It’s a profession that many people look down upon, even if the woman or man involved feels that it is the only way they can provide for themselves and their families. And it is has been a profession for almost as long as time itself – historically recognized in Greek and Roman societies, and recorded in both history books and the Bible.
From the very start of the Bible, prostitution was a disdained business that went against everything that was moral and upstanding in society at that time. Though there are mentions of man’s wickedness in the days of Noah (Genesis 6), the first mention of prostitution occurs in the story of Tamar in Genesis.
The book of Proverbs warns repeatedly about the dangers of prostitution, both to individuals and society. Proverbs describes prostitution not just as a sinful act, but as something that leads people down a destructive path. In Proverbs 5:3-5, the imagery of the “forbidden woman” portrays her words as "honey," sweet and enticing, but ultimately leading to bitterness and death. This serves as a warning that what may seem appealing or exciting in the moment can lead to spiritual ruin and regret. Proverbs also emphasizes how sexual immorality clouds judgment, drawing people away from wisdom and God’s intended design for sexuality.
God forbids prostitution because it violates His intent for human relationships, which are meant to reflect commitment, love, and mutual respect. Proverbs 6:26 warns that involvement with a prostitute reduces a person to "a loaf of bread"—a poetic way of saying that it devalues both the person seeking it and the one selling it, treating them as mere transactions rather than image-bearers of God. Proverbs 7 also presents a vivid picture of a young man being lured by a prostitute, comparing his fall to a bird flying into a snare, unaware that it will cost him his life. The warning here is clear: sexual sin entraps and enslaves, leading to destruction both physically and spiritually.
One particular story about prostitution in the Bible is the tumultuous marriage between the prophet Hosea and a prostitute he has taken as his bride, Gomer. In the book of Hosea, God told Hosea he was to marry a prostitute and have children with her, in order to understand more of the unfaithfulness that Israel was displaying toward the Lord (Hosea 1:2).
Hosea is one of many examples the Bible uses to depict Israel’s, and our, mistreatment of God and willingness to exchange His steadfast love for that of the false and fleeting love of this world and its idols. Jeremiah 3:1-3 described the same scenario as Hosea, showing Israel as a harlot of many lovers but that the Lord, through Jeremiah, wanted Israel to return to Him, rejecting the evil and coming back to the loving peace God offers.
Jesus didn’t shy away from interacting with prostitutes, not following the perspective of the religious elite that prostitutes were out of reach for even God to help and love. Who can forget the notable confrontation Jesus had with the Pharisees over the woman caught in adultery, whom they brought to stone, and also to trap Jesus (John 8:1-12)?
a possible prostitute
Though prostitution still carries the same negative connotation in our society today as it did centuries ago, the mission of God and Jesus to redeem those struggling with sin hasn’t stopped. We can read countless stories of missionaries who have freed women, men, and children from sex trafficking and prostitution through the powerful words of the Bible, while also leading several to come to know Jesus personally and to break out of the bondage prostitution has placed them in.
Prostitution is a business in our world that is seen as shameful, sinful, and dirty in every way, and the Bible doesn’t see it differently. Several books of the Bible show how prostituting oneself to a person, a nation, or a god will never bring forth the comfort, love, and spiritual guidance one needs to live peacefully with God.
Blair Parke is a freelance writer for BibleStudyTools.com and freelance book editor who wrote her first book, "Empty Hands Made Full," in 2021 about her journey through infertility with her husband. She previously worked for eight years with Xulon Press as an editor. A graduate of Stetson University with a bachelor's in communications, Blair previously worked as a writer/editor for several local magazines in the Central Florida area, including Celebration Independent and Lake Magazine and currently writes for the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. She's usually found with a book in her hand or enjoying quality time with her husband Jeremy and dog Molly. You can order her book at Christian Author Bookstore - Xulon Press Publishing and visit her website at Parkeplaceediting.
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