Fornication - An Unscriptural Term

Much like "hell" the word "fornication" was made up by the Catholic church as yet another means to help them control the populists of Europe. The definition wasn't all that clear many years ago, so the church would use this term as it saw fit. Even today the definition can get a bit fuzzy...

Merriam-Webster
consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other

The Bible Encyclopedia
“The Greek word for ‘fornication’ (porneia) could include any sexual sin committed after the betrothal contract. …In Biblical usage, ‘fornication’ can mean any sexual congress outside monogamous marriage. It thus includes not only premarital sex, but also adultery, homosexual acts, incest, remarriage after un-Biblical divorce, and sexual acts with animals, all of which are explicitly forbidden in the law as given through Moses (Leviticus 20:10-21). Christ expanded the prohibition against adultery to include even sexual lusting (Matthew 5:28).” (Dr. Henry M. Morris)
http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/fornication.html

Dictionary.com
Idolatry.

The Free Dictionary
adultery, infidelity, unfaithfulness, extra-marital congress or relations or sex, living in sin, extra-curricular sex (informal), pre-marital congress or relations or sex Fornication is a crime in some American states.

Can you see some of the contradictions here?

But the real confusion lies in the practical use of the word. Many people feel it describes a certain type of sex. For example, some believe "fornication" means oral, or **** sex. Some think it means sex with animals. Some feel it involves what we call "toys" or ropes. Some think it is about dominance or submission.

It seems it all depends on who you talk to.

Today the Catholic church uses the word to help with their lists of immorality. Often times this word will be added to a list that the Catholic church wants to make look horrible. In many cases, if we are to believe that "fornication" simply means "consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other," the term is redundant.

AV Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

If we are to believe the bible it seems that the words "fornication" and "adultery" are two different and unique terms. Not the same thing at all.

So what does the word "fornication" really mean?

Much like the term "hell" "fornication" is used to substitute a different word from the Scriptures. Just as "hell" is used to substitute 4 different words, so is "fornication used to substitute 4 different words.

These are...

porne? That means prostitute (Revelation 19:2 uses porne)

porneia? is Prostitution (1 Cornithians 7:2 uses porneia)

porneuo? is committing prostitution (1 Cornithians 6:18 uses porneia)

pornos? that is a male prostitute, which might be knows as a Gigolo today (1 Corinthians 6:9 uses pornos)

I list these as examples only.


The word "fornication" is used in the KJV 36 times, 4 times in the OT and 32 times in the NT. I would like to concentrate on the NT use of this word.

Matthew 5:32
Matthew 19:9
John 8:41
Acts 15:20
Acts 21:25
Romans 1:29
1Corinthians 5:1 (2)
1Corinthians 6:13
1Corinthians 6:18 (2)
1Corinthians 7:2
1Corinthians 10:8
2Corinthians 12:21
Galatians 5:19
Ephesians 5:3
Colossians 3:5
1Thessalonians 4:3
Jude 1:7
Revelation 2:14
Revelation 2:20
Revelation 2:21
Revelation 9:21
Revelation 14:8
Revelation 17:2 (2)
Revelation 17:4
Revelation 18:3 (2)
Revelation 18:9
Revelation 19:2

Prostitution is a business transaction, where money is exchanged for sexual services. This practice (called the oldest profession) was so popular in Rome that there was a street named after it. Prostitution in Ancient Rome was legal and licensed.

Prostitution was big business in Rome. So why would it be so strange that Paul was addressing this widespread problem?

By restoring the word "Prostitution" to the Scriptures and eliminating the word "Fornication" we can see that the church has very little to say about mankind's sexual activities.

Adultery is defined as a married person having sex outside of his/her marriage.
Virginity is also defined in the OT.
But there is really nothing that says two people who are in love cannot have sex.

Unless, of course, you are willing to say that every woman who has ever given herself to a man is a Prostitute.

Are you?

Unless, of course, you are willing to say that every woman who has ever given herself to a man is a Prostitute.

Are you?

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No, not all of them by far. Not even close. But I do vaguely remember a teenager in my neighborhood who may or may not have actually had a few of these less then desirable species. You know to be used as practice girls... you have to learn somewhere.. right?

Not me of course, I would never have done that. I was a good boy.

What about Californication

In order for something to be good it has to be good for something.




Good show. Funny.