Matthew 15:
Does porneia mean primarily prostitution or can it mean sex between people not married?
BDAG πορνεία:
Oxford dictionary fornication:
Yes, it is sexual immorality (porneia).
The following is from GotQuestions:
Porneia is a Greek word that essentially means “illicit sexual activity.” It is a general, inclusive word for any kind of sexual immorality and occurs about 25 times in the New Testament. The NASB consistently translates it “fornication.” The NIV translates it “sexual immorality” or on a few occasions simply “immorality.” It is often included in lists with other sinful activities without any further definition or explanation (Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21; Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25; Romans 1:29; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Colossians 3:5; Revelation 9:21). The word does not specify which kinds of sexual activity are immoral; however, since the rest of Scripture defines any sexual activity outside of marriage as off-limits, it would all be considered porneia. The English word pornography is from the word porneia. Even though pornography is not mentioned in the New Testament, it seems reasonable to include it in the category of porneia, as it is essentially sexual in nature and focuses sexual energy and desire on someone other than one’s spouse. Jesus did call lust adultery (Matthew 5:28), and adultery is a type of porneia.
The New Testament consistently warns against porneia:
“The body is not meant for porneia but for the Lord” (1 Corinthians 6:13).
“Flee from porneia. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
“But among you there must not be even a hint of porneia, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” (Ephesians 5:3).
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid porneia” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Porneia on the part of a spouse is noted by Jesus as a legitimate reason for divorce (Matthew 19:9).
4202. πορνεία (porneia)
Does porneia mean primarily prostitution or can it mean sex between people not married?
BDAG πορνεία:
Those were the primary meanings.
Oxford dictionary fornication:
Is sex outside of marriage a sin?
Yes, it is sexual immorality (porneia).
The following is from GotQuestions:
Porneia is a Greek word that essentially means “illicit sexual activity.” It is a general, inclusive word for any kind of sexual immorality and occurs about 25 times in the New Testament. The NASB consistently translates it “fornication.” The NIV translates it “sexual immorality” or on a few occasions simply “immorality.” It is often included in lists with other sinful activities without any further definition or explanation (Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21; Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25; Romans 1:29; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Colossians 3:5; Revelation 9:21). The word does not specify which kinds of sexual activity are immoral; however, since the rest of Scripture defines any sexual activity outside of marriage as off-limits, it would all be considered porneia. The English word pornography is from the word porneia. Even though pornography is not mentioned in the New Testament, it seems reasonable to include it in the category of porneia, as it is essentially sexual in nature and focuses sexual energy and desire on someone other than one’s spouse. Jesus did call lust adultery (Matthew 5:28), and adultery is a type of porneia.
The New Testament consistently warns against porneia:
“The body is not meant for porneia but for the Lord” (1 Corinthians 6:13).
“Flee from porneia. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
“But among you there must not be even a hint of porneia, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” (Ephesians 5:3).
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid porneia” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Porneia on the part of a spouse is noted by Jesus as a legitimate reason for divorce (Matthew 19:9).
