Topical Encyclopedia Prostitution, as addressed in the Bible, is a practice that is consistently condemned and viewed as contrary to the moral and spiritual laws established by God. It is often associated with idolatry, immorality, and the degradation of the human body, which is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, prostitution is frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew term "zanah" is used to describe both literal and spiritual prostitution. Literal prostitution is addressed in the Mosaic Law, which prohibits the daughters of Israel from becoming prostitutes (Leviticus 19:29: "Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness"). The practice is seen as defiling the land and leading to societal decay. Prostitution is also metaphorically used to describe Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. The prophets often likened Israel's pursuit of other gods to the actions of a prostitute. For example, in the book of Hosea, the prophet's marriage to an unfaithful wife serves as a symbol of Israel's infidelity to God (Hosea 1:2: "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'"). New Testament Context In the New Testament, prostitution is similarly condemned. The Greek term "porneia" encompasses a range of sexual immorality, including prostitution. The apostle Paul addresses the issue in his letters, urging believers to flee from sexual immorality and to honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18: "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 New Testament also highlights the transformative power of Christ's redemption. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 , Paul lists those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, including the sexually immoral, but he also emphasizes that some of the Corinthian believers were once involved in such practices but have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications Prostitution in the Bible often symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness and the pursuit of worldly desires over a relationship with God. The imagery of prostitution is used to illustrate the severity of turning away from God and the consequences of such actions. In Revelation, Babylon is depicted as a harlot, representing the corrupt systems and false religions that lead people away from God (Revelation 17:1-5). Moral and Ethical Considerations From a biblical perspective, prostitution is not only a personal sin but also a societal issue that reflects broader moral decay. The Bible calls for purity, faithfulness, and the sanctity of the human body. Believers are encouraged to uphold these values and to extend grace and redemption to those who have been involved in prostitution, recognizing the power of God's forgiveness and the potential for transformation through Christ. Concordance Prostitutions (6 Occurrences)Ezekiel 23:11 Ezekiel 23:14 Ezekiel 23:19 Ezekiel 23:29 Ezekiel 23:35 Hosea 2:2 Thesaurus Prostitutions (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Prostitutions (6 Occurrences). Ezekiel 23:11 And when her sister Aholibah saw this, she was more corrupt ... /p/prostitutions.htm - 8k Disclosed (18 Occurrences) Prostrate (25 Occurrences) Treat (53 Occurrences) Prostitution (48 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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