Deuteronomy 23:17 Meaning and Explanation
“There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sexual commerce and certain sexual practices are prohibited within Israel.
The Context of Deuteronomy 23:17
Prohibitions against sexual commerce and related practices.
What Does Deuteronomy 23:17 Mean?
The law forbids both temple prostitution and related sexual practices among Israelites. The term 'whore' (qedeshah) often referred specifically to ritual prostitution associated with false worship, while 'sodomite' (qadesh) denoted practitioners of such acts within fertility cult contexts.
These prohibitions protected Israel's sexual ethics and prevented adoption of Canaanite religious practices. They reflected the covenant community's distinction from surrounding nations' fertility religions, establishing that Israel's covenant with God excluded certain sexual expressions embedded in pagan worship.
Deuteronomy 23:17 in the Original Language
qadesh (קדש), 'sodomite' — from the same root as 'holy' (qadosh), but inverted; refers to those performing acts within pagan sexual rites, not to the acts themselves in all contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 23:17
What does Deuteronomy 23:17 mean?
Sexual commerce and certain sexual practices are prohibited within Israel.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 23:17?
Prohibitions against sexual commerce and related practices.