Deuteronomy 23:18You shall not bring the hire of a prostitute, or the wages of a dog, into the house of Yahweh your God for any vow: for even both these are an abomination to Yahweh your God.
The setting
Plains of Moab, ~1400 BC. Moses warns against bringing money from prostitution or male cult prostitution ('dog') to fund temple worship in the coming land...
The emotion here: protective anger toward God's holiness being corrupted
The original word
tōʿēbāh (תועבה) — abomination, something that causes God to turn away in disgust
Why it matters
Male cult prostitutes were called 'dogs' because they served at pagan temples like animals in heat
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 23:18
'Dog' here doesn't mean animal — it was slang for male temple prostitutes in pagan worship
Common misconceptionPeople think any sincere giving pleases God, but this shows God cares deeply about the SOURCE of our offerings, not just the amount.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 23:18
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 23:18 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 23:18 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is worship, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include temple holiness, pure offerings, separation. Notable phrases: hire of a prostitute; house of Yahweh. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same worship
“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:”
— Deuteronomy 6:4
“and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
— Deuteronomy 6:5
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
— John 14:6
“Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."”
— John 8:58
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 23:18 mean to you, today?
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