Leviticus 19:29

KJV

Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Do not prostitute {H2490} thy daughter {H1323}, to cause her to be a whore {H2181}; lest the land {H776} fall to whoredom {H2181}, and the land {H776} become full {H4390} of wickedness {H2154}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not debase your daughter by making her a prostitute, so that the land will not fall into prostitution and become full of shame.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not defile your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will be prostituted and filled with depravity.

American Standard Version

Profane not thy daughter, to make her a harlot; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:29 issues a stark and unequivocal prohibition against the exploitation of one's daughter through prostitution, whether for economic gain or as a component of pagan religious rites. This command is a foundational element of the Holiness Code, underscoring God's absolute demand for moral and sexual purity within the Israelite community. The verse not only condemns the individual act of parental complicity in such exploitation but also issues a severe warning about the devastating societal consequences, asserting that widespread immorality would profoundly defile the land itself, leading to its pervasive corruption and filling it with profound wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19 is a central chapter within the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), a section dedicated to outlining the ethical, social, and ceremonial laws that would distinguish Israel as God's holy people. Following detailed instructions regarding sacrifices and prohibitions against various illicit sexual relationships in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations"), chapter 19 broadens the scope to encompass a wide array of daily life, all rooted in the foundational divine command: "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy")). The chapter seamlessly transitions from laws concerning offerings, respect for parents, and Sabbath observance to justice in judgment, gleaning, and loving one's neighbor. The prohibition in verse 29, nestled amidst laws against divination and child sacrifice, emphasizes that sexual purity is not merely a private moral concern but an essential component of communal holiness, vital for maintaining the distinct identity and covenant relationship of God's chosen nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, particularly the Canaanite cultures that surrounded and intermingled with Israel, was rife with religious practices that often incorporated cultic prostitution. Fertility cults dedicated to deities like Baal and Asherah frequently involved ritual sexual acts, including the use of male and female temple prostitutes, believed to ensure agricultural abundance and human fecundity. These practices were deeply embedded within the religious and social fabric of the land Israel was destined to inherit. For the Israelites, such acts were considered an egregious abomination, directly violating their exclusive covenant with Yahweh and threatening the moral and spiritual integrity of the nation. The command in Leviticus 19:29 served as a critical boundary marker, distinguishing Israel's holy practices and moral code from the defiling customs of their neighbors, thereby reinforcing the unique nature of their God and their call to be a set-apart people. The severe warning about the land becoming "full of wickedness" reflects the profound theological understanding that the land itself was considered holy and could be defiled by the inhabitants' moral transgressions, a concept powerfully articulated in [Leviticus 18:25-28](/leviticus/18-25-28 "Leviticus 18:25-28 - Land Defiled by Immorality").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 19:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Holiness Code and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as Israel is called to reflect God's own purity by separating themselves from the immoral practices of the surrounding nations. This verse specifically addresses the sanctity of human sexuality and the profound responsibility of parents, underscoring the theme of **Family Integrity and Protection of the Vulnerable**. It highlights that the family unit is foundational to national holiness and must be protected from exploitation. Furthermore, the warning that "the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness" powerfully illustrates the theme of **Corporate Responsibility and Land Defilement**. It conveys the theological principle that individual and familial sin has communal repercussions, impacting the spiritual and even physical well-being of the entire nation and the land God provided, as seen throughout [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 20](/leviticus/20 "Leviticus 20 - Penalties for Immorality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prostitute (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, this verb means "to profane," "to wound," or "to begin." In this context, when used causatively ("do not prostitute thy daughter"), it signifies the act of profaning or defiling one's daughter, specifically by initiating or allowing her to engage in prostitution. This term highlights the destructive, defiling nature of the act, indicating that it wounds and violates the individual's sacredness and breaks a fundamental moral boundary. It implies a deliberate act of desecration.
* **Whore/Whoredom (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** From H2181, this primitive root primarily denotes illicit sexual intercourse, often with connotations of wantonness. It is used both for the individual ("to cause her to be a whore") and for the collective ("lest the land fall to whoredom"). Beyond its literal meaning, _zânâh_ frequently carries the metaphorical sense of spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry, where Israel is depicted as "whoring" after other gods. In Leviticus 19:29, its literal sense is paramount, condemning the physical act of sexual exploitation and the moral degradation it entails, extending this degradation from the individual to the entire community.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _zimmâh'_):** From H2154, this noun refers to a plan, especially a bad one, and often signifies heinous crime, lewdness, or moral perversion. It denotes a deliberate and flagrant act of immorality that is deeply offensive to God and destructive to society. The use of _zimmâh_ here underscores that prostituting one's daughter is not merely a minor transgression but a profound perversion of parental responsibility and a grave affront to divine holiness, leading to pervasive moral decay and a deliberate, evil mindset within the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do not prostitute thy daughter":** This is a direct, emphatic, and absolute prohibition addressed to parents. It forbids any action or inaction that would lead a daughter into sexual activity for illicit purposes, whether for financial gain, as a form of servitude, or in pagan cultic rituals. It underscores the profound responsibility of parents to protect the purity, dignity, and well-being of their children from exploitation and moral corruption.
* **"to cause her to be a whore":** This phrase intensifies the initial command, highlighting the active role or complicity of the parent in bringing about this state of moral degradation. It implies a deliberate act of leading the daughter into a life of sexual immorality, rather than merely neglecting to prevent it. The consequence is not just a single act, but a transformation of her identity and status into one of defilement.
* **"lest the land fall to whoredom":** This clause introduces the dire societal consequence of such individual and familial sin. The term "whoredom" here extends beyond individual sexual acts to encompass a broader moral and spiritual corruption of the entire community. It implies a pervasive atmosphere of illicit sexuality and unfaithfulness to God, suggesting a contagious effect where individual sin spreads to defile the collective moral fabric of the nation.
* **"and the land become full of wickedness":** This final phrase articulates the ultimate outcome: the land itself, which is God's holy dwelling place for His people, becomes saturated with deep moral depravity (_zimmâh_). This reflects the Old Testament theological principle that the moral state of the people directly impacts the land they inhabit. Widespread sexual immorality and perversion are seen as defiling the land, making it "vomit out" its inhabitants, as warned in [Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants").

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:29 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and severe message. The most prominent is **Cause-Effect**, establishing a direct and profound theological link between the individual act of prostituting a daughter and the widespread moral decay of the entire land. This illustrates that private transgressions have public repercussions, contaminating the communal sphere. The phrase "lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness" also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and pervasive nature of the corruption that would ensue, suggesting a complete moral collapse rather than isolated incidents. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Metonymy**, where "the land" stands in for "the people of the land," implying that the moral state of the inhabitants is reflected in the spiritual health and purity of their territory. The repeated use of the root _zânâh_ (translated as "prostitute," "whore," and "whoredom") creates a powerful **Repetition** that underscores the central theme of sexual impurity and its devastating, pervasive effects.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:29 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering demand for holiness, extending beyond ritual and worship into the most intimate and foundational aspects of human relationships and societal structure. It unequivocally underscores the sanctity of human sexuality within God's divine design and the profound responsibility of parents as stewards of their children's purity and well-being. The verse reveals a holistic understanding of sin, where individual moral failures, particularly those involving sexual exploitation, have a ripple effect, polluting the entire community and even defiling the land itself. This highlights the intricate interconnectedness of personal ethics, family integrity, and national well-being under God's covenant. The prohibition serves as a critical safeguard against the pervasive pagan practices of the ancient Near East, reinforcing Israel's unique calling to reflect God's own holy character in every sphere of life and to live as a distinct people set apart for Him.

* [Deuteronomy 23:17-18](/deuteronomy/23-17-18 "No Cult Prostitutes in Israel")
* [Proverbs 23:27-28](/proverbs/23-27-28 "The Deep Pit of the Prostitute")
* [Hosea 4:10-12](/hosea/4-10-12 "Spiritual Harlotry and Its Consequences")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command in Leviticus 19:29 resonates with profound relevance for contemporary society, urging us to deeply consider the far-reaching implications of sexual exploitation and the vital role of parental and societal responsibility in safeguarding the vulnerable. In a world grappling with the pervasive evils of human trafficking, child exploitation, and the commodification of human bodies, this verse stands as a timeless and urgent call to protect innocence and uphold the inherent dignity of every individual, especially children. It challenges us to critically examine our own communities, cultures, and even our personal attitudes for any practices or mindsets that might subtly or overtly contribute to sexual immorality, the objectification of others, or the exploitation of the innocent. Beyond the literal prohibition, it reminds us that true holiness extends to our ethical treatment of one another, our faithful stewardship of family, and our unwavering commitment to fostering a society where purity, justice, and compassion prevail. It compels us to ask searching questions: Are we actively protecting the vulnerable in our midst from all forms of exploitation? Are we diligently teaching and modeling sexual purity and respect within our families, churches, and broader communities? Do we fully recognize the spiritual, moral, and societal consequences of widespread moral decay, and are we actively working against it?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge modern societal norms and practices regarding sexual ethics, particularly concerning the protection of children?**
* **In what tangible ways can individuals, families, and communities actively work to prevent sexual exploitation and promote purity and dignity today?**
* **What is the profound responsibility of parents and guardians in nurturing the moral and spiritual well-being of their children, as implied by this divine command?**
* **How does the concept of the "land falling to whoredom" deepen our understanding of the interconnectedness between personal sin, communal morality, and societal health?**

### FAQ
**What does "prostitute thy daughter" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Leviticus 19:29, "prostitute thy daughter" refers to the abhorrent act of a parent actively causing, allowing, or even forcing their daughter to engage in sexual activity for illicit purposes. This could include for financial gain (as a common prostitute) or, significantly, as part of pagan religious rituals (cultic prostitution). Such practices were prevalent in the surrounding Canaanite cultures, where fertility cults often incorporated ritualized sex. The command highlights a severe dereliction of parental duty, a profound violation of the daughter's dignity, and a direct affront to God's holiness.

**Why is the consequence so severe, linking individual sin to the "land becoming full of wickedness"?**

Answer: The severe consequence reflects a core Old Testament theological principle: the moral and spiritual state of the people directly impacts the land they inhabit. God's covenant with Israel included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, often manifesting in the land's fertility or barrenness. Widespread sexual immorality, particularly acts as heinous as prostituting one's own child, was considered a profound defilement that "polluted" the land itself. This defilement could lead to the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants, as explicitly warned in [Leviticus 18:25-28](/leviticus/18-25-28 "Leviticus 18:25-28 - Land Defiled by Immorality"). It underscores that sin is not merely a private matter but has communal, national, and even cosmic implications, disrupting the divine order and bringing judgment upon the entire territory.

**Does this verse have any relevance for Christians today, given its Old Testament context?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific cultural context of cultic prostitution is ancient, the underlying principles are timeless and profoundly relevant for Christians today. The verse unequivocally condemns sexual exploitation in all its forms, emphasizes the sacred duty to protect the vulnerable (especially children), highlights parental responsibility for moral guidance, and warns of the societal decay that inevitably results from widespread sexual immorality. These principles align perfectly with New Testament teachings on purity, justice, and the sanctity of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")). It calls believers to uphold high standards of sexual ethics, to actively combat all forms of human exploitation and trafficking, and to live lives that reflect God's holiness in a world prone to moral compromise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:29, with its stern prohibition against prostituting one's daughter and its dire warning of land defilement, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's relentless emphasis on purity and the devastating consequences of sexual immorality foreshadow the radical holiness embodied by Christ, who was utterly without sin and perfectly fulfilled every righteous demand of the Law ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). While the Law condemned the literal act of prostituting a daughter, Christ's coming reveals the deeper, pervasive spiritual "whoredom" of humanity—our inherent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, which the prophets often depicted as spiritual adultery (e.g., [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1-3 "Hosea 1-3 - Hosea's Marriage and Israel's Unfaithfulness")). Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, offers complete redemption from this spiritual defilement, cleansing us from all unrighteousness through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). He calls His followers, the Church, to be a pure and spotless bride, set apart for Him, having been cleansed by His Word and sacrifice ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Through Christ, believers are liberated from the power of sin that once "filled the land with wickedness," and are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live lives of true holiness and purity, reflecting God's character and actively working to protect the vulnerable. This participation in Christ's redemptive mission contributes to the ongoing renewal of creation and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom on earth, where true purity and justice will ultimately prevail ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 23:17

There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.

Deuteronomy 23:18

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.

1 Corinthians 6:15

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make [them] the members of an harlot? God forbid.

Hosea 4:12

¶ My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused [them] to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

Hosea 4:14

I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people [that] doth not understand shall fall.

Leviticus 21:7

They shall not take a wife [that is] a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he [is] holy unto his God.