What does the Bible mean when it says don’t bring “the wages of a harlot” or the “price of a dog” into the Lord’s house?

It’s helpful to back up one verse and read the entire passage. It says, “There shall be no ritual harlot of the daughters of Israel, or a perverted one of the sons of Israel” (v. 17). The King James uses the word “whore” and “sodomite,” and the Revised Standard speaks of “cult” prostitutes. This passage is referring to the immoral ritual of religious prostitution, in which people gave themselves as “servants to the gods.” This idolatrous practice still exists in some cultures today.

God detests this rite. It degrades human beings, distorts one’s view of the true God, and breaks down the sanctity of marriage. It is unholy and sinful. Connecting prostitution with religion is abhorrent and destroys the consciences of all who participate in such demeaning acts. Would we rob a bank and kill people in order to gather money as an offering to God?

The “price of a dog” speaks of the practice of a male prostitute. The Bible sometimes uses the word “dog” to speak of those who practice evil. It was an uncomplimentary term. Goliath said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” (1 Samuel 17:43). It was one of the ultimate put-downs (see 2 Samuel 16:9). In Eastern countries, dogs often ran wild and were not very clean. They symbolized those who are cast out of society.

Moses warned, “Do not prostitute your daughter, to cause her to be a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry, and the land become full of wickedness” (Leviticus 19:29). King David described true worship: “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol” (Psalm 24:3, 4).

Key Bible Texts

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 KJV)