Deuteronomy 23:18
“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.”
What does Deuteronomy 23:18 mean?
In ancient Israel, the temple was considered God's house, a place set apart as holy. This verse forbids using money earned through sexual services as a payment or offering to God, because the source itself was considered incompatible with that holiness. The principle isn't primarily about judging the person involved, but about maintaining the integrity of what was devoted to God. This reflects a broader biblical concern: that what we offer to God should come from honest work and genuine commitment, not from activities the culture viewed as spiritually corrupting. It's a reminder that our relationship with God includes how we earn and give, and that bringing our best and most ethical selves into worship matters.