The term *porneia* (G4202), often translated as 'fornication' in English, is central to the discussion of divorce and remarriage. Jesus used this term when He stated that fornication is an exception allowing for divorce, indicating a broader scope than might initially appear. In Greek, *porneia* encompasses all sexual sins, particularly those deemed more perverted and socially dangerous, unlike the more specific term *moicheuo*, which aligns with the English 'adultery.' This general term includes a range of illicit sexual behaviors such as incest, pederasty, pedophilia, homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality, as the Greek language lacked specific words for each of these sins. English readers must rely on context to determine the specific sin being described when *porneia* is used. When Jesus made the exception for fornication, He may have been suggesting a greater liberality than surface readings imply. This could extend beyond premarital sex or fraud before marriage to include various forms of perverted sexual behavior, potentially even adultery, as indicated in Revelation 2 where adultery falls under *porneia*. The consistent use of *porneia* in the Bible, far more frequently than *moicheuo*, underscores its broad application to sexual perversions. Furthermore, in a spiritual sense, as seen in Ezekiel 16, fornication can represent idolatry and a multitude of sins under the heading of harlotry, reflecting a hardness of heart that can destroy a marriage by making it untenable and contrary to God's purpose.

Marriage, as a divine institution created by God, holds a sacredness that no human-devised structure can match. In Matthew 5:27-32, Jesus Christ teaches that marriage is permanent, with ties so binding that they can be broken only by death or grave offenses, which He encapsulates in the term *porneia* (G4202), translated as sexual immorality. This term includes physical infidelity, moral abandonment, or sustained abuse by either spouse, underscoring the severity of violations against the marriage covenant. Christ's response to the Pharisees on this matter affirms the enduring standard set from creation, emphasizing that any deviation from this divine bond is a rebellion against God's design.

In I Corinthians 6:18, Paul commands to flee fornication, using the Greek word *porneia* (G4202), which encompasses sexual immorality of any kind. He emphasizes that committing such sins is an offense against one's own body, carrying both spiritual and physical consequences. The warning extends to the dangers of engaging with a harlot, highlighting the risk to physical and mental health alongside spiritual harm. This teaching underscores the importance of honoring the body as the temple of God's Spirit, a sacred trust given to each individual.