Not to offer animals bought with the wages of a harlot or the animal exchanged for a dog

This mitzvah prohibits bringing as offerings any animal purchased with the wages of a harlot or received in exchange for a dog. The Torah labels these sources of acquisition as degrading and abominable, and therefore unfit to become sanctified for Hashem’s service.

Rambam explains that Hashem’s altar must be free of any association with corruption or immorality. Sefer HaChinuch teaches that sacrifices symbolize a person’s devotion, and thus cannot come from disgraceful or impure origins. Ramban adds that this mitzvah elevates the sanctity of the Mizbeach by requiring not only perfect animals, but also pure sources of acquisition.

The Talmud clarifies which cases fall under this prohibition, including whether other types of wages or exchanges are invalid. These laws emphasize that holiness must be complete, extending beyond the animal’s body to its origins.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 4:18): Rules that such animals are invalid for offerings, even if otherwise perfect.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 571): Explains that Hashem’s service must come from purity and dignity, not disgrace.
• Rashi (Deut. 23:19): Notes that both the harlot’s wage and dog’s exchange are termed “abomination,” underscoring their unworthiness.
• Talmud (Temurah 30a; Bekhorot 15a): Discusses which transactions invalidate an animal and how the prohibition applies.
• Ramban: Teaches that Hashem demands elevated offerings; unworthy acquisitions undermine sanctity at its root.