Old Testament
Leviticus 19:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Don't degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute. If you do, the whole land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness.
Compare translations
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.
What Leviticus 19:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns against the exploitation of daughters through prostitution, emphasizing the moral and social consequences of such actions. It highlights the importance of protecting the dignity of women and the family unit. The text suggests that allowing such behavior can lead to widespread immorality and corruption in society. By linking the act of prostitution to the degradation of the land, it underscores the belief that individual actions can have far-reaching effects on the community. The verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility parents have to guide and protect their children from harmful practices that can lead to societal decay.
How to apply Leviticus 19:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to uphold the dignity of all individuals, especially women, in our communities. It reminds us to be vigilant against practices that exploit or degrade others. We should foster environments that promote respect and integrity, ensuring that our actions contribute positively to society.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 19:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 19:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 19:29 mean?
Leviticus 19:29 warns against exploiting daughters through prostitution, highlighting the moral and social consequences of such actions. It emphasizes the importance of protecting women's dignity and the family unit, suggesting that individual actions can lead to broader societal corruption.
What is the meaning of prostitution in Leviticus 19:29?
In Leviticus 19:29, prostitution refers to the act of degrading women, particularly daughters, by forcing them into sexual exploitation. The verse stresses that such actions can lead to widespread immorality and negatively impact the community.
How does Leviticus 19:29 relate to family values?
Leviticus 19:29 underscores the importance of family values by highlighting the need to protect the dignity of women within the family. It suggests that parents have a responsibility to guide their children away from harmful practices that can harm the family unit.
What are the social consequences mentioned in Leviticus 19:29?
Leviticus 19:29 indicates that allowing practices like prostitution can lead to widespread wickedness and moral decay in society. It suggests that individual actions, particularly those that exploit others, can have far-reaching negative effects on the community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.