Why Americans Still Say "Fornication": The King James Bible's Legacy
In short
Largely because of the King James Version, published in 1611 under James I and the standard English Bible from the mid-17th to the early 20th century. It renders the Greek porneia as "fornication" 26 times, in lines such as "Flee fornication." Many American churches still read the KJV, keeping the word alive.
What the full article will cover
- What is the King James Version?
- How did the KJV shape American English?
- Why does the KJV use fornication so often?
- Who still reads the KJV in the United States?
- How do modern translations change the vocabulary?
Frequently asked questions
- Why do some churches use only the KJV?
- Is the KJV in the public domain in the US?
- How many times does fornication appear in the KJV?
Sources
- britannica.com — https://www.britannica.com/topic/King-James-Version
- blueletterbible.org — https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4202/kjv/tr/0-1/
- kingjamesbibleonline.org — https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-6-18/
General information, not legal or religious advice.