King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:29 Mean?

Leviticus 19:29 in the King James Version says “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. prostitute: Heb. profane”

Leviticus 19:29 · KJV

Context

27

Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.

28

Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

29

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. prostitute: Heb. profane

30

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אַל1 of 11
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּחַלֵּ֥ל2 of 11

“Do not prostitute”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

אֶֽת3 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בִּתְּךָ֖4 of 11

“thy daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

תִזְנֶ֣ה5 of 11

“fall to whoredom”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

וְלֹֽא6 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִזְנֶ֣ה7 of 11

“fall to whoredom”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

הָאָ֖רֶץ8 of 11

“and the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמָֽלְאָ֥ה9 of 11

“become full”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הָאָ֖רֶץ10 of 11

“and the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

זִמָּֽה׃11 of 11

“of wickedness”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 19:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 19:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 23:17-18Hosea 4:12-14Leviticus 21:71 Corinthians 6:15

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