prostitute, harlot, whored

Definition

The terms “prostitute” and “harlot” both refer to a person who performs sexual acts for money or for religious rites. Prostitutes or harlots were usually female, but some were male.

• In the Bible, the word “prostitute” is sometimes used figuratively to refer to a person who worships false gods or who practices witchcraft.
• The expression “play the harlot” means to act like a harlot by being sexually immoral. This expression is also used in the Bible to refer to a person who worships idols.
• To “prostitute oneself” to something means to be sexually immoral or when used figuratively, to be unfaithful to God by worshiping false gods.
• In ancient times, some pagan temples used male and female prostitutes as part of their rituals.
• This term could be translated by the word or phrase that is used in the project language to refer to a prostitute. Some languages may have a euphemistic term that is used for this. (See: euphemism)

(See also: adultery, false god, sexual immorality, false god)

Bible References

• Genesis 34:31
• Genesis 38:21
• Luke 15:30
• Matthew 21:31

Word Data

• Strong’s: H2154, H2181, H2183, H2185, H6945, H6948, H8457, G42040