So also with the ממזר, i.e., not persons begotten out of wedlock, illegitimate children generally (lxx, Vulg.), but, according to the Talmud and the Rabbins, those who were begotten in incest or adultery (cf. Ges. thes. p. 781). The etymology of the word is obscure. The only other place in which it occurs is Zechariah 9:6; and it is neither contracted from מוּם and זר (according to the Talmud, and Hitzig on Zechariah 9:6), nor from זר מעם (Geiger Urschr. p. 52), but in all probability is to be derived from a root מזר, synonymous with the Arabic word "to be corrupt, or foul." The additional clause, "not even in the tenth generation," precludes all possibility of their ever being received. Ten is the number of complete exclusion. In Deuteronomy 23:3, therefore, "for ever" is added. The reason is the same as in the case of mutilated persons, namely, their springing from a connection opposed to the divine order of the creation.

Deuteronomy 23:8 Parallel Commentaries

enter into

Deuteronomy 23:1 He that is wounded in the stones, or has his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.

Romans 3:29,30 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also...

Ephesians 2:12,13 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise...

third generation

Deuteronomy 23:2,3 A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD...

Exodus 20:5,6 You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God...