They, no doubt, were the recipients of many presents and they often are portrayed as displaying themselves in their finery ( Ezek 16:10-13 et al.). Rahab the harlot ( Josh 2:1 6:17-25) was undoubtedly of this class and the fact that her clients were usually anonymous and that she entertained strangers was all the more reason that her establishment was utilized by the Israelite spies. However, there are several references to their being veiled, and it seems as though they may have engaged in their activities veiled so as to insure the casual and temporary quality of their relationships with their partners ( Gen 38:14, 15.) In Sumerian, Akkadian and Ugaritic tradition there is some evidence that prostitutes often were barmaids or entertainers who enticed their customers ( Epic of Gilgamesh Tablet I, sect. The harlot apparently wore or had on her person some identifying mark ( Jer 3:3) and some pornographic figurines from the ancient Near E show peculiar hair arrangements and an abundance of jewelry which may have been the mark of the harlot. The fact that the Levites were specifically forbidden to marry harlots ( Lev 21:7, 9, 14) and that the profits of harlotry were forbidden as offerings to the Temple or for the payment of vows ( Deut 23:18) demonstrates that the practice was widespread in spite of the prohibitions. This term is used for the common wayfaring prostitutes who were forbidden in Israel ( Lev 19:29 Deut 22:21). Hebrew זֹנָה, H2390, a feminine noun formed from the root, זָנָה֒, H2388, “to fornicate,” “to treat as a harlot,” “to act unfaithfully.” The participial form thus means a “female prostitute” ( Gen 34:31, et al.).
HARLOT (prostitute), a woman who engages in illicit sexual activity for pay.
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