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Whore; Whoredom

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Whore; Whoredom in the Bible?

The term 'whore' refers to a prostitute, while 'whoredom' denotes the practice of prostitution or, in a metaphorical sense, spiritual unfaithfulness. Historical evidence confirms that prostitution existed in ancient societies, often regulated by law and associated with temple rites or economic survival, carrying significant social stigma.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the historical context of prostitution illuminates the intensity of prophetic metaphors regarding covenant violations, revealing how ancient Israelites viewed sexual immorality as a fundamental breach of both social order and divine relationship.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Whore; Whoredom. 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 Whore; Whoredom in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Whore; Whoredom 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

"Whore; Whoredom." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/whore-whoredom/
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