In the biblical context, the term "harlot" refers to a woman who engages in sexual immorality, often for monetary gain. The concept of harlotry is frequently used in the Bible not only to describe physical acts of prostitution but also as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. The Bible addresses harlotry in both literal and symbolic terms, providing moral, spiritual, and societal implications.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains numerous references to harlotry, both in the literal sense and as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to God. In the Law of Moses, harlotry is condemned, and the Israelites are warned against engaging in such practices. Leviticus 19:29 states, "Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness."

The account of Rahab, a harlot in Jericho, is a notable example of redemption and faith. Despite her profession, Rahab is commended for her faith and actions in hiding the Israelite spies. Joshua 2:1 describes her as "a prostitute named Rahab," and her faith is later praised in Hebrews 11:31: "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient."

The prophets frequently use the imagery of harlotry to describe Israel's spiritual adultery. Hosea's marriage to Gomer, a harlot, serves as a symbolic representation of God's relationship with Israel. Hosea 1:2 states, "Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery by departing from the LORD."

New Testament References

In the New Testament, harlotry continues to be used as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness. The Book of Revelation uses the imagery of the "great harlot" to symbolize the corrupt and idolatrous systems opposed to God. Revelation 17:1-2 describes this figure: "Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries."

Jesus' ministry also addresses the issue of harlotry, emphasizing forgiveness and redemption. In Matthew 21:31-32, Jesus highlights the repentance of tax collectors and prostitutes, stating, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Bible's treatment of harlotry underscores the importance of faithfulness, both in human relationships and in one's relationship with God. Harlotry is often associated with idolatry, as seen in the prophetic literature, where Israel's pursuit of other gods is likened to a wife's unfaithfulness to her husband. This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The biblical narrative also emphasizes the possibility of redemption and transformation. Individuals like Rahab demonstrate that faith and repentance can lead to restoration and inclusion in God's covenant community. The New Testament further reinforces this message, as Jesus extends grace and forgiveness to those who turn away from sin and seek a new life in Him.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern societies, prostitution was often linked to religious practices and economic necessity. Temples in some cultures employed prostitutes as part of their worship rituals, a practice that the Israelites were explicitly forbidden to adopt. The biblical injunctions against harlotry reflect a broader concern for maintaining the holiness and distinctiveness of the Israelite community.

The Bible's portrayal of harlots and harlotry provides insight into the moral and spiritual values upheld by the biblical authors. It serves as a call to faithfulness, purity, and the transformative power of God's grace.4204. porne -- a prostitute
... Word Origin probably from pernemi (to export for sale) Definition a prostitute NASB
Word Usage harlot (6), harlots (1), prostitute (2), prostitutes (3). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4204.htm - 6k2181. zanah -- to commit fornication, be a harlot
... flagrant harlotry (1), fall to harlotry (1), harlot (22), harlot continually (1),
harlot's (2), harlot's* (2), harlot* (3), harlotry (3), harlots (5), making ...
/hebrew/2181.htm - 6k

2185. zonoth -- armour
... by some as if from zuwn or an unused root, and applied to military equipments; but
evidently the feminine plural active participle of zanah; harlots -- armour. ...
/hebrew/2185.htm - 6k

Those who to the Destruction of their Own Souls Procure and Bring ...
... Those who to the destruction of their own souls procure and bring up harlots? ... Whoever
gathers together harlots to the ruin of souls, shall be cut off. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lxxxvi those who to.htm

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ...
... in so doing they confirmed a parable which condemned themselves.] Jesus saith unto
them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots [the very ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cviii in reply to the 2.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... It was indeed so frequent a thing, that women who were innkeepers were also harlots,
or maintainers of harlots, that the word commonly used for real harlots ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Of the Metropolis of Christian Apostasy, the Mystic Babylon.
... is the city Rome, or, as we now say, the Roman see; from the spouse of Christ in
former times, become not only the harlot, but also the mother of harlots. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the metropolis of christian.htm

Tuesday --The Day of Controversy.
... They say, "The first.". Jesus saith unto them, "Verily I say unto you, that the
publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/tuesdaythe day of controversy.htm

The Two Sons.
... They say, "The first.". Jesus saith unto them, "Verily I say unto you, that the
publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the two sons.htm

And when Evening Came, Jesus Went Forth Outside of the City...
... They said unto him, The first. Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, The
publicans and harlots go before you into [39] the kingdom of God. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxxiii and when evening.htm

Hebrews ix. 5-Jan
... [7.] For what is baser than a man who is in love with money? Whatever things women
that are harlots or on the stage refuse not to do neither does he [refuse]. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xv hebrews ix 5-jan.htm

Matt. xxi. 12, 13
... when, not understanding His sayings, they had delivered the judgment, He unfolds
His concealed meaning after this, and saith, "Publicans and harlots go into ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxvii matt xxi 12.htm

The Friend of Sinners
... The publicans and harlots are often mentioned together; and, I doubt not, they were
often eating and drinking together, God help them! And God did help them. ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxiii the friend of.htm

Publicans (16 Occurrences)
... They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That
the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. ...
/p/publicans.htm - 11k

Harlots (11 Occurrences)
...Harlots (11 Occurrences). ... Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the
publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. ...
/h/harlots.htm - 10k

Harlot's (10 Occurrences)
... have forsaken Me, and sworn by no-gods; and when I had fed them to the full, they
committed adultery, and assembled themselves in troops at the harlots' houses ...
/h/harlot's.htm - 9k

Substance (99 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Luke 15:30 but when this thy son, who has devoured thy substance
with harlots, is come, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. (DBY). ...
/s/substance.htm - 39k

Yourselves (530 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed
him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye saw ...
/y/yourselves.htm - 36k

Harlotry (37 Occurrences)
... I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot, nor your brides when
they commit adultery; for the men themselves go apart with harlots, and they ...
/h/harlotry.htm - 17k

Kicketh (6 Occurrences)
... adultery, I do not see after your daughters when they commit whoredom, And after
your spouses when they commit adultery, For they with the harlots are separated ...
/k/kicketh.htm - 8k

Killedst (4 Occurrences)
... Killedst (4 Occurrences). Luke 15:30 but when this thy son came, who hath devoured
thy living with harlots, thou killedst for him the fatted calf. (ASV). ...
/k/killedst.htm - 7k

Wastes (33 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that
keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance. (See NAS). ...
/w/wastes.htm - 16k

Whoredoms (34 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:33 They give gifts to all harlots; but thou givest thy gifts to all thy
lovers, and bribest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy ...
/w/whoredoms.htm - 17k

What is the whore of Babylon / mystery Babylon? | GotQuestions.org

How many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of porneia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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