King James Bible Dictionary

1. Heb. zonah (Genesis 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 Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:14. Thus Tamar sat by the wayside as a consecrated kedeshah.

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

Jephthah's mother is called a "strange woman" (Judges 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 (Proverbs 7:12; 9:14. See also Jeremiah 3:2; Ezekiel 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 Kings 22:38.

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

2. Heb. nokriyah, the "strange woman" (1 Kings 11:1; Proverbs 5:20; 7:5; 23:27). Those so designated were Canaanites and other Gentiles (Joshua 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 Matthew 21:31, 32, where they are classed with publicans; Luke 15:30; 1 Corinthians 6:15, 16; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25. It is used symbolically in Revelation 17:1, 5, 15, 16; 19:2.

Shamelessness of
Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 7:11-27; Proverbs 9:13-18

Machinations of
Proverbs 7:10; Proverbs 9:14-17; Isaiah 23:15-16; Hosea 2:13

To be shunned
Proverbs 5:3-20; Proverbs 7:25-27

Hire of, not to be received at the temple
Deuteronomy 23:18

Rahab
Joshua 2:3-6; Joshua 6:17; Joshua 6:23; Joshua 6:25; Hebrews 11:31
Adultery; Harlotry

That this class of persons existed in the earliest states of society is clear from (Genesis 38:15) Rahab, (Joshua 2:1) is said by the Chald. Paraphr. to have been an innkeeper; but if there were such persons, considering what we know of Canaanitish morals, (Leviticus 18:27) we may conclude that they would, if women, have been of this class. The "harlots" are classed with "publicans," as those who lay under the ban of society, in the New Testament. (Matthew 21:32)

H'ARLOT, noun

1. A woman who prostitutes her body for hire; a prostitute; a common woman.

2. In Scripture, one who forsakes the true God and worships idols. Isaiah 1:21.

3. A servant; a rogue; a cheat.

H'ARLOT, adjective Wanton; lewd; low; base.

H'ARLOT, verb intransitive To practice lewdness.

Forbidden
Leviticus 19:29; Deuteronomy 23:17

Punishment of
Leviticus 21:9
Adultery; Whoredom

H'ARLOTRY, noun The trade or practice of prostitution; habitual or customary lewdness.