What is Fornication? What is Adultery? What is the difference?

Question

Before answering, if you have a Greek/Hebrew Translator please take a look at it. I've been studying this topic in my Wednesday night Bible class. My definition of Fornication may change after the study. Help me with this study!!!! Thanks!

M: This is part of my research.

Web-tim: My Pal is totally HAPPY!

Answer 1

Adultery is having sex with someone whom is not your spouse.

Fornication is sex between an two people who are not married to each other. This could be two people who are dating each other or whom just met or whom may be married to someone else. It's not exclusive to someone who is married to someone else though.

Definitions don't change. They may be added to as language evolves, but they don't become something different from what they were originally. Buy a dictionary, or check out a free one online.

Good day.

Answer 2

FORNICATION

Illicit sex relations outside of Scriptural marriage. The Hebrew verb za·nah′ and its related forms convey the idea of harlotry, immoral intercourse, fornication, or prostitution. (Ge 38:24; Ex 34:16; Ho 1:2; Le 19:29) The Greek word translated “fornication” is por·nei′a. Regarding the meanings of por·nei′a, B. F. Westcott in his book Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (1906, p. 76) says: “This is a general term for all unlawful intercourse, (I) adultery: Hos. ii. 2, 4 (LXX.); Matt. v. 32; xix. 9; (2) unlawful marriage, I Cor. v. I; (3) fornication, the common sense as here [Eph 5:3].” Bauer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (revised by F. W. Gingrich and F. Danker, 1979, p. 693) defines por·nei′a as “prostitution, unchastity, fornication, of every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse.” Porneia is understood to involve the grossly immoral use of the genital organ(s) of at least one human; also there must have been two or more parties (including another consenting human or a beast), whether of the same sex or the opposite sex. (Jude 7) The unlawful act of a rapist is fornication, but, of course, that does not make the person who is forcibly raped also a fornicator.

ADULTERY

As used in the Bible, adultery generally refers to voluntary sexual intercourse by a married person with one of the opposite sex other than one’s mate, or, during the time that the Mosaic Law was in effect, such intercourse by any man with a married or a betrothed woman. The Hebrew root meaning “commit adultery” is na·’aph′, while its Greek counterpart is moi·kheu′o.—Eze 16:32, ftn; Mt 5:32, ftn.

Certain primitive societies allow free relations within the same tribe, but promiscuity outside tribal bounds is considered adultery. On the history of adultery, Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend (1949, Vol. 1, p. 15) says: “It occurs in all parts of the world and though it is considered reprehensible by many cultures it has enjoyed a considerable popularity in all cultures and at all times.” Monuments attest to its prevalence in ancient Egypt; Potiphar’s wife, who proposed that Joseph have relations with her, was such an Egyptian. (Ge 39:7, 10) Historically as well as at present, adultery is generally forbidden, but penalties are seldom imposed.

Jehovah’s law separated Israel and raised the moral status of marriage and family life to a much higher level than that of the surrounding nations. The seventh commandment of the Decalogue stated in direct, unmistakable language: “You must not commit adultery.” (Ex 20:14; De 5:18; Lu 18:20) Adulterous invasion of another man’s domain was prohibited, as were other forms of sexual misconduct.

Adultery is “actually sin against God.” (Ge 39:9) Jehovah will judge those guilty of adultery, and none who persist in such a course “will inherit God’s kingdom.” (Mal 3:5; 1Co 6:9, 10; Heb 13:4) How true the proverb: “Anyone committing adultery with a woman is in want of heart; he that does it is bringing his own soul to ruin.”—Pr 6:32-35

Answer 3

Unmarried. Married.

There is spiritual fornication and adultery. Studying that would help you to truly know the definition of both in depth.

Answer 4

Fornication is sex out of marriage and adultery is breaking the marriage vows by sleeping with someone other than your spouse or with a married person. That's as far as differences go. Otherwise it's all good!

Answer 5

OK, according to the dictionary Fornication is: 1. voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or to persons not married to each other. 2. Bible: idolatry: 1. the religious worship of idols. 2. excessive or blind adoration, reverence, devotion, etc. Adultery: voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse.

Answer 6

Fornication is two people having sex outside of marriage. Niether are married, no promise has been made.

Adultery, is two people having sex while one or both of them are married to someone else. A promise has been broken.

I think defining "marriage" is the determining factor.
Marriage in the sence of making a promise or commitment of monogamy to someone.
I don't think Swingers would call what they do Adultery.

Answer 7

Adultery --voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and a woman WHO is not his wife or between a married woman and a man who is not her husband -courtesy Webster's New World Dictionary
Fornication-- any unlawful sexual intercourse including adultery- same source

Answer 8

Fornication is just sex.
Adultery is sex outside of marriage.

Answer 9

Fornication = sex outside of marriage

Adultery = sex with someone other than your spouse

Answer 10

IMO......
Fornication is the sexual act before marriage.
Adultery is the sexual act one has outside of the marriage.