In the biblical context, the term "harlot" or "prostitute" refers to a woman who engages in sexual relations for monetary gain. The Bible consistently portrays harlotry as a sinful practice, one that is to be avoided and shunned by the faithful. This entry explores the biblical perspective on harlotry, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers associated with it.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of harlotry, often using it as a metaphor for unfaithfulness to God. In the Book of Proverbs, the dangers of engaging with a harlot are vividly described. Proverbs 5:3-5 warns, "Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol."

The story of Hosea and Gomer in the Book of Hosea serves as a powerful allegory for Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Hosea is commanded to marry Gomer, a harlot, symbolizing God's relationship with Israel, who has turned to idolatry and spiritual adultery. This narrative underscores the gravity of spiritual infidelity and the call to return to righteousness.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the call to purity and holiness is reiterated. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes believers to flee from sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul writes, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."

The Book of Revelation also uses the imagery of harlotry to describe the corrupting influence of Babylon, symbolizing the seductive power of worldly temptations that lead believers away from God (Revelation 17:1-5).

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The biblical injunction against harlotry is rooted in the call to live a life of holiness and fidelity to God. Engaging with a harlot is seen as a violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a sin that not only affects the individual but also has broader implications for the community of believers.

The Bible encourages believers to pursue purity and to avoid situations that may lead to moral compromise. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, it is written, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on harlotry is clear: it is a practice to be shunned and avoided. The faithful are called to live lives of purity, honoring God with their bodies and maintaining the sanctity of the covenant relationship with Him. By adhering to these teachings, believers can resist the temptations of the world and remain steadfast in their commitment to God.Proverbs 5:3-20
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 7:25-27
Let not your heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
Nave's Topical Index

Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus.
... former husband that not even a prostitute or a ... through the streets, shewing their
harlot faces everywhere ... with blows; she hated jewels, shunned ornaments and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvii to oceanus.htm

The Seventh Book
... As one harlot makes many commit fornication, so the ... with harlots, and have not only
shunned or done away ... He wished to prostitute all maidens, they made the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

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Harlot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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