Prostitution
PROSTITUTION
In the ancient world, as in the modern, prostitution was widespread (Gen 38:15; Jos 2:1; Jdg 11:1; Jdg 16:1; 1Ki 3:16; Pro 2:16; Pro 6:26; Luk 15:30). In Israelite law the penalty for prostitution was death, usually by stoning (Lev 19:29; Lev 21:7; Lev 21:9; Deu 22:21; Joh 8:5).
Prostitutes bring lasting damage to themselves and their lovers. The Bible gives strong warnings against them (Pro 2:16-19; Pro 5:1-14; Pro 6:23-27; Proverbs 7). Christians in particular should have no union with prostitutes, since they already are spiritually united with Jesus Christ (1Co 6:15-20).
Although the Bible condemns prostitution, it does not reject prostitutes as being without hope of salvation. In the time of Jesus, prostitutes and other socially despised people were usually more willing to listen to the message of Jesus than were religiously respectable people. Some believed in him and found forgiveness (Mat 9:11-13; Mat 21:31-32; Luk 7:37-50; Luk 15:1). (See also ADULTERY.)
In Old Testament times Israel was unfaithful to God in leaving him and going after false gods. This unfaithfulness was likened to the behaviour of an unfaithful wife who leaves her husband to become a prostitute (Isa 1:21; Jer 13:27; Ezekiel 16; Hos 1:2; Hos 2:13; Mic 1:7). Israels idolatry, besides being spiritual prostitution, involved physical prostitution. In many of the idolatrous religions, prostitutes were available for sexual rites that people believed gave increase in family, crops, flocks and herds (1Ki 14:23-24; Jer 3:6-10; Jer 13:22-27; Hos 4:7-14; Amo 2:7-8; see BAAL).
Gods prophets sometimes likened political and commercial agreements between Israel and pagan nations to acts of prostitution. Such agreements were often unions of shame designed solely for personal advantage. They ignored Gods standards and defied his authority (Isa 23:17; Nah 3:4). This anti-God spirit, symbolized by the prostitute, found its expression in New Testament times in the Roman Empire. It will find its fullest expression in the days of the worlds final great rebellion prior to the return of Jesus Christ (Revelation 17).
Fuente: Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
Prostitution
PROSTITUTION.See Crimes and Punishments, 3.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Prostitution
pros-ti-tushun. See CRIMES; HARLOT; PUNISHMENTS.