'Prostitutes' in the Bible
So they must no longer offer their sacrifices to the goat demons, acting like prostitutes by going after them. This is to be a perpetual statute for them throughout their generations.
Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.
There were also male cultic prostitutes in the land. They committed the same horrible sins as the nations that the Lord had driven out from before the Israelites.
He removed the male cultic prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the disgusting idols his ancestors had made.
They washed off the chariot at the pool of Samaria (this was where the prostitutes bathed); dogs licked his blood, just as the Lord had said would happen.
He removed from the land any male cultic prostitutes who had managed to survive the reign of his father Asa.
He tore down the quarters of the male cultic prostitutes in the Lord's temple, where women were weaving shrines for Asherah.
They die in their youth, and their life ends among the male cultic prostitutes.
The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
But approach, you sons of omen readers, you offspring of adulteresses and prostitutes!
"My, how good you have become at chasing after your lovers! Why, you could even teach prostitutes a thing or two!
The Lord asked, "How can I leave you unpunished, Jerusalem? Your people have rejected me and have worshiped gods that are not gods at all. Even though I supplied all their needs, they were like an unfaithful wife to me. They went flocking to the houses of prostitutes.
All prostitutes receive payment, but instead you give gifts to every one of your lovers. You bribe them to come to you from all around for your sexual favors!
You were different from other prostitutes because no one solicited you. When you gave payment and no payment was given to you, you became the opposite!
They sacrifice on the mountaintops, and burn offerings on the hills; they sacrifice under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is so pleasant. As a result, your daughters have become cult prostitutes, and your daughters-in-law commit adultery!
I will not punish your daughters when they commit prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men consort with harlots, they sacrifice with temple prostitutes. It is true: "A people that lacks understanding will come to ruin!"
They have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey that wanders off. Ephraim has hired prostitutes as lovers.