What Does “perverted one” Mean in the Bible?

(Deuteronomy 23:17 )

Perverted one  often used to describe a man who engages in unnatural sexual acts, particularly homosexual behavior. In the Bible, this term corresponds to what is translated in English as a “sodomite”—a male cult prostitute or one practicing sexual acts condemned by God.

1. Biblical Definition and Context

Deuteronomy 23:17 

“There shall be no ritual harlot of the daughters of Israel, or a perverted one of the sons of Israel.”

Here, “perverted one” refers to the Hebrew word “qadesh,” which means a male shrine prostitute, often associated with pagan worship.

These individuals were not just committing immoral acts; they were participating in idolatrous worship that directly opposed the holiness of God (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26–27). Their behavior was considered an abomination—something detestable in God’s sight (see Leviticus 20:13).

2. Historical and Theological Background

In Old Testament Israel, such practices were not merely personal choices—they were tied to idol worship, often in the form of ritual prostitution in pagan temples. God strongly opposed Israel adopting these customs from surrounding nations.

1 Kings 14:24 
“And there were also perverted persons in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.”

1 Kings 15:12 
“And he (King Asa) banished the perverted persons from the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.”

2 Kings 23:7 
“Then he (King Josiah) tore down the ritual booths of the perverted persons that were in the house of the Lord…”

This verse shows how deeply these acts had infiltrated even the temple of God, defiling it.

Sexual sin in the Bible is not just about personal morality—it represents a spiritual rebellion against God’s design for human relationships. Paul affirms this in the New Testament:

Romans 1:26–27 

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men… burned in their lust for one another… and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”

3. Modern Parallels and Prophetic Insight

Today, similar patterns are repeating. Just as in ancient times, modern societies are embracing and even legalizing behaviors the Bible calls sinful. These behaviors are now being celebrated and normalized globally, including in some religious institutions. The rainbow flag, originally a sign of God’s covenant (Genesis 9:13), is now widely used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride.

However, God’s covenant not to destroy the world with water does not mean judgment will never come.

2 Peter 3:6–7 

“…by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth… are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

This points to a future judgment—not by flood, but by fire—as God will deal with sin once more, this time permanently.

4. The Call to Readiness

As believers, we are not called to hate or condemn individuals, but to stand for truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and live in holiness. The rising tide of immorality is a sign of the end times—just as Jesus said it would be “as it was in the days of Lot” (Luke 17:28–30).

We must take this time seriously. The Rapture—the sudden return of Christ for His Church—is near (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Now is the time to examine our hearts and ensure we are walking in righteousness.

2 Corinthians 13:5 

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…”

Are we truly prepared for the return of the Lord?
Are we standing firm in God’s truth, or being swayed by the world’s changing values?
This is not a time for compromise—it is a time for faith, holiness, and boldness in Christ.

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