In a JBL article, Kyle Harper examines the usage of the Greek word porneia from its classical uses through the New Testament and into the early church. Harper shows that Greek sexual norms were quite different from later Christian ones. The place of slavery in the sexual landscape of classical antiquity could hardly be overestimated.
For ancient Greeks, prostitution was not merely tolerated but seen to fulfill a social good. It allowed men to satisfy their sexual desires without violating honorable women, that is, without the danger of rivalry with another man Porneia , in classical Greek, refers to the activity of the seller. One key to the transformation of the term was its metaphorical use by the prophets, who described idolatry as spiritual adultery.
Resource Library. Research Tools. Thought Readers. E-Books and Other Special Offers. Follow Patheos. Trending: Forgiveness Resurrection Joy Afterlife. Home About Publications Archive Index. Home Evangelical Porneia. Porneia Last updated on: January 14, at am. January 14, by Peter Leithart. Porneia January 14, Peter Leithart Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality!
Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. Previous Post. Next Post. Browse Our Archives. Lewis C. Gresham Machen J. Follow Us! Why Does Trump the Felon Still Adrian Warnock. Netanyahu exposes his profound racism in Grace-Colored Glasses.
My Journey. Faith Notes. Related posts from Leithart. Sex in Genesis. Of Water and Cisterns. Mysteries of Sex. The End of the Semester Blues. Dangerously Credentialed Minds. The evidence Rejoice Even in Our Tears. God has a way of helping us rejoice, even in our tears Free of Pride Humility Month: Part 4.
