Deuteronomy 23:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 23:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 23:17 commands that there should not be a "whore" among the daughters of Israel or a "sodomite" among the sons of Israel. The verse sets a clear boundary against certain sexual practices within the Israelite community, specifying that such roles or behaviors are not to be found among their people.

This instruction comes from Moses as he relays God's laws to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The verse addresses the community as a whole, emphasizing the importance of moral boundaries and distinctiveness from surrounding cultures. The terms used reflect specific roles or practices that were present in some neighboring societies, and the law aims to prevent Israel from adopting them.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 23:17

• "whore" (קְדֵשָׁה, qedeshah): This word refers to a woman who engages in sexual acts as part of pagan religious practices, not just general prostitution. The use of this term highlights that the concern is not only about sexual morality but also about avoiding religious practices tied to other gods.
• "sodomite" (קָדֵשׁ, qadesh): This term refers to a male involved in similar pagan temple practices, often associated with ritual sex acts. The word points to a specific role found in some ancient Near Eastern religions, not just any immoral behavior.
• "daughters" (בַּת, bat) and "sons" (בֵּן, ben): These words make clear that the command applies to both women and men in Israel, emphasizing the expectation for the entire community.
• "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisrael): Naming Israel directly underlines that this command is about the identity and distinctiveness of God's people.

Why Deuteronomy 23:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that the prohibition is not just about sexual immorality in general, but specifically about practices tied to pagan worship, which were common in the surrounding cultures.
• The law emphasizes the importance of Israel remaining distinct from its neighbors, especially in religious and moral matters, reinforcing the theme of holiness found throughout Deuteronomy.
• Understanding the original Hebrew words helps clear up confusion about the nature of the practices being forbidden, showing that the focus is on ritual roles rather than simply personal behavior.