Strong’s H6945

קָדֵשׁ

Part of speech

Noun Masculine

Transliteration

qadesh

Pronunciation

kah-DAYSH

Definition

Temple prostitute, cult prostitute, male shrine prostitute

Meaning

a, sacred person, a, devotee, to licentious idolatry

Usage

The term "qadesh" refers to a male cult prostitute associated with pagan religious practices, particularly those involving ritualistic sexual acts. These individuals were often linked to the worship of fertility deities in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The term is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote practices that were considered abominable and contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

Bible references

Deuteronomy 23:17;1 Kings 14:24;1 Kings 15:12;1 Kings 22:46;2 Kings 23:7;Job 36:14