Bible Dictionary
Fornication
Fornication refers to sexual immorality, which the Mosaic law firmly condemned. Scripture also frequently uses the term figuratively for Israel’s unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and apostasy.
Definition
Fornication denotes sexual immorality. The Mosaic law sternly condemned it in its various forms. In biblical usage, the term also frequently functions as a figurative description of apostasy and unfaithfulness to God.
Biblical Usage
The prophets use fornication symbolically for forsaking God and following idols. Israel’s idolatry is portrayed as spiritual unfaithfulness, while the ordinary sexual meaning is condemned by the Mosaic law.
Historical Background
The supplied material places the ordinary prohibition of fornication within the Mosaic law.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law (Lev. 21:9; 19:29; Deut. 22:20, 21, 23-29; 23:18; Ex. 22:16). (See ADULTERY.) But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer. 3:8, 9).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>for-ni-ka'-shun.</p><p>See CRIMES.</p>