Prostitution
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Prostitution in the Bible?
The ISBE entry on PROSTITUTION directs readers to related entries on CRIMES, HARLOT, and PUNISHMENTS, lacking a direct definition or comprehensive discussion of the practice.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the distinction between secular prostitution and cultic prostitution clarifies the biblical condemnation of idolatry and the social marginalization of those involved in such activities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Prostitution. 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 Prostitution in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Prostitution 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
"Prostitution." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/prostitution/