I know this sounds crazy, but I have talked to pastors and many Christians about fornication in the Bible, and nobody has been able to give solid Bible verses to prove otherwise. Some claim that sex outside of marriage is a sin, but the word “fornication” in the Bible never means sex outside of marriage, according to this study.
If nobody can covet before marriage, then all Christians are guilty, as they all coveted before getting married. Is sex outside of marriage a sin in the Bible (KJV)?
Why Sex Outside Marriage Is Not a Sin (Study Outline)
- Fornication in the Bible — Covet
- Fornication in the Bible — Pornea
- Fornication in the Bible — Old and New Testament
- Fornication in the Bible — Bible Verses
- Fornication in the Bible — Before and After the Cross of Jesus
1. Fornication in the Bible — Covet
It says in Matthew chapter 5 that:
“Whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed fornication in his heart.”
If we take this verse in context, it appears that Jesus is talking about married people, as He says: “You have heard, you shall not commit adultery.” Thus, this does not refer to single people.
Is sex outside of marriage a sin in the Bible (KJV)? Have you ever lusted over someone before getting married? Yes. Have you decided in your heart before marriage, “Yes, I want him” or “Yes, I want her”? Yes.
Thus, if this interpretation is correct, it would mean:
- Jesus wilfully causes every Christian to sin
- All Christians who are married are guilty of coveting someone before marriage
Fornication is described as a sin against the body. However, this study argues that fornication never means sex outside marriage.
The word “covet” can be used in a good or bad sense. Coveting someone’s wife, goods, animals, or possessions is a sin.
But the Bible also shows positive coveting:
- To desire the office of a bishop
- Angels desire to look into the things of the cross
Can we covet something that does not belong to someone? No.
If you take an apple from a tree in someone’s garden, you have coveted. If you take an apple from a wild tree that belongs to nobody, you have not covet.
A person can only covet sexually when it involves something that belongs to another person. The argument is that the evil in adultery is not the sexual act itself, but coveting what belongs to someone else.
2. Fornication in the Bible — Pornea
“Pornea” is the Greek word translated as fornication in the Bible.
This study claims that “pornea” never means sex outside of marriage. The Bible was translated into English in 1611, and the meaning used then should be considered.
According to this view, pornea includes:
- Spiritual adultery
- Idolatry
- Sexual sins found in Leviticus chapters 15–18
These chapters include homosexuality, bestiality, incest, and other sexual sins.
For example, it says, “You shall not take a woman and her sister.” The question is raised: if all sex outside marriage were forbidden, why would this specific instruction be needed?
Thus, this study argues that fornication is not simply sex outside marriage, but refers to specific sinful practices.
It also argues that natural desires such as sex are God-given needs, and therefore not sinful in themselves.
Natural needs include:
- eating
- drinking
- reproduction
This is contrasted with unnatural acts such as stealing, lying, and killing.
3. Fornication in the Bible — Old and New Testament
Paul says in the New Testament, “It is better to marry than to burn.” This is interpreted as referring to strong sexual desire.
If fornication outside marriage were always a sin, it is argued that Paul would have strictly commanded marriage in all cases.
“Burning” is understood as:
- strong sexual desire
- inability to restrain desire
- desire for sexual activity
This study argues that fornication in the Bible is always linked to sexual sins listed in Leviticus 15–18, not general sex outside marriage.
It also raises the question: did moral standards change five minutes before and after the cross? It argues that God does not change His judgment.
Examples are given such as Solomon having many wives and concubines, and other Old Testament figures.
The argument concludes that God does not judge people differently between Old and New Testament eras.
4. Fornication in the Bible — Bible Verses
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7 that it is good for a man not to touch a woman. This is linked to times of persecution in Corinth.
Later, Paul speaks of rights to lead a sister in ministry journeys (1 Corinthians 9), which is used in this study to argue different interpretations of “carnal” matters.
The word “carnal” is interpreted here as relating to physical or bodily matters.
This section argues that fornication has been misunderstood and misinterpreted as sexual immorality outside marriage, while originally referring to other practices.
It also mentions Corinthian society practices involving temple prostitution and idol worship, suggesting that fornication was linked to idolatry and pagan rituals.
5. Fornication in the Bible — Before and After the Cross of Jesus
Before the cross, many Old Testament figures had multiple wives, including Abraham, David, Solomon, Jacob, and others.
These individuals are described in Hebrews 11 as heroes of faith.
This raises the question: how can they be considered faithful if their practices were later judged differently?
It is argued that God does not change His moral standards and does not show partiality.
This study concludes that fornication is not simply sex outside marriage, but refers to specific sinful practices such as idolatry, temple rituals, and pagan sexual practices.
Natural sexual desire is described as part of human nature and not itself a sin.
Final Appeal
If you have seen value in this post, and it has given you freedom, why not subscribe and follow for more studies?
Jesus loves you.
Repeat this prayer:
Father God, forgive my sins. Help me to walk with You and guide me to truth. Take me to heaven in the name of Jesus, amen.
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