Lexical Summary porné: Prostitute, Harlot Original Word: πόρνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prostitute, harlotFeminine of pornos; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater -- harlot, whore. see GREEK pornos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from pernémi (to export for sale) Definition a prostitute NASB Translation harlot (6), harlots (1), prostitute (2), prostitutes (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4204: πόρνηπόρνη, πόρνης, ἡ (from περάω, πέρνημι, to sell; Curtius, § 358), properly a woman who sells her body for sexual uses (cf. Xenophon, mem. 1, 6, 13), the Sept. for זונָה; 1. properly, a prostitute, a harlot, one who yields herself to defilement for the sake of gain (Aristophanes, Demosthenes, others); in the N. T. universally, any woman indulging in unlawful sexual intercourse, whether for gain or for lust: Matthew 21:31; Luke 15:30; 1 Corinthians 6:15; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25. 2. Hebraistically (see πορνεία, b. and πορνεύω, 3), metaphorically, an idolatress; so of 'Babylon' i. e. Rome, the chief seat of idolatry: Revelation 17:1, 5, 15; Revelation 19:2. The term translated “prostitute” (Greek 4204) appears twelve times in the Greek New Testament. It regularly denotes a woman who sells sexual favors, yet in prophetic and apocalyptic settings it expands to depict systemic, idolatrous corruption. Whether literal or symbolic, every use highlights the incompatibility between covenant fidelity and sexual or spiritual infidelity while simultaneously showcasing God’s redemptive reach. Occurrences in the New Testament • Matthew 21:31–32; Luke 15:30 – Jesus cites prostitutes as extreme examples of open sin, yet He also presents them as surprising recipients of grace: “the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31). Historical and Cultural Context Greco-Roman cities tolerated several grades of prostitution—from street solicitation to high-class courtesans linked to pagan temples. Sexual commerce was woven into festivals, trade, and cults, especially in ports such as Corinth. Against that backdrop, Scripture’s calls to holiness were radically countercultural, elevating exclusive marital fidelity and asserting the believer’s body as a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. Theological Emphases 1. Covenant Loyalty: The prostitute motif exposes any breach of the exclusive covenant God demands—whether sexual impurity (1 Corinthians 6:15–18) or idolatry (Revelation 17:1). Symbolic Use in Apocalyptic Literature John describes Babylon as “the great prostitute” to dramatize global seduction through immorality, luxury, and idolatry. The symbolism hearkens back to prophets who branded idolatrous Israel a harlot (Hosea 1–3; Isaiah 1:21). The imagery warns believers to remain unstained by the world and anticipates God’s ultimate vindication of His bride, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). Redemption and Transformation Rahab’s narrative anchors hope for individuals ensnared in sexual exploitation. Her faith led to rescue, inclusion in Israel, and placement in Messiah’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5). Likewise, Jesus’ ministry demonstrates that genuine repentance brings full kingdom entry, even for those society deems irredeemable. Pastoral and Missional Implications • Maintain doctrinal clarity: sexual immorality remains incompatible with Christian discipleship. Intertextual Echoes The prostitute theme threads from Genesis (Tamar, Genesis 38) through the prophets to the Apocalypse, underscoring Scripture’s unified stance: God opposes both literal and metaphorical harlotry yet delights to redeem repentant sinners. Summary Greek 4204 portrays the stark reality of sexual and spiritual infidelity, the scandal of grace that welcomes the repentant, and the certainty of divine judgment on unrepentant corruption. Its varied applications—moral, redemptive, prophetic—converge in the call to flee impurity, cling to Christ, and await the marriage supper of the Lamb. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 21:31 N-NFPGRK: καὶ αἱ πόρναι προάγουσιν ὑμᾶς NAS: to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get KJV: the publicans and the harlots go into INT: and the prostitutes go before you Matthew 21:32 N-NFP Luke 15:30 N-GFP 1 Corinthians 6:15 N-GFS 1 Corinthians 6:16 N-DFS Hebrews 11:31 N-NFS James 2:25 N-NFS Revelation 17:1 N-GFS Revelation 17:5 N-GFP Revelation 17:15 N-NFS Revelation 17:16 N-AFS Revelation 19:2 N-AFS Strong's Greek 4204 |
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