πόρνη

a prostitute

Definition

The Greek word πόρνη primarily means a female prostitute, a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for payment. In the New Testament, it is used both literally, as in the story of Rahab (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25), and metaphorically to describe spiritual unfaithfulness. This metaphorical sense is most prominent in Revelation, where 'the great prostitute' (Revelation 17:1) symbolizes a corrupt, idolatrous system or city that leads people into spiritual adultery against God. In the Gospels, Jesus uses the term to challenge religious hypocrisy, stating that tax collectors and prostitutes enter the kingdom of God before the self-righteous (Matthew 21:31-32).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 12 times across various New Testament genres. In the Gospels (Matthew 21:31-32, Luke 15:30), it appears in Jesus' teachings on repentance and grace. Paul uses it literally in 1 Corinthians 6:15-16 to argue against sexual immorality within the Christian community. The Epistles reference the literal prostitute Rahab as an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25). Its most developed usage is in apocalyptic literature, specifically Revelation 17:1-5, where it becomes a central metaphor for systemic evil and religious corruption.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb πέρνημι (pernēmi), meaning 'to sell,' πόρνη literally means 'a sold one' or 'a woman for sale,' specifically in a sexual context. This root emphasizes the commercial transaction inherent in prostitution. The word is the source of the modern English term 'pornography.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges concrete sexual ethics and the prophetic metaphor of idolatry as spiritual adultery. It underscores the biblical theme of covenant faithfulness, where abandoning God is equated with marital unfaithfulness (e.g., Hosea). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing how New Testament authors, especially in Revelation, draw on Old Testament prophetic language to condemn both personal sin and corrupt religious-political systems.

In the Greco-Roman world, prostitution was a common and legally regulated institution. A πόρνη was typically a slave or a woman from the lower classes, distinct from a higher-status courtesan (ἑταίρα). The strong social and religious stigma attached to the term made it a powerful metaphor for degradation and unfaithfulness. Jesus' controversial association with such figures (Matthew 21:31-32) highlighted his ministry to the socially and morally outcast.

μοιχός (moichos, G3432) — an adulterer (male); focuses on violating marriage covenant. πορνεία (porneia, G4202) — the abstract noun for sexual immorality or fornication. ἑταίρα (hetaira, G) — a courtesan or companion, often with a higher social status than a πόρνη.

Word Details

Scripture References