### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pórnē**, represented by `{{G4204}}`, refers to a **strumpet** or **harlot**, and can be used figuratively to mean an **idolater**. It appears 12 times in 12 unique verses, illustrating concepts ranging from social outcasts who find faith to a powerful symbol of spiritual corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G4204}}` is used to describe specific individuals. Rahab is twice identified as "the **harlot**," yet she is commended for her faith and works ([[Hebrews 11:31]], [[James 2:25]]). Jesus places **harlots** alongside publicans as examples of those who believed John and would enter the kingdom of God before the religious leaders [[Matthew 21:31-32]]. The word also carries a strong warning against sexual sin, as seen when Paul asks if believers should take the members of Christ and make them members of a **harlot** [[1 Corinthians 6:15]]. Figuratively, the term is used extensively in Revelation to depict the "great **whore**," a symbolic entity called "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS" [[Revelation 17:5]], who corrupts the earth and faces divine judgment [[Revelation 19:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G4204}}`:
* `{{G4202}}` **porneía** (harlotry... figuratively, idolatry:--fornication): This noun describes the act associated with a harlot. The great whore of Revelation is judged for corrupting the earth with her **fornication** [[Revelation 19:2]].
* `{{G2853}}` **kolláō** (to glue... to stick (figuratively):--cleave, join (self), keep company): This verb describes the act of uniting with a harlot, emphasizing the resulting one-body union [[1 Corinthians 6:16]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh... the body... human nature): The consequence of being joined to a harlot is that two become one **flesh** [[1 Corinthians 6:16]]. In Revelation, the judgment of the whore includes others who "shall eat her **flesh**" [[Revelation 17:16]].
* `{{G5057}}` **telṓnēs** (a tax-farmer, i.e. collector of public revenue:--publican): **Publicans** are consistently grouped with harlots as societal outcasts who were receptive to the message of repentance [[Matthew 21:31-32]].
* `{{G946}}` **bdélygma** (a detestation, i.e. (specially) idolatry:--abomination): This term is directly linked to the figurative harlot, who is named the "MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND **ABOMINATIONS** OF THE EARTH" [[Revelation 17:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4204}}` is demonstrated in several key themes:
* **Grace for the Outcast:** The positive examples of Rahab and the harlots who believed John's message show that faith and repentance are available to all, regardless of social standing or past sins ([[James 2:25]], [[Matthew 21:31]]).
* **The Sanctity of the Body:** Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians uses the union with a **harlot** to illustrate how sexual sin uniquely defiles the body, which is meant to be a member of Christ [[1 Corinthians 6:15-16]].
* **Symbol of Idolatrous Systems:** In Revelation, the "great **whore**" is not a literal person but a symbol of a corrupt, idolatrous world system that stands in opposition to God. Her judgment signifies God's ultimate victory over systemic evil and spiritual unfaithfulness ([[Revelation 17:1]], [[Revelation 19:2]]). Her destruction is violent, as she is made **desolate** `{{G2049}}` and **naked** `{{G1131}}` before being burned with fire [[Revelation 17:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4204}}` functions on two distinct levels in Scripture. It is used literally to describe a marginalized person, often to highlight God's unexpected grace and the nature of true faith. It is also employed as one of the Bible's most powerful figurative symbols, representing the spiritual adultery of idolatry and a world system that seduces nations away from God, ultimately facing His certain judgment.
TRV