The word “price” is not from the same root as “hire.” It is the “price” or “payment” that the “dog” receives. The word “dog” is here used to designate the person mentioned in v. 17 as a “sodomite.” It is a contemptuous term in Hebrew (1 Sam. 17:43; 2 Sam. 16:9; Isa. 56:10). Compare the apostle John’s description of those who may not enter the eternal kingdom (Rev. 22:15). In Eastern countries dogs roam about half wild, hungry, and unclean (1 Kings 14:11). They are a symbol of uncleanness and of outcasts.

 The word for “hire” is commonly used of the payment to a woman either for common prostitution or for that connected with temple worship (Hosea 9:1; Micah 1:7).