Deuteronomy 23:18
Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Deuteronomy 23:18 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the message is clear that God does not accept offerings that are tainted by sin or immorality. The mention of the hire of a whore and the price of a dog refers to money earned through sinful or unclean practices. This includes money obtained through prostitution or any other immoral means. The verse emphasizes the importance of bringing only pure and clean offerings to the house of the Lord. The use of the term "abomination" underscores the severity of bringing tainted offerings before God. By adhering to this commandment, believers are demonstrating their respect and reverence for God, ensuring that their worship is sincere and untainted by sin. It serves as a reminder to maintain purity and uphold righteousness in all aspects of life, including the way in which offerings are presented to the Lord.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is essential to understand the cultural context in which it was written. The prohibition on bringing the hire of a prostitute or the price of a dog into the house of the Lord was meant to uphold the sanctity of worship and the purity of offerings. In ancient times, both prostitution and the selling of dogs were associated with impurity and idolatry. By prohibiting these offerings, God was emphasizing the need for His people to come before Him with pure hearts and intentions. This verse serves as a reminder that our worship and sacrifices should be offered in sincerity and righteousness, without any taint of impurity or sin. It is a call to holiness and obedience to God's commands, ensuring that our offerings are pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
Deuteronomy 23:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou shalt not bring the hire of a harlot, or the wages of a dog, into the house of Jehovah thy God for any vow: for even both these are an abomination unto Jehovah thy God.
World English Bible
You shall not bring the hire of a prostitute, or the wages of a male prostitute, into the house of Yahweh your God for any vow; for both of these are an abomination to Yahweh your God.
Douay-Rheims
Thou shalt not offer the hire of a strumpet, nor the price of a dog, in the house of the Lord thy God, whatsoever it be that thou hast vowed: because both these are an abomination to the Lord thy God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou shalt neyther bring the hyre of a whore, nor the price of a dogge into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for euen both these are abomination vnto the Lord thy God.