Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, harlotry, often synonymous with prostitution or sexual immorality, is consistently condemned and subject to severe punishment. The Bible presents harlotry not only as a physical act but also as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly in the relationship between God and His people.Old Testament Context The Old Testament law explicitly outlines the consequences for harlotry. In Leviticus 19:29 , the Israelites are commanded, "Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, lest the land be prostituted and filled with depravity." This command underscores the societal and spiritual degradation associated with harlotry. Deuteronomy 22:21 prescribes a severe penalty for a woman found guilty of harlotry: "Then they shall bring the young woman to the door of her father’s house and stone her to death, because she has committed an act of folly in Israel by playing the harlot in her father’s house. So you must purge the evil from among you." This punishment reflects the gravity of the offense in the eyes of the community and its leaders. The prophetic books frequently use the imagery of harlotry to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. In Hosea 4:12-13 , the prophet declares, "My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray; they have played the harlot against their God." The punishment for such spiritual harlotry is often depicted as divine judgment, including exile and destruction. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the focus shifts from legalistic punishment to spiritual consequences and redemption. However, the seriousness of harlotry remains evident. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , Paul warns, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." The Book of Revelation uses the imagery of harlotry to describe the corrupting influence of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate judgment against spiritual and moral corruption. Revelation 17:1-2 states, "Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, 'Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.'" Spiritual Implications Throughout Scripture, harlotry is not only a physical sin but also a symbol of spiritual infidelity. The punishment for harlotry, therefore, extends beyond physical consequences to include spiritual separation from God. The call to repentance and faithfulness is a recurring theme, emphasizing God's desire for a pure and devoted relationship with His people. The biblical narrative consistently portrays harlotry as a serious offense with both immediate and eternal consequences. The call to holiness and faithfulness is paramount, urging believers to turn away from immorality and towards a life that honors God. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 21:9And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profanes her father: she shall be burnt with fire. Nave's Topical Index Library The Second Epistle of St. Peter The Book of Jubilees Blessed are they that Mourn The Treasure of Grace Chapter xxxviii On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings ... A Home Question An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. The Sixth vision "On Earth" Resources What does the Bible say about prostitution? Will God forgive a prostitute? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the consequences of nations turning away from God? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the marriage bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4)? | GotQuestions.org Harlotry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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