Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.

Harlot

1. Heb.zonah (Gen. 34:31, 38:15). In verses 21, 22 the Hebrew word used in kedeshah, i.e., a woman consecrated or devoted to prostitution in connection with the abominable worship of Asherah or Astarte, the Syrian Venus. This word is also used in Dt. 23:17; Hos. 4:14. Thus Tamar sat by the wayside as a consecrated kedeshah.

   It has been attempted to show that Rahab, usually called a "harlot" (Josh. 2:1, 6:17; Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25), was only an innkeeper. This interpretation, however, cannot be maintained.

   Jephthah's mother is called a "strange woman" (Judg. 11:2). This, however, merely denotes that she was of foreign extraction.

   In the time of Solomon harlots appeared openly in the streets, and he solemnly warns against association with them (Pr. 7:12, 9:14. See also Jer. 3:2; Ezek. 16:24, 25, 31). The Revised Version, following the LXX., has "and the harlots washed," etc., instead of the rendering of the Authorized Version, "now they washed," of 1 Ki. 22:38.

   To commit fornication is metaphorically used for to practice idolatry (Jer. 3:1; Ezek. 16:15; Hos. throughout); hence Jerusalem is spoken of as a harlot (Isa. 1:21).

2. Heb.nokriyah, the "strange woman" (1 Ki. 11:1; Pr. 5:20, 7:5, 23:27). Those so designated were Canaanites and other Gentiles (Josh. 23:13). To the same class belonged the "foolish", i.e., the sinful, "woman."

In the New Testament the Greek pornai, plural, "harlots," occurs in Mt. 21:31, 32, where they are classed with publicans; Lk. 15:30; 1 Cor. 6:15, 16; Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25. It is used symbolically in Rev. 17:1, 5, 15, 16, 19:2.