### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qᵉdêshâh**, represented by `{{H6948}}`, is a specific term for a **harlot** or **whore**, particularly a female devotee involved in prostitution. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. As the feminine form of `{{H6945}}` `qâdêsh`, it often carries the implication of cultic or religious prostitution, distinguishing it from more general terms for sexual immorality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6948}}` is found in both legal and narrative contexts. The Law explicitly forbids this practice, stating, "There shall be no **whore** of the daughters of Israel" [[Deuteronomy 23:17]]. This prohibition establishes a clear moral and religious boundary for the nation. In the book of Genesis, the word is used in the account of Judah, whose men ask for the location of the **harlot** ([[Genesis 38:21]], [[Genesis 38:22]]). The prophet Hosea connects the term directly to idolatrous acts, condemning those who "sacrifice with **harlots**" [[Hosea 4:14]], linking the practice to apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of sexual and spiritual unfaithfulness:
* `{{H6945}}` **qâdêsh** (a (male) devotee (by prostitution) to licentious idolatry; sodomite, unclean): This is the direct masculine counterpart to `{{H6948}}`. It is used in parallel in the same prohibition, stating there shall be no **sodomite** of the sons of Israel [[Deuteronomy 23:17]].
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to commit adultery... figuratively, to commit idolatry... play the harlot... go a-whoring): A broader term for harlotry, it is used figuratively to describe Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God, such as having a "whorish heart" [[Ezekiel 6:9]]. It appears alongside `{{H6948}}` in [[Hosea 4:14]], describing general whoredom.
* `{{H5003}}` **nâʼaph** (to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize): This word specifically denotes adultery and the breaking of a marriage covenant. It is used in [[Hosea 4:14]] to describe spouses who **commit adultery** in a context that condemns sacrificing with cult prostitutes.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6948}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of Israelite faith and law.
* **Rejection of Pagan Worship:** The prohibition of the `qᵉdêshâh` serves as a direct rejection of the cultic prostitution common in the licentious idolatry of surrounding nations.
* **Sexual and Spiritual Purity:** By forbidding this practice, the law links physical holiness with spiritual devotion to God. The act is condemned not only for its immorality but for its association with false worship [[Hosea 4:14]].
* **National Holiness:** The command in [[Deuteronomy 23:17]] applies specifically to the "daughters of Israel," marking this prohibition as a key element of the nation's unique covenant relationship with God and its separation from defiling practices.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6948}}` is not merely a synonym for prostitute but a specific term, often referring to a harlot connected to idolatrous rituals. Its limited use in scripture underscores the severe nature of this particular offense. The word is central to understanding the biblical prohibition against cultic prostitution and the broader theme of maintaining national and spiritual purity by rejecting the ways of other nations.
TRV