Why Modern Bibles Say "Sexual Immorality" Instead of Fornication
In short
Both render the Greek porneia, which the King James Version translates as "fornication" 26 times. Lexicons define porneia broadly as illicit sexual intercourse, including adultery and incest, and figuratively idolatry. Translations such as the NIV prefer "sexual immorality" to capture that range, as in "flee from sexual immorality" at 1 Corinthians 6:18.
What the full article will cover
- What does the Greek word porneia mean?
- How did the King James translators render it?
- Why do the NIV and ESV say sexual immorality?
- Does the change alter the meaning of the verses?
- Which verses are most affected?
Frequently asked questions
- Is fornication in the NIV at all?
- What is the difference between porneia and moicheia?
- Which translation is most literal?
Sources
- blueletterbible.org — https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4202/kjv/tr/0-1/
- kingjamesbibleonline.org — https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-6-18/
- biblegateway.com — https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A18&version=NIV
- britannica.com — https://www.britannica.com/topic/King-James-Version
General information, not legal or religious advice.