Harlot @ (1.) Heb. zonah Genesis:34:31Genesis: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:2:1Joshua: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:7:12Proverbs: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 kjvKings: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" (kjvKings:11:1; Proverbs:5:20Proverbs:7:5Proverbs: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; 1Corinthians:6:15-16; Hebrews:11:31; James:2:25. It is used symbolically in Revelation:17:1Revelation:17:5, 15, 16; 19:2.
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