feminine of πόρνος; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater:--harlot, whore.
Transliteration:pórnē
Pronunciation:por'-nay
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term πόρνη (pórnē) `{{G4204}}` is the feminine form of πόρνος (pórnos) `{{G4205}}`. Its primary and most direct meaning is a female prostitute, a harlot, or a whore. This literal sense derives from a root suggesting "to sell," implying one who sells her body for sexual purposes. However, the semantic range of πόρνη extends significantly beyond this literal definition within biblical contexts. Crucially, it is employed figuratively to represent an idolater or, more broadly, one engaged in spiritual unfaithfulness. This metaphorical usage is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic imagery, where Israel's idolatry and covenant breaking were frequently depicted as spiritual prostitution or harlotry. Thus, πόρνη can denote both a person engaged in literal sexual immorality and a spiritual entity (e.g., a city or system) characterized by apostasy and unfaithfulness to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πόρνη `{{G4204}}` appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant.
* **Literal Usage:**
* In the Gospels, Jesus uses the term in a challenging statement to the chief priests and elders: "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you" [[Matthew 21:31-32]]. Here, πόρνη refers to literal prostitutes, highlighting Jesus' ministry to the marginalized and the power of repentance over self-righteousness.
* Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, is explicitly identified as πόρνη in the New Testament (e.g., [[Hebrews 11:31]], [[James 2:25]]). Her inclusion in the "hall of faith" and the lineage of Christ underscores God's redemptive grace that transcends social status and past sin, demonstrating that faith and works (in Rahab's case, hiding the spies) are paramount.
* **Figurative Usage (Spiritual Harlotry/Idolatry):**
* The most prominent and extensive use of πόρνη `{{G4204}}` in its figurative sense is found in the Book of Revelation. Here, it is central to the imagery of "Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and of earth's abominations" ([[Revelation 17:1]], [[Revelation 17:5]]). This "harlot" symbolizes a corrupt system, often interpreted as Rome or any worldly power that seduces nations into idolatry, economic exploitation, and opposition to God. Her "fornication" represents illicit alliances and spiritual defilement. The judgment poured out upon this harlot ([[Revelation 17:16]], [[Revelation 18:3]], [[Revelation 19:2]]) signifies God's righteous wrath against all forms of spiritual unfaithfulness and oppression. This imagery draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic denunciations of Israel's idolatry as harlotry (e.g., [[Ezekiel 16]], [[Hosea 1-3]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of πόρνη `{{G4204}}` is enriched by examining its lexical family and related theological concepts:
* **πόρνος (pórnos) `{{G4205}}`:** The masculine counterpart, referring to a fornicator, male prostitute, or one engaged in sexual immorality.
* **πορνεία (porneia) `{{G4202}}`:** The noun form, denoting sexual immorality, fornication, prostitution, or, in its figurative sense, idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. πόρνη is the person who commits πορνεία.
* **πορνεύω (porneuo) `{{G4203}}`:** The verb form, meaning to commit fornication, to act as a harlot, or to commit spiritual idolatry.
* **Adultery (μοιχάω `{{G3431}}`, μοιχός `{{G3432}}`, μοιχεία `{{G3430}}`):** While distinct (adultery specifically involves a married person), the concepts of sexual unfaithfulness and betrayal of covenant often overlap with πόρνη, particularly in the figurative sense of spiritual infidelity.
* **Idolatry (εἰδωλολατρία `{{G1495}}`):** This is the direct spiritual parallel to harlotry in the prophetic tradition. It signifies the worship of false gods or devotion to worldly systems, representing a betrayal of the exclusive devotion owed to the one true God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πόρνη `{{G4204}}` is multifaceted:
* **God's Grace and Repentance:** The literal use of πόρνη highlights the pervasive nature of sin and societal marginalization. However, Jesus' interactions and statements concerning "harlots" (e.g., [[Matthew 21:31-32]]) powerfully demonstrate God's radical grace and the accessibility of repentance for all, regardless of their past. The inclusion of Rahab in the lineage of Christ and the New Testament's commendation of her faith underscore that God's redemptive plan embraces those whom society often condemns.
* **Covenant Unfaithfulness and Apostasy:** The figurative use of πόρνη is profoundly significant for understanding spiritual apostasy. It portrays idolatry and allegiance to worldly systems as a grievous betrayal of the covenant relationship between God and His people, akin to a spouse abandoning their marriage vows. This imagery emphasizes the intimate, exclusive, and holy nature of God's relationship with His chosen people, and the severity of spiritual infidelity.
* **Prophetic Warning and Divine Judgment:** In Revelation, the figure of "Babylon the harlot" serves as a potent symbol of the world system's rebellion against God, its corrupting influence, and its ultimate doom. It stands as a stark warning against entanglement with worldly power, luxury, and spiritual compromise. The judgment upon the harlot signifies God's righteous wrath against all forms of spiritual unfaithfulness, oppression, and the seduction of humanity away from true worship.
* **Call to Purity and Holiness:** The stark contrast between the "harlot" and the "pure bride" (representing the Church, the New Jerusalem) in Revelation underscores God's call to holiness, purity, and exclusive devotion for His people. While God's grace extends to redeem sinners, He also calls them out of sin and into a sanctified life, free from the spiritual harlotry of the world.
### Summary
The Greek word πόρνη (pórnē) `{{G4204}}` fundamentally denotes a female prostitute or harlot, as seen in references to Rahab ([[Hebrews 11:31]], [[James 2:25]]) and Jesus' teachings ([[Matthew 21:31-32]]), which highlight God's profound grace towards the marginalized. Beyond this literal meaning, πόρνη carries a potent figurative sense, particularly in the Book of Revelation, where it symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and apostasy, most notably in the figure of "Babylon the Great" ([[Revelation 17:1]], [[Revelation 17:5]]). This metaphorical usage draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic imagery depicting Israel's idolatry as spiritual harlotry. Related terms include πόρνος `{{G4205}}` (male fornicator), πορνεία `{{G4202}}` (fornication/immorality), and πορνεύω `{{G4203}}` (to commit fornication). Theologically, πόρνη underscores the gravity of both sexual sin and spiritual betrayal, the necessity of repentance, and God's righteous judgment against all forms of unfaithfulness, while simultaneously celebrating His boundless redemptive grace for those who turn to Him in faith.
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