It is what you think it is. But it is not only that.
In the New Testament, the Greek word πορνεία (
porneia) is commonly translated as “sexual immorality.” This term appears frequently in I Corinthians, and it becomes a central point in Paul’s teaching to his Gentile churches. Unfortunately, due to the influence of Puritanism and because of the different ways this word is rendered in English - fornication, licentiousness, lewdness - our understanding of
porneia is usually restricted to matters of sexual behavior. We then conclude that the Corinthians in the first century must have been sexually depraved; or that Paul was so concerned with moral behavior that he considered it a key element in his presentation of the gospel. We should remember however that in his letters, Paul rarely if ever imports words or ideas that are outside of the Biblical story. His primary and most important reference in everything is Scripture. We should understand his use of
porneia Scripturally, that is to say, according to the way it is used in the Prophetic literature. And in the prophets, specifically in Hosea and Ezekiel, “porneia” or “harlotry” is the classic Scriptural metaphor for turning away from God; thus it is the prototype of any and all kinds of
sin, including but not limited to sexual ones.
In Scripture, God’s will is expressed in his commandments, the first of which is to love him by keeping his laws and statutes, and to demonstrate that love by caring for any and all needy brethren. That is why, in the letters of Paul, when he addresses any problem or issue, his ultimate reference is the way we treat others. It is never simply the issue itself - marriage vs celibacy, fasting vs eating, praying with head coverings vs with no covering; but it is always a matter of behaving in a way that is pleasing to the
Kyrios to whom we are enslaved, that is Jesus Christ.
Join me in a discussion of 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
Notes:
See also Hosea 2
See also Ezekiel 16, 23
Photo by ArtHouse Studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-man-with-tattoo-on-arm-reading-old-book-4530615/
Original music composed and performed by Raphael Shaheen.