πόρνη
pornē (G4204)
prostitute
AI Word Study
The Greek word "πόρνη" (pornē) is defined as a prostitute. This term is used 12 times in the Bible, indicating its significant presence in various contexts. The most striking aspect of its meaning is its literal reference to a female engaging in commercial sex, highlighting the transactional nature of the act. The usage of "πόρνη" ranges from explicit condemnations of prostitution in both the Old and New Testaments to broader metaphors for idolatry, immorality, or simply wickedness. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the term to describe Gentile women in Matthew 21:31 and Mark 16:9, suggesting He views prostitution as an indication of spiritual rejection. However, other uses of the term, such as in Galatians 5:19-20, list it as one possible manifestation of sinful behavior, implying a broader definition. The significance of "πόρνη" lies in its concise representation of a particular lifestyle and its frequent connection to sin, idolatry, and wickedness. This term's presence across both the Old and New Testaments underscores the universal biblical disapproval of prostitution, reinforcing its definition as an act contrary to God's will.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into God’s Kingdom before you.
For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn’t even repent afterward, that you might believe him.
But when this your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’
Don’t you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
Or don’t you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, “The two”, he says, “will become one flesh.”
By faith, Rahab the prostitute didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.
In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters,
And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
He said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.
The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute, will make her desolate, will strip her naked, will eat her flesh, and will burn her utterly with fire.
for his judgments are true and righteous. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”