Deuteronomy 23:18 - Holiness in intimate relationships

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Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִהְיֶה קְדֵשָׁה מִבְּנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה קָדֵשׁ מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

There shall be no female prostitute of the daughters of Yisra᾽el, nor a male prostitute of the sons of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Lo-tihyeh kdesha mibnot Yisrael ve-lo yihyeh kadesh mibnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תִהְיֶ֥ה קְדֵשָׁ֖ה מִבְּנ֣וֹת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֥ה קָדֵ֖שׁ מִבְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Kedeshah and Kadesh

The verse (Devarim 23:18) prohibits both female (kedeshah) and male (kadesh) cultic prostitution among Bnei Yisrael. Rashi explains that these terms refer to individuals who engage in immoral relations as part of idolatrous practices, particularly in service to avodah zarah (foreign worship). The Torah forbids such behavior to maintain the sanctity of Klal Yisrael.

Sources in Talmud and Halacha

Sanhedrin 82a: The Gemara associates the kadesh with the abominable practices of the Canaanite nations, emphasizing that such acts defile the land.
Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:4): Codifies this prohibition as part of the broader Torah laws against immoral conduct and idolatrous customs.
Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 569): Explains that this mitzvah safeguards the moral and spiritual purity of the Jewish people, distinguishing them from the corrupt practices of other nations.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 263) connects this prohibition to the broader theme of kedushah (holiness), teaching that Bnei Yisrael must distance themselves from debased behaviors that were prevalent among the surrounding nations. The term kedeshah is particularly jarring because it misappropriates the language of sanctity (kadosh) for immoral purposes.

Contemporary Halachic Relevance

While the specific context of ancient cultic prostitution may not apply today, the underlying principle remains: Judaism demands moral purity and rejects any form of licentiousness or behavior that degrades human dignity. Poskim (halachic decisors) extend this prohibition to all forms of prostitution and exploitative relationships, in line with the Torah’s emphasis on tzniut (modesty) and kedushah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 82a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of certain professions for Israelites, emphasizing the moral and ethical standards expected of the Jewish people.

📖 Sanhedrin 54b

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the severity of certain sins and their implications for Jewish law and society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 23:18 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 23:18 prohibits both men and women in Israel from engaging in promiscuous or immoral behavior, specifically forbidding prostitution. The Torah emphasizes the sanctity of Jewish life and the importance of maintaining moral purity. Rashi explains that this verse comes to prevent any form of licentiousness that would degrade the holiness of the Jewish people.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the Torah's high standards for moral conduct. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 18:1) discusses how this prohibition is part of the broader Torah laws promoting modesty and sanctity in relationships. Judaism views intimate relations as sacred when conducted within proper boundaries (such as marriage), and this verse reinforces that principle.

Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While the specific societal context may differ, the Torah's moral principles remain timeless. Orthodox Judaism today upholds the values of modesty (tzniut) and proper conduct in relationships. The prohibition reminds us to avoid any behavior that cheapens human dignity or violates the sanctity of marriage and family life as defined by Halacha (Jewish law).

Q: What is the difference between 'kedeshah' and 'kadesh' in this verse?
A: The terms 'kedeshah' (female) and 'kadesh' (male) refer to individuals who engage in promiscuous behavior. Rashi explains that these terms may also relate to ancient pagan practices that involved immoral rites. The Torah forbids such behavior entirely, differentiating the moral standards of Israel from the surrounding nations.

Q: Does this verse only forbid prostitution, or other behaviors too?
A: While the verse explicitly mentions prostitution, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) and later halachic authorities derive broader principles about forbidden relationships and immoral conduct. The Rambam extends these laws to include any form of licentious behavior that violates the Torah's standards of holiness and proper conduct between men and women.