What does "whoremonger" mean?

Meaning and Etymology

The term often rendered “whoremonger” in older English translations (e.g., KJV) corresponds to the Greek word πόρνος (pornos), which generally refers to one who practices or indulges in sexual immorality. Modern translations typically replace “whoremonger” with terms such as “sexually immoral person,” “fornicator,” or “immoral man.” In the Berean Standard Bible, this Greek term appears notably in contexts where sexual sin and immorality are denounced.

The English word “whoremonger” stems from an older usage of “whore” (indicating one engaged in sexual immorality or prostitution) and “monger” (a trader or dealer). Thus, “whoremonger” connotes someone who “purchases” or regularly engages in illicit sexual activity—whether prostitution or other forms of immorality.

Appearances in Scripture (BSB References)

Though the does not use “whoremonger” explicitly, the underlying Greek concept is found in verses that discuss sexual sin:

1. Ephesians 5:5 – “For of this you can be sure: that no immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

• Here, “immoral” translates the idea of one engaging in sexual sin. These individuals, so described, are excluded from the kingdom of God unless they repent.

2. 1 Timothy 1:10 – “…for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching…”

• This passage places sexually immoral people in the same category as other actions that deviate from God’s moral instruction.

3. Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.”

• The “sexually immoral” here reflects the seriousness with which Scripture addresses any misuse or twisting of God’s intended design for intimacy.

Although the specific word “whoremonger” does not appear in these verses, the Greek word behind the older term conveys the same warning about the sin of sexual immorality.

Context in the Old Testament

While the Old Testament does not use the equivalent English term “whoremonger,” it frequently condemns prostitution, fornication, and all forms of sexual immorality. For instance, Leviticus 18 outlines prohibited sexual relationships, emphasizing holiness in contrast to surrounding nations’ illicit practices. Passages such as Hosea also employ the language of unfaithfulness, likening Israel’s spiritual disloyalty to that of a harlot engaging in immorality. This points to the gravity of both literal and figurative “whoredom” in Scriptural teaching.

Biblical View of Sexual Purity

Scripture uniformly presents sexual fidelity as part of a holy life committed to God’s design. The repeated exhortations against immorality are anchored in the belief that God created marriage as a covenantal relationship between one man and one woman, reflecting a deeper spiritual truth:

1. Ephesians 5:3 – “But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.”

• The demand extends beyond mere physical acts, urging the believer to reject even the inklings of sexual sin.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:18–19 – “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?”

• The direct command is to “flee” because sexual sin uniquely affects the individual and the community.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The Scriptural condemnation of “whoremongering” and any form of sexual immorality stems from the understanding that God is holy and calls His people to reflect His character. Sexual purity is more than a behavioral guideline; it is a declaration of allegiance to God, who established the boundaries of human relationships.

Biblical authors consistently place unrepentant sexual sin in opposition to the life of faith. Hence, such actions disrupt fellowship with God and undermine the witness of those called to live out divine love, faithfulness, and holiness.

Repentance and Hope

Within Scripture’s strong condemnation of “whoremongers” (or sexual immorality in general), there is also a consistent promise of grace for any who turn away from sin. Passages like 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 indicate that those once involved in such sins can be washed, sanctified, and justified through faith. The pathway forward is always through turning to the redemptive work accomplished by Christ:

1. 1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

• No matter the depth of sexual sin, individuals can be renewed and set free through a relationship with God.

Practical Application

• Personal Conduct: Believers are urged to examine their own lives, seeking purity in thought and deed.

• Community Standards: Church communities throughout history have upheld teachings that discourage any form of sexual immorality for the health of individual members and the witness of the local congregation.

• Grace and Restoration: When someone does fall into sexual sin, biblical teaching calls for repentance, accountability, and restoration, reflecting how Christ extended forgiveness to sinners (John 8:11).

Conclusion

In Scripture, “whoremonger” (from the Greek pornos) designates one actively involved in sexual immorality. The Berean Standard Bible employs phrases like “sexually immoral person” to convey this same sense. Throughout the Bible, these warnings showcase that God’s design for human sexuality is to be holy and reflective of His faithfulness. Yet, Scripture also provides hope: though sexual sin is taken very seriously, God’s mercy offers restoration for all who turn to Him in repentance and faith.