Brief Overview of πορνεία (Strong’s G4202: porneia)

Strong’s G4202: A noun denoting sexual immorality or illicit sexual activity. Used broadly in the New Testament to describe any sexual activity outside God’s design for marriage. Significant in early Christian teaching about sexual ethics and moral purity in contrast to prevalent Greco-Roman practices.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πορνεία represents a comprehensive term for sexual immorality in its various forms. In New Testament usage, it encompasses any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage as defined by God. This term appears in crucial teachings of Jesus about marriage and divorce, and in apostolic instructions about Christian conduct. Early church fathers employed this word extensively in establishing Christian sexual ethics within a pagan culture. Today, it remains relevant in discussions of biblical morality and the sanctity of marriage.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πορνεία, porneia, por-NEI-ah
• Detailed pronunciation: pohr-NAY-ah (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πέρνημι (pernēmi) – to sell
• Connected to πόρνη (pornē) – prostitute
• -εία (-eia) – abstract noun suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Sexual immorality
• Illicit sexual activity
• Fornication or adultery

Translation Options:

• “Sexual immorality” – broadest and most accurate
• “Fornication” – traditional but narrower
• “Illicit sexual behavior” – more technical

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μοιχεία (moicheia, moy-KHEI-ah) – adultery specifically – See G3430
• ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia, as-EL-gei-ah) – licentiousness – See G766
• ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia, ak-ath-ar-SEE-ah) – uncleanness – See G167

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Feminine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 1st declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: πορνεία
• Genitive: πορνείας
• Dative: πορνείᾳ
• Accusative: πορνείαν

Cross-references:

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

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its broad scope in NT usage. Thayer’s notes its development from prostitution to general immorality. LSJ documents classical usage regarding prostitution. Vine’s highlights its comprehensive nature in biblical ethics. Strong’s connects it to selling oneself. LEH notes Septuagint usage for unfaithfulness. Moulton and Milligan cite legal documents involving sexual offenses.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 5:32: “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of [πορνεία] fornication, causeth her to commit adultery.”

Additional References:
Acts 15:20
1 Corinthians 5:1
1 Corinthians 6:18
Galatians 5:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πορνεία reminds us of God’s holy standards for sexuality and relationships. While it speaks of sin’s reality, it points to the transforming power of Christ who redeems and purifies His people. The gospel offers forgiveness and new life to those who turn from sexual sin, demonstrating God’s grace and the beauty of His design for human sexuality.

D – Did You Know?

1. The English word “pornography” derives from this Greek term.
2. Early church councils used this term in formulating sexual ethics.
3. The word appears in some of the earliest Christian baptismal renunciations.

Strong’s G4202: A noun denoting sexual immorality or illicit sexual activity. Used broadly in the New Testament to describe any sexual activity outside God’s design for marriage. Significant in early Christian teaching about sexual ethics and moral purity in contrast to prevalent Greco-Roman practices.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sexual immorality, marriage, ethics, moral purity, Jesus’ teaching, Paul’s epistles, church discipline, holiness, redemption, transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​