Brief Overview of πόρνος (Strong’s G4205: pornos)

Strong’s G4205: A noun meaning “fornicator” or “sexually immoral person,” derived from pernēmi (to sell). In New Testament usage, appears in lists of vices and warnings about behaviors incompatible with God’s kingdom. Often used in contexts addressing church discipline and moral purity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πόρνος represents a male engaged in sexual immorality, particularly prostitution or fornication. In the New Testament, it appears primarily in vice lists and warnings about behavior incompatible with Christian living. Paul uses it in contexts of church discipline and moral instruction. Early church fathers employed this term when establishing boundaries for Christian conduct and discussing restoration of fallen believers. Today, it remains relevant in discussions of biblical sexual ethics and church discipline.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πόρνος, pornos, POR-nos
• Detailed pronunciation: POHR-noss (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πέρνημι (pernēmi) – to sell
• -ος (-os) – masculine noun ending
• Connected to πόρνη (female prostitute)

D – Defining Meanings

• Sexually immoral person
• Fornicator
• Male prostitute

Translation Options:

• “Sexually immoral person” – broader modern equivalent
• “Fornicator” – traditional rendering
• “Person engaging in sexual sin” – explanatory translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μοιχός (moichos, moy-KHOS) – adulterer – See G3432
• ἀρσενοκοίτης (arsenokoitēs, ar-sen-ok-OY-tace) – homosexual – See G733
• ἀσελγής (aselgēs, as-el-GACE) – licentious person – See G766

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: πόρνος
• Genitive: πόρνου
• Dative: πόρνῳ
• Accusative: πόρνον

Cross-references:

• Related verb: πορνεύω (to commit sexual immorality)
• Related noun: πορνεία (sexual immorality)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in vice lists. Thayer’s notes its connection to prostitution. LSJ documents classical usage. Vine’s highlights its significance in moral teaching. Strong’s connects it to selling oneself. LEH notes Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite legal and moral contexts in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 5:9: “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with [πόρνος] fornicators.”

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 5:11
1 Corinthians 6:9
Ephesians 5:5
1 Timothy 1:10
Hebrews 12:16
Hebrews 13:4
Revelation 21:8
Revelation 22:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πόρνος reminds us of the seriousness of sexual sin while pointing to Christ’s power to transform lives. While it appears in warnings about behavior incompatible with God’s kingdom, the gospel message includes the hope of redemption and restoration. This term proclaims both God’s holy standards and His gracious provision for forgiveness and new life in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced early church practices regarding membership and discipline.
2. It appears in some of the earliest Christian baptismal renunciation formulas.
3. Early church councils used this term in establishing standards for church leadership.

Strong’s G4205: A noun meaning “fornicator” or “sexually immoral person,” derived from pernēmi (to sell). In New Testament usage, appears in lists of vices and warnings about behaviors incompatible with God’s kingdom. Often used in contexts addressing church discipline and moral purity.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sexual immorality, moral purity, church discipline, Paul’s teachings, vice lists, restoration, transformation, holiness, Christian ethics, redemption​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​