13 As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement.
13 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:
13 And you shall have a trowel with your tools, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig a hole with it and turn back and cover up your excrement.
13 Along with your weapons have a stick with you. After you relieve yourself, dig a hole with the stick and cover your excrement.
13 and you shall have an implement among your equipment, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig with it and turn and cover your refuse.
13 Each of you must have a spade as part of your equipment. Whenever you relieve yourself, dig a hole with the spade and cover the excrement.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:13
Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:9-14
(Read Deuteronomy 23:9-14)
The camp of the Lord must have nothing offensive in it. If there must be this care taken to preserve the body clean, much more should we be careful to keep the mind pure.