Harlotry
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Harlotry in the Bible?
Harlotry serves as a metaphorical construct in biblical literature to describe the breach of the covenant between God and Israel through the adoption of foreign deities and practices.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this metaphor clarifies the intensity of the prophetic critique against idolatry, revealing how sexual fidelity served as the primary cultural standard for evaluating religious loyalty in the ancient world.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Harlotry. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Harlotry in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Harlotry clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Harlotry." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/harlotry/