Strong’s G4204: A noun meaning “prostitute” or “harlot,” derived from pernēmi (to sell). In New Testament usage, appears both literally and metaphorically, notably in Jesus’ teachings about salvation and in Revelation’s imagery of spiritual unfaithfulness. Highlights God’s redeeming grace.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πόρνη represents more than just its literal meaning of “prostitute”; it carries deep theological significance in Scripture. Jesus uses it to demonstrate divine grace, noting that such women were entering God’s kingdom before self-righteous religious leaders. It appears in Rahab’s story, showing God’s redemptive power, and metaphorically in Revelation describing spiritual unfaithfulness. Early church fathers used this term to contrast spiritual faithfulness with idolatry while emphasizing God’s transforming grace.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πόρνη, pornē, POR-nay
• Detailed pronunciation: POHR-nay (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πέρνημι (pernēmi) – to sell
• Connected to ideas of commerce and selling oneself
• Basic noun form without additional affixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Prostitute
• Harlot
• Woman who sells herself

Translation Options:

• “Prostitute” – most direct modern equivalent
• “Harlot” – traditional translation
• “Sex worker” – contemporary rendering

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μοιχαλίς (moichalis, moy-kha-LEES) – adulteress – See G3428
• πορνεία (porneia, por-NEI-ah) – sexual immorality – See G4202
• ἑταίρα (hetaira, het-AI-ra) – courtesan – See G2083

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Feminine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 1st declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative Singular: πόρνη
• Genitive Singular: πόρνης
• Dative Singular: πόρνῃ
• Accusative Singular: πόρνην

Cross-references:

• Related verb: πορνεύω (to commit sexual immorality)
• Related noun: πορνεία (sexual immorality)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to commerce. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its significance in biblical imagery. Strong’s connects it to selling oneself. LEH notes Septuagint usage in prophetic literature. Moulton and Milligan cite legal documents involving prostitution.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 21:31: “Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the [πόρνη] harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.”

Additional References:
Luke 15:30
1 Corinthians 6:15
Hebrews 11:31
James 2:25
Revelation 17:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πόρνη powerfully demonstrates the scope of God’s redemptive grace. From Rahab’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy to Christ’s words about such women entering God’s kingdom, it shows that no one is beyond divine mercy. This term proclaims that the gospel’s transforming power reaches even those society deems unredeemable.

D – Did You Know?

1. Rahab, a πόρνη, is one of only four women named in Jesus’ genealogy.
2. Early Christian literature used this term when discussing the church’s ministry to prostitutes.
3. The word influenced the development of Christian teaching about redemption and grace.

Strong’s G4204: A noun meaning “prostitute” or “harlot,” derived from pernēmi (to sell). In New Testament usage, appears both literally and metaphorically, notably in Jesus’ teachings about salvation and in Revelation’s imagery of spiritual unfaithfulness. Highlights God’s redeeming grace.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: prostitution, redemption, grace, Rahab, Jesus’ teachings, salvation, transformation, social outcasts, divine mercy, Revelation imagery​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​