JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

You asked whether a Christian may sell dogs and tithe the income from them.

According to the Bible, it is certainly all right.

Some have misunderstood Deuteronomy 23:17-18 to say that the price of dogs ought not be brought into God's house. Notice: "Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God."

The Hebrew word for "dog" in this verse means "a male prostitute." (See "Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary to the Old Testament," by Alexander Harkavy, page 294). The Moffatt and other modern versions make it clear that this verse is speaking of sexually corrupt humans.

Also notice Revelation 22:15, "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers ...." This refers to various categories of unrepentant and degenerate humans who will not be able to enter God's Kingdom.

Literal dogs, on the other hand, are merely a part of the animal creation, which God has given man dominion over (Gen. 1:26). To tithe the income from the sale of a dog or any other animal is in accord with God's tithing laws and principles.

Thank you for your inquiry. If you have other questions, please let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT