Strong’s H6948

קְדֵשָׁה

Part of speech

Noun Feminine

Transliteration

qdeshah

Pronunciation

keh-deh-SHAH

Definition

Temple prostitute, cult prostitute

Meaning

a female devotee

Usage

The term "qedeshah" refers to a woman who engaged in ritualistic sexual activities as part of pagan worship practices. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, these women were often associated with the worship of fertility deities, where sexual acts were believed to ensure agricultural and communal prosperity. The term is used in the Bible to denote a woman who is set apart for such practices, contrasting with the holiness expected of the people of Israel.

Bible references

Genesis 38:21;Genesis 38:21;Genesis 38:22;Deuteronomy 23:17;Hosea 4:14