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Deuteronomy 23:19 - Impure wages forbidden for vows

Deuteronomy 23:19 - דברים 23:19

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תָבִיא אֶתְנַן זוֹנָה וּמְחִיר כֶּלֶב בֵּית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְכָל־נֶדֶר כִּי תוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not bring the hire of a prostitute, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for both these are abomination to the Lord thy God.

Transliteration

Lo-tavi etnan zona u-mechir kelev beit Adonai Eloheicha lechol-neder ki toavat Adonai Eloheicha gam-shenehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תָבִיא֩ אֶתְנַ֨ן זוֹנָ֜ה וּמְחִ֣יר כֶּ֗לֶב בֵּ֛ית יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לְכׇל־נֶ֑דֶר כִּ֧י תוֹעֲבַ֛ת יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
לֹא־תָבִיא֩ אֶתְנַ֨ן זוֹנָ֜ה וּמְחִ֣יר כֶּ֗לֶב בֵּ֛ית יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לְכׇל־נֶ֑דֶר כִּ֧י תוֹעֲבַ֛ת יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Bringing Illicit Earnings to the Beit HaMikdash

The verse (Devarim 23:19) prohibits bringing two specific types of earnings as offerings to the Beit HaMikdash: etnan zonah (the hire of a prostitute) and mechir kelev (the price of a dog). Both are deemed to'eivat Hashem (an abomination to Hashem).

Explanation of "Etnan Zonah"

Rashi explains that etnan zonah refers to payment received for immoral relations, whether given to a female prostitute (zonah) or a male prostitute (kadesh). The Talmud (Temurah 29b) extends this prohibition to any form of compensation derived from sinful activities, as they are unfit for sacred use.

Explanation of "Mechir Kelev"

The term mechir kelev is interpreted in multiple ways:

  • Rashi states it refers to money received from selling a dog, as dogs were associated with violence and impurity (see Shemot 22:30).
  • Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 4:4) explains that dogs were often used in idolatrous practices, making their sale proceeds spiritually tainted.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 5) suggests it may also symbolize the degradation of exchanging sacred things (like the kelev, which guarded the Beit HaMikdash) for monetary gain.

The Severity of the Prohibition

The verse emphasizes that both are to'eivat Hashem, indicating their inherent repulsiveness in the eyes of Hashem. The Kli Yakar notes that these earnings corrupt the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash, as they originate from morally or spiritually defiled sources.

Halachic Application

The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 4:14) rules that this prohibition applies not only to vows but to any donation to the Beit HaMikdash. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 117:1) extends the principle to forbid deriving benefit from such money for any holy purpose.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Temurah 30b
The verse is discussed in the context of prohibitions regarding offerings and the use of ill-gotten gains for sacred purposes.
📖 Avodah Zarah 62b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of using the earnings from immoral activities for religious donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 23:19 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 23:19 prohibits bringing money earned from immoral or dishonorable sources (specifically the wages of a prostitute or the price paid for a dog, which was associated with pagan practices) as an offering to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). The Torah calls these 'an abomination to Hashem,' teaching that offerings must come from pure and ethical means.
Q: Why is the 'price of a dog' forbidden as an offering?
A: Rashi explains that dogs were associated with idolatrous practices in ancient times, and their use in pagan rituals made them spiritually impure. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 4:4) adds that dogs were also seen as violent or dishonorable animals. Thus, money linked to them is unfit for holy purposes.
Q: Does this verse apply today if there is no Beit HaMikdash?
A: While we cannot bring physical offerings today, the principle still applies: any act of charity or mitzvah should be done with money earned honestly and ethically. The Talmud (Bava Kamma 94b) extends this idea, teaching that one should avoid deriving personal benefit from ill-gotten gains, as holiness requires purity in both action and intention.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem values not only our actions but also the source of what we dedicate to Him. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) emphasizes that mitzvot performed with improper means lack true spiritual value. It reminds us to ensure that our religious and charitable acts are carried out with integrity.
Q: Why are these two examples (prostitute and dog) singled out?
A: The Talmud (Temurah 30b) explains that these represent extreme cases of morally tainted income. By forbidding them, the Torah sets a clear standard: anything associated with immorality or idolatry is unfit for holiness. This reinforces the idea that kedushah (holiness) requires separation from corrupt influences.