Greek · G4203 · unreviewed

πορνεύω

To sin sexually

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

πορνεύω G4203

Pronunciation porneúō

What does πορνεύω (porneúō) mean in the Bible?

πορνεύω (porneúō) is a Greek word meaning "to sin sexually". πορνεύω [in LXX for זָנָה ;] __1.

Full entry for πορνεύω (G4203) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

to sin sexually

Extended definition

Sexual immorality or idolatry; literal fornication or metaphorical unfaithfulness to God in worship.

1to prostitute the body for hire.

2to commit fornication: Mrk.10:19 (WH, mg), 1Co.6:18 10:8, Rev.2:14, 20. Metaphorical (as in LXX: 1Ch.5:25, Jer.3:6, Hos.9:1, al.), of idolatry (but see Swete, Ap., 180 f.), Rev.17:2 18:3, 9 (cf. ἐκ- πορνεύω).

Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith

Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses

Aorist Present

Voices

Active

Indicative states a fact or reality 3×

Aorist Active 1 Cor 10:8 · Rev 17:2 · Rev 18:3 3×

Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 2×

Aorist Active Rev 2:14 · Rev 2:20 2×

Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 2×

Present Active 1 Cor 6:18 1×

Aorist Active Rev 18:9 1×

Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 1×

Present Active 1 Cor 10:8 1×

Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 7 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect

completed 3 subjunctive 1 infinitive 2 participle 1

Tense

aorist 5 present 2

Voice

active 7

Mood

indicative 3 infinitive 2 participle 1 subjunctive 1

NT Occurrences

1 Corinthians 6:18 πορνεύων present active participle participle 1 Corinthians 10:8 πορνεύωμεν present active subjunctive subjunctive 1 Corinthians 10:8 ἐπόρνευσαν aorist active indicative completed Revelation 2:14 πορνεῦσαι aorist active infinitive infinitive Revelation 2:20 πορνεῦσαι aorist active infinitive infinitive Revelation 17:2 ἐπόρνευσαν aorist active indicative completed Revelation 18:3 ἐπόρνευσαν aorist active indicative completed

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

1 Corinthians 10 — Learn from Israel, Flee Idolatry, and Seek the Good of Others for God’s Glory

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources

MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain

Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0

Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0

STEPBible Data — CC BY 4.0

Full license details