Brief Overview of ἐκπορνεύω (Strong’s G1608: ekporneúō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in biblical studies as it allows for a deeper grasp of the original texts and their meanings. The word ἐκπορνεύω (ekporneúō) is significant for interpreting key New Testament passages that address moral and spiritual issues, particularly concerning idolatry and sexual immorality. This verb is relevant to understanding the strong warnings and teachings about faithfulness and purity within the early Christian communities. Additionally, it provides insight into ancient Greek culture, where certain behaviors were metaphorically associated with idolatry and unfaithfulness to the divine.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκπορνεύω (ekporneúō) [ek-por-NEU-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ- (ek-), meaning “out of,” and πορνεύω (porneúō), meaning “to commit fornication” or “to engage in prostitution.” The compound form ἐκπορνεύω intensifies the idea, often used metaphorically to indicate spiritual unfaithfulness.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To engage in sexual immorality
• To commit fornication
• To play the harlot

Similar Words:

• πορνεύω (porneúō): This word, closely related to ἐκπορνεύω, means “to commit fornication” but lacks the intensified or metaphorical connotation of unfaithfulness to God that ἐκπορνεύω often carries.
• μοιχάω (moicháō): Meaning “to commit adultery,” this word differs in that it specifically refers to marital unfaithfulness, while ἐκπορνεύω can be used more broadly, including in a spiritual context.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐκπορνεύω is a compound verb, combining the prefix ἐκ- (ek-) with πορνεύω (porneúō). The prefix ἐκ- intensifies the action, suggesting a complete or emphatic involvement in the activity. It is typically found in the present tense, indicating ongoing or habitual action.
• Grammatical Features: The verb is usually used in its active form, highlighting the subject’s active participation in the action. Below is the present tense conjugation in the indicative mood:

Lexicon Insights

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• BDAG: Defines ἐκπορνεύω as “to commit fornication or sexual immorality,” often used in a metaphorical sense to describe spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry.
• Thayers: This lexicon highlights the term’s usage in the context of both physical and spiritual fornication, emphasizing its role in describing acts that lead away from faithfulness to God.
• Vines: Notes the term’s specific use in the New Testament to address both literal sexual immorality and the figurative unfaithfulness associated with idolatry.
• LSJ: Traces the term’s classical roots, where it was used to describe engaging in prostitution, often with a negative moral connotation.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Describes ἐκπορνεύω as “to give oneself over to fornication,” with a focus on the action being deliberate and habitual, particularly in a context of idolatry or spiritual infidelity.

Scripture References

• Jude 1:7 – “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality (ἐκπορνεύω) and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
• Revelation 2:14 – “But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality (ἐκπορνεύω).”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκπορνεύω (G1608: ekporneúō)

The Greek word ἐκπορνεύω (ekporneúō) primarily means “to engage in sexual immorality” or “to commit fornication.” It is often used in the New Testament to describe acts of spiritual and moral unfaithfulness, particularly in the context of idolatry. The word’s intensified form, due to the prefix ἐκ-, emphasizes the seriousness of the act, whether literal or metaphorical. Understanding this term provides crucial insights into biblical warnings against idolatry and moral corruption, as well as the cultural attitudes toward such behavior in ancient Greek society.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the metaphorical use of ἐκπορνεύω to describe spiritual unfaithfulness was not uncommon. This highlights how the Greeks often linked moral and spiritual integrity, seeing actions of unfaithfulness as both personal and communal transgressions against the divine order.