Brief Overview of πορνεύω (Strong’s G4203: porneuō)

Strong’s G4203: A verb meaning “to commit sexual immorality,” derived from pornē (prostitute). Used in the New Testament to describe engaging in illicit sexual activity. Carries both literal and metaphorical meanings, especially in contexts of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πορνεύω represents active engagement in sexual immorality. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal contexts regarding sexual sin and metaphorically describing spiritual unfaithfulness. Paul uses it in crucial teachings about sexual purity and bodily sanctification. Early church fathers employed this term to establish clear boundaries between Christian and pagan sexual ethics. Today, it remains significant in discussions of biblical morality and spiritual fidelity.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πορνεύω, porneuō, por-NEW-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-NEW-oh (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πόρνη (pornē) – prostitute
• -εύω (-euō) – verbal suffix indicating action
• Connected to πέρνημι (pernēmi) – to sell

D – Defining Meanings

• To commit sexual immorality
• To practice prostitution
• To engage in illicit sexual behavior

Translation Options:

• “To commit sexual immorality” – comprehensive
• “To engage in illicit sex” – more specific
• “To act immorally” – broader application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μοιχεύω (moicheuō, moy-KHEW-oh) – to commit adultery – See G3431
• ἀσελγέω (aselgeō, as-el-GEH-oh) – to live licentiously – See G766
• πορνεία (porneia, por-NEI-ah) – sexual immorality (noun) – See G4202

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:

• Present Active: πορνεύω (I commit immorality)
• Aorist Active: ἐπόρνευσα (I committed immorality)
• Present Participle: πορνεύων (committing immorality)

Cross-references:

• Related noun: πορνεία (sexual immorality)
• Related adjective: πόρνος (sexually immoral person)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its development from prostitution. LSJ documents classical usage in moral contexts. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to selling oneself. LEH notes Septuagint usage for idolatry. Moulton and Milligan cite legal documents involving sexual offenses.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that [πορνεύω] committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 10:8
Revelation 2:14
Revelation 17:2
Revelation 18:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πορνεύω calls attention to the serious nature of sexual sin while pointing to Christ’s power to transform and sanctify. It reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, redeemed for holy purposes. The gospel offers hope and healing to those struggling with sexual sin, proclaiming Christ’s ability to restore purity and wholeness.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced early Christian baptismal vows regarding sexual conduct.
2. It appears in some of the earliest Christian moral teaching manuals.
3. Early church councils used this term in defining sexual ethics.

Strong’s G4203: A verb meaning “to commit sexual immorality,” derived from pornē (prostitute). Used in the New Testament to describe engaging in illicit sexual activity. Carries both literal and metaphorical meanings, especially in contexts of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: sexual immorality, moral purity, Paul’s teachings, spiritual unfaithfulness, sanctification, holiness, body as temple, redemption, transformation, Christian ethics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​