Qedesh can refer to a holy or sacred place, or to a male shrine prostitute (in its negative usage). As a place-name, Qedesh was a significant city in Naphtali that served as a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7). The root qadash (to be holy, set apart) connects it to the entire biblical theme of holiness and separation unto God.
The concept of a qedesh (sacred place) parallels the theology of the Tabernacle and Temple — spaces set apart for divine encounter. However, Israel was repeatedly warned against Canaanite qedeshim (cultic prostitutes), as mixing worship with sexuality profaned the holiness of God (Deuteronomy 23:17). True holiness is ethical and relational, not ritualistic or sensual. God's holy places in Scripture exist to facilitate covenant relationship, not transactional religion.