Dict: easton - Harlot

easton:

Harlot @

(1.) Heb. zonah kjv@Genesis:34:31 kjv@Genesis: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 kjv@Deuteronomy:23:17; kjv@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" kjv@Joshua:2:1 kjv@Joshua:6:17; kjv@Hebrews:11:31; kjv@James:2:25), was only an innkeeper. This interpretation, however, cannot be maintained. Jephthah's mother is called a "strange woman" kjv@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 kjv@Proverbs:7:12 kjv@Proverbs:9:14.
See also kjv@Jeremiah:3:2; kjv@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 kjv@Jeremiah:3:1; kjv@Ezekiel:16:15; Hos. throughout); hence Jerusalem is spoken of as a harlot kjv@Isaiah:1:21).

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