Deuteronomy 23:18

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָבִיא֩

H935

Thou shalt not bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶתְנַ֨ן

H868

the hire

a gift (as the price of harlotry or idolatry)

זוֹנָ֜ה

H2181

of a whore

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וּמְחִ֣יר

H4242

or the price

price, payment, wages

כֶּ֗לֶב

H3611

of a dog

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

בֵּ֛ית

H1004

into the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

נֶ֑דֶר

H5088

for any vow

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

#12

כִּ֧י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

תֽוֹעֲבַ֛ת

H8441

these are abomination

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#14

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#15

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#16

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#17

שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃

H8147

for even both

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Deuteronomy chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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Deuteronomy 23:18

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources