Fornication

Abbreviations

KJV (King James Version)
NKJV (New King James Version)
ISVNT (International Standard Version)
ASV (American Standard Version)
NIV (New International Version)
NASB (New American Standard Bible)

My summary

The Greek word which the King James Bible interprets as "fornication" actually represents "sexual immorality" (not fornication) and seems to be tied to selling your body for sex (whore, harlot), adultery (married but having sex with someone other than your spouse), incest and using sex in idol worship. Greek scholars agree that the word means "sexual immorality" and not "fornication".
If you believe that that Greek word should be translated as "fornication" and you go by Webster's dictionaries description of fornication then any sex is wrong unless you are married and having sex with your spouse (husband & wife).
"Single Sexuality" seems to be an important topic today however there is very little written about the subject in the Bible. It would have been nice to have a couple of verses describe what a person must do to be considered married in God's eyes. A clear discussion with examples of when sex is wrong would also be nice. Actually, in my opinion, for such an important subject there should be at least one chapter dedicated to the topic. Also, a Biblical description of what forms of intimacy is considered sex would be welcomed.
Most denominations and preachers clearly state that sex outside of marriage is a sin. I welcome feedback. Go to www.michael-thomas.com and send me an email with scripture support. I will exchange emails with an open mind, welcome all thoughts and respect your belief. I also hold the right to change my belief. I believe the Bible does not address this topic in enough detail so I have more questions than answers.

Questions - (Looking for scriptures to explain or illustrate the answers.)

Why and when is having sex a sin (or biblically wrong)?
Do you have to have a marriage license issued by a state in the US to be considered married in God's eyes? What about other nations, customs, cultures etc..
If you live in the US and have sex with someone you are "committed to" you do not have a marriage license issued by one of the states in the US is that a sin?
If you are dating exclusively and are very interested in a possible committed relationship is sex with that person a sin?
Can you describe when having sex is a sin?
Can you give me examples from the bible that illustrate when having sex is a sin or that explains when having sex is a sin?
If you believe having sex with a person that you are not married to is a sin then can you give scriptures that explain how you get married and what determines that you are married in God's eyes? (Note: Remember that marriage and divorce in the US is governed by laws created by each state. Marriage and divorce in the bible times may have had different rules. If you have ever been through a divorce you will realize that marriage is very legal and is tied to lawyers & judges - it doesn't seem so religious and just hanging a certificate of divorce as mentioned in the Old and New Testament doesn't work in the US.)
Bible oriented questions:
- Why is fornication (or Greek: sexual immorality) used frequently in the context of idols?
  (Note: It almost appears as though fornication is related to idols worship.)
- What was the definition of fornication (or Greek: sexual immorality) in the custom of that day?
- Why is fornication (or Greek: sexual immorality) not defined in the Bible? (would be nice if it was defined similar to Webster's)
- Does the Bible give us an example of fornication (or Greek: sexual immorality) (ie: story etc...)?
  1. 1 Cor 5:1 - A man takes his father's wife.
- Why is there such a small amount of information on single sexuality in the bible?
- In the eyes of God what makes a person married? (Remember marriage in the US is a legal document in which the laws vary from state to state.)

Think on these thoughts

Could a person be clear on sex & sin in about one paragraph? Let's say I believe that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Here is what I could say in one paragraph.....
- Here is my attempt to make something clear in one paragraph. This is not my belief, I'm just trying to show how easy it could be to give guidance and answer questions in one short paragraph.
  Clear Statement: "If a person has sex with someone they are not married to that is a sin. To be married you must get a license from one of the states in the US that says you are legally married and you must be a man and woman to get married. If you live in another country you must follow any legal rules for marriage and if there are none then you are married when you decide you want to be married and you consummate by having have vaginal sex. It is considered sex if you touch a woman's breast, butt or vaginal area under clothes or through clothes. It is considered sex if you touch a man's butt or penis under clothes or through clothes. Sinning by having sex is pardonable."
- Question:
  Was I clear as to what is sex, when are you sinning and what is marriage?
  Was this about one paragraph?
  Did it seem like this was a difficult task for me to complete?
  Do I need an example, illustration or story of what sex sin is or is this clear enough?
- Question:
  Could the Bible be this clear on sex and sin?
- My challenge to you: Try to find this clarity on this topic in the Bible!
- Question:
  If you can't find this clarity then why wasn't it made clear in the Bible?

Definitions

Webster's Dictionary
- Fornication
  1) human sexual intercourse other than between a man and his wife : sexual intercourse between a spouse and an unmarried per!son : sexual intercourse between unmarried people
  2) sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person accomplished with consent and not deemed adultery.
- Adultery
  1) voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband.
  syn ADULTERY, FORNICATION, INCEST designate forms of illicit sexual intercourse that are clearly distinguished in legal use. ADULTERY can be applied only to sexual intercourse between a married person and a partner other than his or her wife or husband; FORNICATION designates sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person; INCEST refers to sexual intercourse between persons proscribed from marrying on the basis of kinship ties.
Strong's Greek Dictionary
- Greek word for fornication
  - G4202 πορνεία porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:—fornication.
  - G4203 πορνεύω porneuō porn-yoo'-o From G4204; to act the harlot, that is, (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:—commit (fornication).
  - G4204 πόρνη pornē por'-nay Feminine of G4205; a strumpet; figuratively an idolater:—harlot, whore.
  - G4205 πόρνος pornos por'-nos From πέρνημι pernēmi (to sell; akin to the base of G4097); a (male) prostitute (as venal), that is, (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine):—fornicator, whoremonger.
Eastons Bible Dictionary
- Fornication IN EVERY FORM OF IT WAS STERNLY CONDEMNED BY THE MOSAIC LAW (Lev. 21:9; 19:29; Deut. 22:20, 21, 23-29; 23:18; Ex. 22:16). (See ADULTERY.) But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer. 3:8, 9).
Parson's Bible Dictionary
- Fornication IN EVERY FORM OF IT WAS STERNLY CONDEMNED BY THE MOSAIC LAW (Lev. 21:9; 19:29; Deut. 22:20, 21, 23-29; 23:18; Ex. 22:16). (See ADULTERY.) But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer. 3:8, 9).
- Adultery - CONJUGAL INFIDELITY. AN ADULTERER WAS A MAN WHO HAD ILLICIT INTERCOURSE WITH A MARRIED OR A ENGAGED WOMAN, AND SUCH A WOMAN WAS AN ADULTERESS. INTERCOURSE BETWEEN A MARRIED MAN AND AN UNMARRIED WOMAN WAS FORNICATION. ADULTERY WAS REGARDED AS A GREAT SOCIAL WRONG, AS WELL AS A GREAT SIN. The Mosaic law (Num. 5:11-31) prescribed that the suspected wife should be tried by the ordeal of the “water of jealousy.” There is, however, no recorded instance of the application of this law. In subsequent times the Rabbis made various regulations with the view of discovering the guilty party, and of bringing about a divorce. It has been inferred from John 8:1-11 that this sin became very common during the age preceding the destruction of Jerusalem. Idolatry, covetousness, and apostasy are spoken of as adultery spiritually (Jer. 3:6, 8, 9; Ezek. 16:32; Hos. 1, 2, 3 Rev. 2:22). An apostate church is an adulteress (Isa. 1:21; Ezek. 23:4, 7, 37), and the Jews are styled “an adulterous generation” (Matt. 12:39). (Compare Rev. 12.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
- Fornication - Hebrew, זָנָה, zānāh = “to commit adultery,” especially of the female, and less frequently of mere fornication, seldom of involuntary ravishment; also used figuratively in the sense of idolatry, the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Yahweh (2 Ch 21:11; Isa 23:17; Ezek 16:26). Once we find the derivative noun תַּזְנוּת, taznūth (Ezek 16:29). In the New Testament, with both the literal and the figurative application, we find πορνεία, porneı́a, and πορνεύω, porneúō (Mt 5:32; 15:19; Jn 8:41; Acts 15:20; 1 Cor 5:1; 6:13, 18; 7:2; 10:8; 2 Cor 12:21; Gal 5:19; Eph 5:3; Col 3:5; 1 Thess 4:3; Rev 2:14, 20, 21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2, 4). The intensive ἐκπορνεύω, ekporneúō = “to be utterly unchaste” is found in Jude 1:7. Every form of unchastity is included in the term “fornication.”

Other Associated Words

Sexual immorality
Sinning Sexually
Lust
Adultery

Scriptures

This study focuses on the word interpreted as "fornication". As you read these scripture see if you can clearly determine when sex is a sin. Do you see any examples of when sex is a sin? If you writing a letter to a friend and mentioned the word fornication would you get deeper into the subject than what you read in the scriptures? Based on what you read, what kind of religious laws would you create?

Matt 15:17-20 (NASV) - "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated. But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man."

Other versions
- KJV - For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
- ASV - For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings:
- ISVNT - For it is out of the heart that evil thoughts come, as well as murder, adultery, sexual immorality, stealing, false testimony, and slander.
Greek word for fornication
G4202 πορνεία porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:—fornication.

Acts 15:20 - But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Other Versions
- Acts 15:19-21 (KJV) - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
  But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
  For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
- Acts 15:20 (ASV) - but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.
- Acts 15:20 (ISVNT) - Instead, we should write to them to keep away from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from anything strangled,
Greek word for fornication
G4202 πορνεία porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:—fornication.

1 Cor 5:1 - and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.

Other Versions
- 1 Cor 5:1-2 (KJV) - It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
  And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
- 1 Cor 5:1-2 (ASV) - It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that one of you hath his father’s wife.
  And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.
- 1 Cor 5:1-2 (ISVNT) - It is actually reported that sexual immorality exists among you, and of a kind that is not found even among the Gentiles. A man is actually living with his father’s wife!
  And you are being arrogant instead of being filled with grief and seeing to it that the man who did this is removed from among you.

1 Cor 6:9-20 - (9) Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, ... shall inherit the kingdom of God. (13) Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. (18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Verses 1-8 are about suing a believer in court vs going to a panel of believers.
(KJV)
(9) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
(10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
(11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
(12) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
(13) Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
(14) And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
(15) Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
(16) What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
(17) But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
(18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
(19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
(20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s
Other Versions
- (ASV)
  (9) Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,
  (13) Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall bring to nought both it and them. But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body:
  (18) Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
- (ISVNT)
  (9) You know that wicked people will not inherit the kingdom of God, don’t you? Stop deceiving yourselves! Sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals,
  (13) Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food, but God will put an end to both of them. The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
  (18) Keep on running away from sexual immorality. Any other sin that a person commits is outside his body, but the person who sins sexually sins against his own body.

I Cor 7:1-11; 25-31 - This is probably the best set of verses in the bible on this topic. You should read this whole chapter (verses 1 - 40) !!!

(KJV)
(1) Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
(2) Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
(3) Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
(4) The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
(5) Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
(6) But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
(7) For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
(8) I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
(9) But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
(10) And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
(11) But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
.....
(25) Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
(26) I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
(27) Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
(28) But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
(29) But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
(30) And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
(31) And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
(ISVNT)
(1) Now concerning the things you wrote about: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
(2) But because sexual immorality is so rampant, every man should have his own wife, and every woman should have her own husband.
(3) A husband should fulfill his obligation to his wife, and a wife should do the same for her husband.
(4) A wife does not have authority over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have authority over his own body, but his wife does.
(5) Don’t withhold yourselves from each other unless you agree to do so for a set time in order to devote yourselves to prayer. Then you should come together again so that Satan does not tempt you through your lack of self-control.
(6) But I say this as a concession, not as a command.
(7) I would like everyone to be like me. However, each person has a special gift from God, one this and another that.
(8) Now I say to those who are unmarried, especially to widows: It is good for them to remain like me.
(9) However, if they cannot control themselves, they should get married, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
(10) To married people I give this command (not really I, but the Lord): A wife must not leave her husband.
(11) But if she does leave him, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. Likewise, a husband must not abandon his wife.
.......
(25) Now concerning virgins, although I do not have any command from the Lord, I will give you my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
(26) In view of the present crisis, I think it is prudent for a man to stay as he is.
(27) Have you been bound to a wife? Stop trying to get free. Have you been freed from a wife? Stop looking for a wife.
(28) But if you do get married, you have not sinned. And if a virgin gets married, she has not sinned. However, these people will experience distress in the flesh, and I want to spare you that.
(29) This is what I mean, brothers. The time has been shortened. From now on, those who have wives should live as though they had none,
(30) and those who mourn as though they did not mourn, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they did not own a thing,
(31) and those who use the things in the world as though they were not dependent on them. For the world in its present form is passing away.
(NIV)
(1) Now for the matters you wrote about: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.
(2) But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.
(3) The husband should fulfill hi marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.
(4) The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.
(5) Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
(6) I say this as a concession, not as a command.
(7) I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you as your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
(8) Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.
(9) But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
(10) TO the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.
(11) But is she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
......
(25) Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgement as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
(26) Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
(27) Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife.
(28) But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in his life, and I want to spare you this.
(29) What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not;
(30) those who mourn, as if the did not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;
(31) those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
(ASV)
(1) Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
(2) But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
(3) Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
(4) The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.
(5) Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.
(6) But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
(7) Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
(8) But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
(9) But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
(10) But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband
(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.
......
(25) Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.
(26) I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
(27) Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife.
(28) But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.
(29) But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;
(30) and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;
(31) and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Here is my thoughts (looking at the ISVNT version)
- "command of the Lord" vs "trustworthy opinion" vs "Concession" - Sometimes Paul says he does not have a command from the Lord but his opinion is trustworthy (25). Paul does refer to a command of the Lord (10). He also refers to a "concession" and not a command. So be conscience of these items.
  - Paul's concession - Be single (6-9), but if you burn with passion for a woman then marry.
  - God's command - Do not leave your husband or wife (divorce). If you do divorce you must remain unmarried or be reconciled to your spouse.
  - Paul's trustworthy opinion (I not the Lord)
    - If you are married to an unbeliever an they want to stay married to you do not get a divorce. The believer makes unbeliever spouse sanctified and the children. (12-14)
    - If you are married to an unbeliever and they want a divorce then let them go. You are not bound (assume you can get married again). (15-16).
    - Because of the crisis, men stay as you are. Stay single if you are single. If married stay married (26-27).
    - If you get married, then you will experience distress in the flesh (28).
    - If you have a wife, live as though you don't have one (29).
    - If you mourn, live as though you don't mourn (30).
    - If you rejoice, live as though you were not rejoicing (30).
    - If you use things of the world, live as though you are not dependent on them (31).
    - I want you to be free of concerns (32).
    - An unmarried man can focus on the affairs of the Lord and pleasing him (32).
    - If you are married it is hard to focus on the affairs Lord because you have to please your spouse so your attention is divided (33-35).
- Crisis Times - Paul felt that the world was in a crisis (26). He felt the time has been shortened (29). He thought the world in it's present form was passing away (31). It appears to me that Paul felt that Jesus might be coming back soon to begin the end times you read about in Revelations.
  - Because of the "crisis times" you should do the following:
    - Stay as you are. If single, stay single. If married, stay married. If you get married you don't sin but you will experience distress in the flesh (26-28).
    - Be free from concern. Focus on the affairs of the Lord. It is hard to do that when you are married because it is like a noose around your neck :-) (32-35)
- Single vs Married
  - It is good for a man to not touch a woman. Stay single. But because sexual immorality is so rampant everyone should get married (1-2).
    (Personal thought - I still do not see a clear statement as to when having sex is sin. I believe that sexual immorality is sin and that is clear throughout the Bible.)
    By the way, I marry for love, companionship and sex (probably in that order too).
  - Widowed - stay single and marry only if you burn with passion (8).
    Again, Paul sees marriage as only something to do if you burn with passion - probably because of the physical peril of the day.
- Sex in Marriage
  - Married people should not turn their partner down for sex. Your body is not yours, it is your partners. Do not withhold sex from your partner. (3-4)
  - If you both agree to devote yourself to prayer then you can stop sex but only for a short time (5).

1 Cor 10:8 - Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Other Versions
- 1 Cor 10:6-8 (KJV) - Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
- 1 Cor 10:6-8 (ASV) -Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
  Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
  Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
- 1 Cor 10:6 (ISVNT) - Now these things became examples for us so that we would not set our hearts on evil as they did.
  Let us stop being idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to play.”
  Let us stop sinning sexually, as some of them were doing, and on a single day 23,000 fell dead.
Exodus 32:6-35 (KJV) - my summary: Moses went up the mountain to talk with God and get the 10 commandments. When Moses was delayed by God the Jewish people ask Aaron to let them build a calf idol to worship. Aaron agreed and the idols was built and people started worshiping it. God saw this and told Moses while he was up on the mountain. God wanted to kill all the people but Moses convinced God to let them live. Then Moses went down the mountain and when he saw the people worshiping the calf idol he through the 2 tablets of the commandments to the ground and they broke. He then asked every one who was on the side of the Lord to join him. He gave orders to the people who joined him to kill the people who didn't (man, man's companion, man's brother and man's neighbor). 23,000 fell dead in that one day. To me it looks like fornication is tied to worshiping of idols in this case!
Greek word for fornication:
G4203 πορνεύω porneuō porn-yoo'-o From G4204; to act the harlot, that is, (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:—commit (fornication).
G4204 πόρνη pornē por'-nay Feminine of G4205; a strumpet; figuratively an idolater:—harlot, whore.

Eph 5:3 - But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.

Other Versions
- Eph 5:3-12 (KJV) - But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret
- Eph 5:3-4 (ASV) - But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints;
  nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks.
- Eph 5:3-4 (ISVNT) - not let sexual sin, impurity of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints.
  Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving.
Greek word for fornication
G4202 πορνεία porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:—fornication.

1 Thess 4:3 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

Other Versions
- 1 Thess 4:3-8 (KJV) - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
  Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
  That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
- 1 Thess 4:3 (ASV) - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
- 1 Thess 4:3 (ISVNT) - you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
  For it is God’s will that you be sanctified: You must abstain from sexual immorality;
Greek word for fornication
G4202 πορνεία porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:—fornication.

Rev 2:14 - But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Other Versions
- KJV - But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
- ASV - But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.
- ISVNT - But I have a few things against you: You have there some who hold to the teaching of Balaam, the one who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice immorality.
Greek word for fornication:
G4203 πορνεύω porneuō porn-yoo'-o From G4204; to act the harlot, that is, (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:—commit (fornication).

Matt 5:31-32

Versions
- KJV (31) It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
  (32) But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
- ISVNT (31) “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce.’
  (32) But I say to you, any man who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
- NKJV (31) “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’
  (32) But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
- ASV (31) It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
  (32) but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.
Greek word for fornication
G4202 πορνεία porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:—fornication.

Matt 19:3-12

Versions
- KJV
  (3) The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
  (4) And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  (5) And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
  (6) Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  (7) They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
  (8) He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
  (9) And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
  (10) His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
  (11) But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  (12) For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
- NKJV
  (3) The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”
  (4) And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’
  (5) and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
  (6) So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
  (7) They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”
  (8) He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
  (9) And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
  (10) His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”
  (11) But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given:
  (12) For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
- ISVNT
  (3) Some Pharisees came to him in order to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
  (4) He answered them, “Haven’t you read that the one who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female’
  (5) and said, ‘That is why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?
  (6) So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must never separate.”
  (7) They asked him, “Why, then, did Moses order us ‘to give a certificate of divorce and divorce her’?”
  (8) He said to them, “It was because of your hardness of heart that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives. But from the beginning it was not this way.
  (9) I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
  (10) His disciples said to him, “If that is the relationship of a man with his wife, it’s not worth getting married!”
  (11) But he said to them, “Not everyone can accept this saying, except those to whom celibacy has been granted.
  (12) For some men are celibate from birth, while others are celibate because they have been made that way by others. Still others are celibate because they have made themselves that way for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
- ASV
  (3) And there came unto him Pharisees, trying him, and saying, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
  (4) And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,
  (5) and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?
  (6) So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  (7) They say unto him, Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put her away?
  (8) He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so.
  (9) And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery.
  (10) The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.
  (11) But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.
  (12) For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men: and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
Greek word for fornication
G4202 πορνεία porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry:—fornication.

Mark 7:21

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John 8:41

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Acts 15:20

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Acts 15:29

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Acts 21:25

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Romans 1:29

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2 Cor 12:21

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Gal 5:19

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Col 3:5

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Heb 13:4

Versions
- (KJV) - Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
- (NKJV) - Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
- (ISVNT) - Let marriage be kept honorable in every way, and the marriage bed undefiled. For God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery.
- (ASV) - Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Greek word for fornication (Should be whoremonger or prostitute.)
G4205 πόρνος pornos por'-nos From πέρνημι pernēmi (to sell; akin to the base of G4097); a (male) prostitute (as venal), that is, (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine):—fornicator, whoremonger.

Jude 1:7

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Greek word for fornication

Rev 2:20

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Greek word for fornication

Rev 2:21

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Rev 14:8

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Rev 17:2

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Rev 17:4

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Rev 18:3

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Rev 18:9

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Rev 19:2

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Greek word for fornication

Additional Scriptures

Rom 12:12 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Customs and Cultures

Dating

Even today, dating is considered taboo in many cultures. Marriages are arranged and there is no dating process.
- Dr Gary Chapman, author of "The Five Love Languages" makes the following statement in his version for "Singles".
  The Five Love Languages - Singles Edition by Dr Gary Chapman
  pg 147 "First let me remind you that dating is not a universal practice. In many cultures, literate and illiterate alike, the very idea of a guy and girl arranging a series of times to get together, for whatever purpose, would be considered taboo. These cultures have a long history of many stable marriages. Therefore, dating is not the necessary part of the
  marriage process that we generally assume it to be."
  pg 153 "As noted earlier, in some cultures marriages are arranged. Contracts are drawn up between respective families. The choice is made on the basis of social, financial, or religious considerations. The couple is supposed to develop love once the are married."