It has been attempted to show that Rahab, usually called a "harlot" (Joshua 2:1; 6:17; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25 ), was only an innkeeper. This interpretation, however, cannot be maintained.
Jephthah's mother is called a "strange woman" (Judges 11:2 ). This, however, merely denotes that she was of foreign extraction.
In the time of Solomon harlots appeared openly in the streets, and he solemnly warns against association with them (Proverbs 7:12; 9:14 . See also Jeremiah 3:2; Ezekiel 16:24,25,31 ). The Revised Version, following the LXX., has "and the harlots washed," etc., instead of the rendering of the Authorized Version, "now they washed," of 1 Kings 22:38 .
To commit fornication is metaphorically used for to practice idolatry (Jeremiah 3:1; Ezekiel 16:15; Hos. throughout); hence Jerusalem is spoken of as a harlot (Isaiah 1:21 ).
In the New Testament the Greek pornai, plural, "harlots," occurs in Matthew 21:31,32 , where they are classed with publicans; Luke 15:30; 1 Corinthians 6:15,16; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25 . It is used symbolically in Revelation 17:1,5,15,16; 19:2 .