In the biblical context, the term "prostitute" refers to individuals, typically women, who engage in sexual relations for monetary or material compensation. The Bible addresses the topic of prostitution in various passages, often highlighting its moral and spiritual implications.

Old Testament References

Prostitution is mentioned in several Old Testament books, often in the context of moral and spiritual decline. In Genesis 38, the account of Judah and Tamar provides an early reference to prostitution. Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute to secure her rights within the family lineage (Genesis 38:15-16): "When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, 'Come now, let me sleep with you.'"

The Law of Moses explicitly condemns prostitution. In Leviticus 19:29 , it is written: "Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, lest the land fall into prostitution and become full of wickedness." This command underscores the societal and spiritual dangers associated with the practice.

Prostitution is also used metaphorically in the prophetic literature to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The prophets frequently liken Israel's idolatry to the actions of a prostitute. For example, 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."

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus' interactions with prostitutes demonstrate His message of redemption and forgiveness. In Matthew 21:31-32 , Jesus says to the chief priests and elders: "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did."

The account of the woman caught in adultery, found in John 8:3-11, while not explicitly mentioning prostitution, reflects Jesus' approach to sexual sin. He offers mercy and calls for repentance, saying, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11).

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Throughout the Bible, prostitution is often associated with moral decay and spiritual unfaithfulness. It is seen as a violation of the sanctity of marriage and the divine order of human relationships. Proverbs 6:26 warns of the dangers of engaging with a prostitute: "For the levy of a prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life."

The biblical narrative consistently calls for purity and faithfulness, both in personal conduct and in the relationship between God and His people. The metaphor of prostitution serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of turning away from God's covenant.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern societies, prostitution was often linked to pagan religious practices, including temple prostitution. This association further emphasized the spiritual corruption that the biblical authors sought to address. The Israelites were called to be distinct from surrounding nations, and adherence to God's laws regarding sexual purity was a significant aspect of this distinctiveness.

Redemption and Transformation

Despite the negative portrayal of prostitution, the Bible also offers a message of hope and transformation. The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 includes Rahab, a former prostitute who demonstrated faith in God and became part of the lineage of Christ. This inclusion highlights the possibility of redemption and the transformative power of faith.

In summary, the biblical treatment of prostitution encompasses both condemnation of the practice and an invitation to redemption and new life through faith in God. The scriptures call for a life of holiness, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.Prostitute's (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 6:22
Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the prostitute's house, and bring out from there the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her."
(WEB NIV)

Jeremiah 3:3
Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain; yet you have a prostitute's forehead, you refused to be ashamed.
(WEB)

Prostitute's (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Prostitute's (2 Occurrences). Joshua 6:22 Joshua
said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into ...
/p/prostitute's.htm - 7k

Prostitutes (19 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:14 I will not punish your daughters when they play the prostitute, nor your
brides when they commit adultery; because the men consort with prostitutes ...
/p/prostitutes.htm - 12k

Prostituting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Prostitute. Multi-Version
Concordance Prostituting (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 20:5 ...
/p/prostituting.htm - 6k

Spied (14 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the
prostitute's house, and bring out from there the woman and all that she has, as ...
/s/spied.htm - 11k

Showers (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter
rain; yet you have a prostitute's forehead, you refused to be ashamed. ...
/s/showers.htm - 12k

Withheld (32 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter
rain; yet you have a prostitute's forehead, you refused to be ashamed. ...
/w/withheld.htm - 16k

Forehead (23 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter
rain; yet you have a prostitute's forehead, you refused to be ashamed. ...
/f/forehead.htm - 19k

Shamed (91 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter
rain; yet you have a prostitute's forehead, you refused to be ashamed. ...
/s/shamed.htm - 33k

Latter (91 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter
rain; yet you have a prostitute's forehead, you refused to be ashamed. ...
/l/latter.htm - 34k

Accordance (118 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, "Go into the
prostitute's house, and bring out from there the woman and all that she has, as ...
/a/accordance.htm - 37k

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