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Bible Dictionaries
Harlot
Easton's Bible Dictionary
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 ).
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 .
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Harlot'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​h/harlot.html. 1897.