Topical Bible: Harlot (Prostitute): Shamelessness of

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In biblical literature, the term "harlot" or "prostitute" is often used to describe individuals who engage in sexual immorality, typically for monetary gain. The concept of shamelessness is frequently associated with harlotry, as it represents a blatant disregard for the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture.

The Bible provides numerous references to harlotry, often using it as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is frequently depicted as a harlot when it turns away from God to worship other deities. This imagery underscores the gravity of spiritual infidelity and the shamelessness that accompanies it.

One of the most vivid portrayals of harlotry and its associated shamelessness is found in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 7:10-13 describes a woman who is "dressed like a prostitute, with cunning intent." She is "loud and defiant," and her actions are characterized by a lack of shame as she entices a young man into sin. This passage highlights the seductive nature of sin and the boldness with which it can be pursued.

In the prophetic writings, the prophet Hosea is commanded by God to marry a prostitute as a symbolic act to illustrate Israel's unfaithfulness. Hosea 1:2 states, "When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He said to him, 'Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is committing blatant acts of prostitution by forsaking the LORD.'" This command serves as a powerful indictment of Israel's shameless idolatry and spiritual adultery.

The New Testament continues this theme, warning against the dangers of sexual immorality and the shamelessness it entails. In Revelation, the "great prostitute" symbolizes the corrupt and idolatrous systems of the world that lead people away from God. Revelation 17:4-5 describes her as "adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls," yet she holds "a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality." This imagery conveys the allure and ultimate destructiveness of shameless sin.

Throughout Scripture, the shamelessness of harlotry serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to remain faithful to God's commandments and to avoid the seductive pull of immorality. The Bible consistently calls for repentance and a return to righteousness, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who turn away from sin and seek God's grace.

In conclusion, the biblical portrayal of harlotry and its shamelessness serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's standards. It challenges individuals to uphold the values of purity and faithfulness, both in their personal lives and in their spiritual walk with God.

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Proverbs 2:16
To deliver you from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flatters with her words;
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Proverbs 7:11-27
(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
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Proverbs 9:13-18
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knows nothing.
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Library

Such Outward Adornments Meretricious, and Therefore Unsuitable to ...
... without (the aid of) which an accursed prostitute could not ... as if she had been a
harlot,"he judged ... my spirit from being wounded by shamelessness through (the ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter xii such outward adornments meretricious.htm

Matt. x. 7, 8, 9
... a whole people, so complete is their practice in shamelessness; and thus ... Yea, both
the fortune-teller, and the prostitute boy, and the harlot woman, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvii matt x 7.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... I shrink from even mentioning the shamelessness connected with ... be," said the Word
by Moses, "a harlot of the ... the words of Moses, "Do not prostitute thy daughter ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... many paramours: that is, it is more tolerable for a woman to prostitute herself
to ... continues to be a type of the Saviour because he loved a harlot from among ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

The Seventh Book
... evidence of the condemnation of their shamelessness they were ... As one harlot makes
many commit fornication, so ... He wished to prostitute all maidens, they made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm