# prostitute, harlot, whored

## Definition:

The terms “prostitute” and “harlot” both refer to a person who performs sexual acts for money or for religious rites. Prostitutes or harlots were usually female, but some were male.

* In the Bible, the word “prostitute” is sometimes used figuratively to refer to a person who worships false gods or who practices witchcraft.
* The expression “play the harlot” means to act like a harlot by being sexually immoral. This expression is also used in the Bible to refer to a person who worships idols.
* To “prostitute oneself” to something means to be sexually immoral or when used figuratively, to be unfaithful to God by worshiping false gods.
* In ancient times, some pagan temples used male and female prostitutes as part of their rituals.
* This term could be translated by the word or phrase that is used in the project language to refer to a prostitute. Some languages may have a euphemistic term that is used for this. (See: [euphemism](rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism))

(See also: [adultery](../kt/adultery.md), [false god](../kt/falsegod.md), [sexual immorality](../other/fornication.md), [false god](../kt/falsegod.md))

## Bible References:

* [Genesis 34:31](rc://en/tn/help/gen/34/31)
* [Genesis 38:21](rc://en/tn/help/gen/38/21)
* [Luke 15:30](rc://en/tn/help/luk/15/30)
* [Matthew 21:31](rc://en/tn/help/mat/21/31)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H2154, H2181, H2183, H2185, H6945, H6948, H8457, G4204
