6) with a special relationship to Hashem. Intermarriage threatens this unique identity and spiritual mission that has sustained Jews throughout history.