What exactly is "fornication"?

[SH89]

The Scriptures state:

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.( 1 cor 6:18)

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;( Epheisians 5:3)

Fornication, as defined by the dictionary, is "sexual intercourse between two unmarried people."

The Greek word for fornication is porneia, which, as define by strongs, is ") illicit sexual intercourse
a) adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc.
b) sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18
c) sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; Mk. 10:11,12
2) metaph. the worship of idols
a) of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered to idols."

So is fornication just sexual intercourse or do other sexual acts constitute fornication(e.g., oral, etc.)?

For the Greek experts here, what is the specific definition of porneia?

Matthew 5:28 states that looking at a women with lust is adultery, but what I want to know is what do the Scriptures specifically condemn as "fornication."

Please provide your analysis with Scripture and/or expert opinion(for lack of a better term ) on the word porneia. All opinions, naturally, should be backed up with hard evidence.

 

[lilymarie]

I do believe it includes all those things because what "illicit" sexual intercourse would means is "that which is unlawful". Thus, with all the hundreds of very strong scriptures in the NT we see about fleeing sexual immorality always do point back to the law which was established in the OT.

Jesus and the Apostles taught Torah, the Prophets and the Psalms. Thus, when the NT speaks of sexual immorality or illicit sex (which would mean unlawful), I do believe one would need to look to the law to find what is permissable to do with one's body and what is not.

And that is God's law, not man's nor secular law of what sexual immorality is or isn't.

Secular law is secular law. God's law is God's law.

And it is fully established that the food and ceremonial laws are laxed towards the Gentiles. But, the NT never does away with the "sexually immoral" nor "illicit sexual intercourse" laws.

 

[savedandhappy1]

Here is one persons view of the word fornicaiton.

The word fornication comes from three separate words in the Bible, two from the Hebrew and one from the Greek. These words all share similar connotations. Each can mean literal fornication between two unmarried persons in a marriage contract; however, it can also signify adultery, whoredom, or an act of unfaithfulness on the part of Yahweh’s people.
The first place the word fornication is used in the Old Testament is found in II Chronicles 21:81. The word fornication found in this passage is from the Hebrew, No. 2181, Zanah, and is defined by Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as follows: "to commit adultery (usually on the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); fig. To commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of [Yahweh])…"
One thing that might be noted is that the Strong’s only offers a broad definition and not an exact definition. Therefore, to completely understand the usage of a particular word in the Hebrew or Greek, one must examine the context of the passage in question.
Many times you may find a more detailed definition in a word study or a lexicon. While, these sources often prove to be valuable in the understanding of many Hebrew and Greek words, a person also must acknowledge the fact that these were written by man and can be inaccurate in some instances.
For example, The Complete Word Study Old Testament offers a more decisive definition than found in Strong’s. It notes on page 2312 in its Lexical Aid, "To fornicate, commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot, commit adultery; to apostatize, have intercourse with false g-ds or foreigners; to seduce. The main idea is to commit illicit sexual intercourse, particularly with women. However, this strong image is used in a figurative sense to describe illegal contact between Israel and other nations and their g-ds…"
The Complete Word Study Old Testament suggests three possible meanings for the Hebrew word "zanah." The first being fornication (pre-marital, illicit sex), the second being adultery (marital, illicit sex), and the third being idolatry (worship of a person or thing besides Yahweh).
The second word denoting fornication in the English is found only once in the Hebrew, in Ezekiel 16:29. The word fornication in this passage is from the Hebrew, No. 8457, taznuth, and simply means a type of idolatry. Being that this word is only used once, the quest for an exact definition should not be too exhausting.
The third word signifying fornication is found in the Greek and is first used in Matthew 5:32. This word derives from the Greek word, No. 4202, porneia and is defined in the Strong’s as follows, "from 4203; harlotry (incl. Adultery and incest); fig. Idolatry: - fornication."
Again, we only find a broad definition for this Greek word, "porneia." Porneia is used 32 times in the New Testament and conveys many different definitions.
For example, the word fornication in Matthew 5:32 is often taken to denote an act of adultery, however an in-depth study will prove this understanding false, and confirm the real usage of this Greek word "porneia" in this particular passage, which is fornication, pre-material sex.
In the fifth chapter of 1 Corinthians Paul admonishes the Corinthian assembly to remove the sin that they were allowing in the assembly. One of the sins listed by the Apostle was a gentile committing "fornication" with his father’s wife. Now this is not what we consider fornication, but more accurately this signifies incest with his stepmother.

Trying to pinpoint this word without examining the passage in question is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Fornication in either the Hebrew or Greek can have and denote a wide range of definitions. It can mean literal fornication, adultery, harlotry, incest, pedophilia, bestiality, or any other sexual restriction that Yahweh has placed for mankind to observe.

 

[5stringJeff]

Here's my definition: fornication is any sexual act (meaning an act that brings sexual gratification of some sort) by an unmarried person with anyone else.

Evidence, backup, etc. etc.: my own opinion after 30 years of living and learning.

 

[lilymarie]

Here's my definition: fornication is any sexual act (meaning an act that brings sexual gratification of some sort) by an unmarried person with anyone else.

Evidence, backup, etc. etc.: my own opinion after 30 years of living and learning.

It could be... but often adultery and fornication are mentioned separately in one sentence.

For instance: it's written, do not commit adultery nor fornication... so often adultery (which is for married people during their marriage) is sometimes mentioned separately 'from' the word fornication.

But, good post, nonetheless. It has strong points to think about because I think that is God's design, but we are fall short of it.

I had pedophiles, perverts and rapists trying to hit on me since I turned 12! One was a priest even, and one was a Christian. So I have seen the ugliness of "men" to know that Christ is real and he is my Savior when I meet all you good brothers in church and online as I see Christ working and living in you.

Praise The Lord for all you good brothers!

I have appreciated you all, and sisters on here for their honesty, intelligence, and grace for putting up with me too!

 

[5stringJeff]

It could be... but often adultery and fornication are mentioned separately in one sentence.

For instance: it's written, do not commit adultery nor fornication... so often adultery (which is for married people during their marriage) is sometimes mentioned separately 'from' the word fornication.

But, good post, nonetheless. It has strong points to think about because I think that is God's design, but we are fall short of it.

I had pedophiles, perverts and rapists trying to hit on me since I turned 12! One was a priest even, and one was a Christian. So I have seen the ugliness of "men" to know that Christ is real and he is my Savior when I meet all you good brothers in church and online as I see Christ working and living in you.

Praise The Lord for all you good brothers!

I have appreciated you all, and sisters on here for their honesty, intelligence, and grace for putting up with me too!

lilymarie,

I agree with you. I would say that adultery is 'fornication' committed by a married person.

And I've read a few of your posts around CF regarding the things you've gone through. You have been through a lot, and I pray that God would continue to heal and bless you!

 

[SH89]

I do believe it includes all those things because what "illicit" sexual intercourse would means is "that which is unlawful". Thus, with all the hundreds of very strong scriptures in the NT we see about fleeing sexual immorality always do point back to the law which was established in the OT.

Jesus and the Apostles taught Torah, the Prophets and the Psalms. Thus, when the NT speaks of sexual immorality or illicit sex (which would mean unlawful), I do believe one would need to look to the law to find what is permissable to do with one's body and what is not.

And that is God's law, not man's nor secular law of what sexual immorality is or isn't.

Secular law is secular law. God's law is God's law.

Good points, lilymarie, and I completely agree.

The law clearly and specifically condemns the following:
*adultery
*incest
*bestiality
*homosexuality
*fornication(I think in the prophets)

And it is fully established that the food and ceremonial laws are laxed towards the Gentiles. But, the NT never does away with the "sexually immoral" nor "illicit sexual intercourse" laws.

Exactly.

Here's my definition: fornication is any sexual act (meaning an act that brings sexual gratification of some sort) by an unmarried person with anyone else.

Evidence, backup, etc. etc.: my own opinion after 30 years of living and learning.

I respect your opinion, gopjeff.

I would like to see some posts from those who, like gopjeff, believe that every sexual act the brings satisfaction in some sort or the other is fornication.
-------
I personally believe what gopjeff does(but only because I have always believed this) , but I still am confused on the specific definition of fornication.

Is fornication just a restriction on sexual intercourse or any sexual act that brings gratification?

 

[mooduck1]

Fornication is simply put any impure sexual act with another human being...So then your nex Question would be, 'what is impure?'. We have to use a little disernment of the spirit on issues where the bible does not exactly define. There are certainly biblical examples, but no "definition" can cover EVERYTHING in every situation. Paul points out that what might be impure to me might be different than you. Honestly though, if you're acking this question, I guess the question I would ask inj return is why are you asking the question?...So many questions...Are you Looking for a loop hole? Are you trying to justify a behavior you know in your heart is wrong? Personally, I beleive the biggest mistake people make is in trying to break a relationship with Jesus down into a 12 step program.."if I only do this this and this but not this, then I'll be pure." What examples does the bible give? What does your conscience tell you that means?

 

[lilymarie]

lilymarie,

I agree with you. I would say that adultery is 'fornication' committed by a married person.

And I've read a few of your posts around CF regarding the things you've gone through. You have been through a lot, and I pray that God would continue to heal and bless you!

Thanks! Just wanted to say God bless you and welcome to the Newbie Mooduck1...

 

[savedandhappy1]

It could be... but often adultery and fornication are mentioned separately in one sentence.

For instance: it's written, do not commit adultery nor fornication... so often adultery (which is for married people during their marriage) is sometimes mentioned separately 'from' the word fornication.

But, good post, nonetheless. It has strong points to think about because I think that is God's design, but we are fall short of it.

I had pedophiles, perverts and rapists trying to hit on me since I turned 12! One was a priest even, and one was a Christian. So I have seen the ugliness of "men" to know that Christ is real and he is my Savior when I meet all you good brothers in church and online as I see Christ working and living in you.

Praise The Lord for all you good brothers!

I have appreciated you all, and sisters on here for their honesty, intelligence, and grace for putting up with me too!

I agree with you and your definition/understanding of the meaning of fornication.

Also it has been awhile since xoxoxoxoxox

Love you sister!
​

 

[SH89]

Fornication is simply put any impure sexual act with another human being...So then your nex Question would be, 'what is impure?'. We have to use a little disernment of the spirit on issues where the bible does not exactly define. There are certainly biblical examples, but no "definition" can cover EVERYTHING in every situation. Paul points out that what might be impure to me might be different than you. Honestly though, if you're acking this question, I guess the question I would ask inj return is why are you asking the question?...So many questions...Are you Looking for a loop hole? Are you trying to justify a behavior you know in your heart is wrong? Personally, I beleive the biggest mistake people make is in trying to break a relationship with Jesus down into a 12 step program.."if I only do this this and this but not this, then I'll be pure." What examples does the bible give? What does your conscience tell you that means?

Well, I am not looking for any loop holes. I personally believe that any sexual act not in the context of marriage is fornication. I wanted to hear both sides of the debate, and to clarify what exactly fornication is. I am actually still not sure what fornication specifcally is(even though, as I mentioned just now, I believe--only because I don't want to jeopardize my faith/way of life for a matter that is not clear-- it is any sexual act not in the context of marriage).

Are there any experts on Greek who know what exactly porneia(fornication) is?

Is there anybody who believes that fornication is only a restriction on intercourse?

If so, speak up!

 

[dayhiker]

I've done some research on fornication.

I grew up with the definition that fornication was premarrital sex. But there is not simple definition for the word as its used in the Bible.

Fornicaion comes to us from the Latin Forne(sp). Jemone chose this this word from amond 26 slang words for prostitution when in the 4th century he translated the Latin Volgate translation. It seems like the reason he choose this word is because it was closest to the Greek word in meaning and spelling. The Greek being a family of 5 words.

The Greek Porneia is not used even once in the Greek literature lists of sin. But is used in most of the NT lists of sins. My understanding is that the main meaning of porneia is to visit the prositues in the temples. The sex act being a worship of the ferility gods. This meaning clearly fits quite a few passages of the NT.

There are other meanings that are brought to the word by association with other passages in the Bible. This seems often to be the way to make porneia cover a lot of sexual acts. Cross referanc to a verse in the Bible that speaks of some other sexual act and call it porneia as well.

I admit I'm a little jaded as I've heard it preached that even masturbation is porneia. But I've not been able to find any justification for this. Clearly Jerome thought porneia was prositution and not premarrital sex.

So you wouldn't find a specific act that is porneia. That is why its translated today as sexual immorality. I say its any sexual act that hurts someone. Sexual acts that are loing aren't porneia in my book.

stay pure, Love God and your freinds
dayhiker

 

[lilymarie]

I agree with you and your definition/understanding of the meaning of fornication.

Also it has been awhile since xoxoxoxoxox

Love you sister!
​

Love you too sister! I've been praying your husband feels better! Let me know!

 

[lilymarie]

Also, to add to the understanding of the word porneia, remember this is where we get our root word for porn -- meaning pornography. Which means a graphic depiction of "porneia".

I'm not sure there are five words for porneia -- I've heard of three -- porneia, porneio, and pornay, I think is the third? I had a good weblink to these Greek words. However, I looked for that particular weblink yesterday and could not find it.

Also, I think the word also states 'flee fornication of EVERY KIND'.

Perhaps we should put the scriptures up here to examine some of them?

 

[dayhiker]

Here are the 5 words with strongs numbers. The definitions I found in the 3 lexicons that I had available to me.

1608 - ekporneuo 1x

Lexicons :
Strong: 1608 ekporneuw ekporneuo ek-porn-yoo’-o
from 1537 and 4203; TDNT-6:579,918; v
AV-give (one’s) self over to fornication 1; 1

1. to go a whoring, "give one’s self over to fornication"

Thayer – Seems to indicate a lust that gluts itself, satisfies itself completely
LXX often used for "to go a whoring, ‘give ones self over to fornication’" Not found in prof writ.


4204 - pornay 12x

Lexicons:
Louw & Nida – A woman who practices sexual immorality as a profession – prostitute.
Strong -
from 4205; TDNT-6:579,918; n f
AV-harlot 8, harlot 4; 12
1) a woman who sells her body for sexual uses
1a) a prostitute, a harlot, one who yields herself to defilement for the sake of gain
1b) any woman indulging in unlawful sexual intercourse, whether for gain or for lust
2) Metaphorically. an idolatress
2a) of "Babylon" i.e. Rome, the chief seat of idolatry
Thayer – gives the root of this family of Greek words as "to sell."

• • a woman who sells her body for sexual use. A prostitute, a harlot, one who yields herself to defilement for the sake of gain.
  • Any woman indulging in unlawful sexual intercourse, whether for gain or for lust.
  • Metaphorically – idolatress.

4202 - proneia 26x

Lexicons:
Louw & Nida – to engage in sexual immorality of any kind. Often with the implication of prostitution – ‘to engage in illicit sex, to commit fornication, sexual immorality, fornication, prostitution. In some NT contexts porneia may refer to incest.
Strong, 4202 - porneia porneia por-ni’-ah
AV-fornication 26; 26
1) illicit sexual intercourse
1a) adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc.
1b) sexual intercourse with close relatives; #Le 18:6-23
1c) sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; #Mr 10:11,12
2) metaph. the worship of idols
2a) of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered to idols
Thayer –

1. 1. illicit sexual intercourse in general. Act.15:20, 29; 21:25, (that this meaning must be adopted in these passages will surprise no one who has learned from 1 Cor.6:12 how leniently converts from among the heathen regarded this vice and how lightly they indulged in it; accordingly, all other interpretations of the term, such as of marriages within prohibited degrees and the like, are to be rejected); Rom.1:29; 1 Cor.5:1; 6:13,18; 7:2; 2 Cor.12:21; Eph.5:3; Col.3:5; 1 Thes.4:3; Rev.9:21; it is distinguished from porneia in Mt.15:19; Mk.7:21; and Gal.5:19; used of adultery. Mt.5:32; 19:9.

In accordance with a form common in the OT and among Jews which represents the close relationship existing between Jehovah and His people under the figure of a marriage porneia is used metaphorically of the worship of idols: Rev.14:8; 17:2, 4; 19:2


4203 - porneuo 8x

Lexicons:
Strong -4203 proneuw porneuo porn-yoo’-o
from 4204; TDNT-6:579,918; v
AV-commit fornication 7, commit 1; 8
1) to prostitute one’s body to the lust of another
2) to give one’s self to unlawful sexual intercourse
2a) to commit fornication
3) metaph. to be given to idolatry, to worship idols
3a) to permit one’s self to be drawn away by another into idolatry
Thayer -
In Greek - 1. To prostitute one’s body to the lust of another.
In Scriptures – 2. to give one’s self to unlawful sexual intercourse; to commit fornication.
By a Hebraism – 3. To be given to idolatry, to worship idols.


4205 - pornos 10x
Lexicons:
Louw & Nida – m – one who engages in sexual immorality, whether a man or a woman, and in come contexts, distinguished from an adulterer or adulteress – ‘a sexually immoral person’
Strong’s 4205 [FONT=OLBGRK,Courier New]pornov[/FONT] pornos por’-nos
AV-fornicator 5, whoremonger 5; 10
1) a man who prostitutes his body to another’s lust for hire
2) a male prostitute
3) a man who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse, a fornicator
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the NT–

1. A male who prostitutes his body to another’s lust for hire, a male prostitute.
2. A man who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse, Lat. Fornicator.

dayhiker