Fornication Scriptures: 30+ Top Bible Verses about Extramarital Sex

Don’t be deceived; Fornication negatively affects your body, soul, and mind.

It takes away your dignity as a person and set you on the path of destruction.

God hates fornication too and has repeatedly said this through his prophets.

Each time you commit sexual immoralities, God is angry and wishes that you repent. However, if you fail to do so, there are numerous repercussions for sinners.

I have had my own experiences myself. I know, for years before I got married, I had sexual encounters with different women.

Then, I thought it was a good thing as I truly enjoyed the whole process of having girls flock around me.

But God spared me.

My late friend, Peter, was not so fortunate. He had several girlfriends at the very young age of 17. For months, he would sneak out to visit prostitutes until he was diagnosed with HIV.

At this point, it was too late. I never had a chance to see him again, as he passed on a few years later.

Let me share with you the words of Paul

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable 

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

This is one bible verse that should inspire you right away. God is a spirit, and if we must serve him, we must worship him in spirit and truth.

Here, Paul is reminding us to be conscious of our bodies. That, at all times, we must run away from all forms of sexual immorality. This involves fornication, adultery, or homosexuality.

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So, what is fornication?

The online English dictionary defines fornication as,

sexual intercourse between people not married to each other

Other similar words that are associated with fornication are extramarital s*x, extramarital relations, adultery, infidelity, unfaithfulness, or having an affair with someone.

Bible verses about fornication in the bible

I have compiled bible verses about fornication that will motivate you to stop living in sin.

Here are my top twenty Bible verses against fornication.

1.  1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – fornication is a sin against the body

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Our bodies, as scripture says, are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). As such, we’re called to honor God with our physical selves. We do this by upholding sexual purity. This isn’t a tedious obligation. It’s an expression of reverence. We’re not just evading sexual immorality. We’re pursuing a deep, fulfilling relationship with God.

When we treat our bodies as sacred, we naturally strive for purity. Consider 2 Timothy 2:22. It advises us to avoid youthful lusts and chase after righteousness. This is a call to action. We’re not just abstaining from sexual immorality. We’re replacing it with pursuits of higher virtue.

The narrative of Samson and Delilah in Judges 16 presents a clear image of the spiritual cost of sexual sin. Despite his physical prowess, Samson’s passion led him astray. This story teaches us an important lesson. No matter how spiritually strong we may be, sexual temptation can be our undoing.

Turn on the news, and you’ll hear stories of prominent figures caught in sexual scandals. Their reputations are shattered, their relationships and careers destroyed. Like Samson, they remind us of the consequences of sexual immorality.

So, here’s my perspective. Our bodies are sacred. Using them with respect and dignity matters. Fleeing sexual immorality isn’t just about following a rule. It’s about respecting God, ourselves, and the divine within us.

As we shun immorality, we should remember we’re running towards something greater – a life echoing God’s love and holiness.

2.  Galatians 5:19-21 – fornication as a work of the flesh

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Sexual immorality— a potent societal concern, is starkly addressed in Galatians 5:19-21. It’s deemed a “work of the flesh,” revealing a direct clash between our baser human desires and our noble spiritual goals.

The story of King David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) underscores this. Even David, a spiritual icon, succumbed to the allure of the flesh. Overcome by lust, he slept with Bathsheba, another man’s wife.

The spiral didn’t end there. He plotted Uriah’s death, entangling himself in a web of sin. The tale is cautionary, reminding us that faith alone doesn’t make us immune to fleshly temptations.

Extramarital affairs in our world today exemplify the devastating fallout of such transgressions. Betrayal and heartache, fragmented families, and emotionally scarred children. These are the real-life effects of such deeds, echoing Galatians 5:21‘s warning of spiritual consequences.

However, Paul’s letter doesn’t end with a stark warning. Instead, it highlights the dichotomy between flesh and Spirit, emphasizing virtues like love, joy, peace, and patience. These attributes offer us a path to live a God-honoring life.

Ephesians 4:19 and 1 Peter 4:3 remind us of the necessity to turn away from lustful desires and seek forgiveness. As challenging as it might seem, I find hope in this call for repentance. It assures us that despite our mistakes, God’s grace is within reach.

However, living by the Spirit is not about flawless rule-following. It’s about ongoing growth and learning to resist temptations. It’s a daily choice, requiring commitment to our spiritual journey. By choosing the Spirit over the flesh, we cultivate a life that truly reflects God’s intention for us.

So, let’s heed the promise in Galatians 5:16. Walking by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. This continuous journey is marked by spiritual growth and a dedication to a path that brings honor to God.

3.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Fornicators will not inherit God’s kingdom

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

¹⁰ Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.¹¹ And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Sexual immorality – a topic that intertwines with the very fabric of our society. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 holds a crucial message for us today.

In the midst of ancient Corinth, a metropolis teeming with vice, a Christian community emerged. The believers there wrestled with their new faith, surrounded by sexual impropriety.

Paul’s stern warning rings out: “Don’t be deceived.” Sexual sin bears serious repercussions, including the potential loss of the kingdom of God (Ephesians 5:5, Revelation 21:8). His words present sexual immorality alongside other severe sins, like idolatry and greed. This is no small matter.

But Paul doesn’t leave us in despair.

Many Corinthians were steeped in these very sins, but they experienced transformation. They were washed, sanctified, and justified through Christ. Their past no longer defined them. “Such were some of you,” Paul writes. They had a new identity in Christ.

Today, this same transformation is possible. The power of Christ can break the chains of sexual sin, bestowing a new identity.

Remember this. As a believer, you’re sanctified – set apart for God. You’re justified – declared righteous in Christ. These truths are powerful, speaking to our value and Christ’s sacrifice.

And it’s not just ancient history. I’ve heard numerous stories of individuals freed from sexual sin through faith. Stories like a woman, trapped in toxic relationships, finding transformation in Christ’s love. Or a man, ensnared by online sexual temptations, experiencing a dramatic turnaround.

In our world, sexual temptations abound. Yet, these stories remind us that victory is attainable. In Christ, we can overcome and lead a life of purity.

In conclusion, while the severity of sexual immorality should never be downplayed, there is hope in Christ. There is redemption. There is transformation. This truth is our beacon, guiding us towards a life of purity.

4.  1 Corinthians 7:2 – Get married to avoid fornication

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband

Our journey begins with Paul’s plea in 1 Corinthians 7:2. He paints a picture of marriage as a haven against sexual temptation, urging each man and woman to enter this divine covenant. This advice, while ancient, speaks directly to our modern world, ripe with challenges to our purity.

As we traverse back to the time of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24, we witness a model of God’s intent for marriage. Here, love and commitment thrive. There’s no place for extramarital pursuits. This unyielding bond exemplifies God’s design – one man, one woman, intertwined in a life-long commitment.

Fast forward to today. John, a 30-year-old corporate executive, is a modern-day Isaac of sorts. After years of fleeting, casual encounters, John craved something more substantial, more meaningful. He made a conscious decision to break free from the chains of empty, transient relationships.

Today, John enjoys a fulfilling marriage, one that offers stability and satisfaction he never found in casual flings.

Hebrews 13:4 then intersects our path. It reminds us to honor marriage, keeping the bond and the bed unblemished. It’s an echo of 1 Corinthians 7:2, urging us to see marriage as a fortress against temptation.

As we dive deeper, Proverbs 5:18-19 reveals another layer. It sings an ode to marital love and passion. It’s here we discover the right place for our passions. They belong not in the fleeting thrills of infidelity, but in the warm embrace of marital commitment.

Marriage, however, is more than a guard against lust. It’s a dance of mutual respect and obligation. A harmonious waltz where each partner protects the sanctity of their bond, their vows shielding against temptation.

In conclusion, marriage isn’t merely an antidote to sexual temptation. It’s a sacred covenant reflecting Christ’s love for His church. It’s a story of two souls intertwining in a commitment that transcends time. When faced with temptation, remember this divine design.

Remember the tales of Isaac, Rebekah, and John. Embrace the sanctity of marital love, a love meant to guard against the temptations of extramarital desires.

5.  Romans 12:2 – Transform your mind to avoid fornication

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

In today’s world, societal values often conflict with biblical principles. Romans 12:2 is a powerful guide for such times, urging us not to conform but to transform our minds. This counsel is critical in tackling fornication and extramarital sex.

1 Peter 1:14 calls us to resist the allure of societal norms and uphold purity. Just as the young Hebrews—Daniel and his friends—found themselves in the hedonistic court of Babylon, we too encounter societal pressures to conform, to fall into step with a world that casually accepts premarital and extramarital sex.

Despite their youth, Daniel and his friends stood firm, demonstrating a bravery that echoed the strength of their convictions.

Central to our pursuit of purity is mind transformation, as Ephesians 4:23 suggests. Control over physical impulses isn’t the only key; the change begins within. It’s a mental revolution, a conscious decision to uphold God’s design for sex.

In a culture brimming with subtle influences on our view of sex, the truth in Romans 12:2 rings clear: God’s will is good, pleasing, perfect. This design isn’t restrictive; it’s protective, preserving the sanctity of an intimate act.

Living out God’s will in personal relationships can be challenging but rewarding. Let’s take a moment to draw inspiration from our Christian brothers and sisters choosing to embody a counter-cultural stance. Despite societal pressures, they remain resolute in their decision not to engage in premarital or extramarital sex.

This choice isn’t borne out of prudishness or fear. Instead, it is the bold affirmation of a belief—the belief that God’s design for sex is worth honoring, and purity is worth preserving.

In conclusion, standing firm like Daniel, we too can navigate through the world’s diverse perspectives on sexual intimacy. By renewing our minds, we can live out God’s perfect will, shining as beacons of purity in a world needing light.

6.  1 John 2:3-4

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person

Diving into the depths of 1 John 2:3-4, we find a clear connection between obeying God’s commands and truly knowing Him. Like a unique love language, obedience is not a chore but a joyful response to our relationship with God. It’s our tangible way to express love to our Creator.

God’s commandments serve as a spiritual compass. They guide us towards a righteous life, providing clear direction for our actions, including sexual behavior. God calls for purity, reserving sexual intimacy for the commitment of marriage.

An inconsistency emerges when a person claims to know God but disregards His commandments, particularly regarding sexual purity. Imagine a person claiming knowledge of a path but consistently getting lost. Doubts arise, right? The same principle applies here.

Let’s look to the Bible for an illustration. Remember Joseph? When Potipar’s wife attempted to lure him into sexual immorality, Joseph didn’t just refuse her; he fled! Why? He recognized the importance of honoring God’s commands, choosing obedience over momentary pleasure.

Here’s a man who demonstrated his faith by actions, refusing to compromise his obedience even in the face of temptation.

Today, we find echoes of Joseph’s choice. Some couples bravely decide to wait until marriage for sex, rejecting societal norms. They choose to uphold God’s instructions, affirming their commitment to righteousness. Their actions bear testament to their knowledge of God.

In our own journey, we must reflect on whether we are merely hearers or doers of God’s Word (James 1:22). As Luke 6:46 questions, why do we call Him ‘Lord’ without obeying His commands?

When addressing fornication and extramarital sex, let’s remember that God’s commands are not restrictive but life-giving. They offer a roadmap to a fulfilling life, a life that reflects an authentic relationship with God. Understanding this illuminates the core message of 1 John 2:3-4.

7. Jude 1:7-8

In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams, these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.

In today’s world, one ancient tale serves as a stark warning. This story, found in Jude 1:7-8, hails from Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities met a fiery end due to rampant sexual immorality.

Reflecting on Genesis 19, it’s clear these societies defied moral and divine laws. Sexual excess replaced respect for God’s intent for human intimacy. More than indiscretion, this was outright rebellion.

God’s reaction was swift and destructive. Sodom and Gomorrah, once thriving, were reduced to ash. As 2 Peter 2:6 implies, this catastrophic end serves as a chilling example. It’s a call to those flirting with the same moral boundaries.

Such boundaries aren’t arbitrary. They protect what’s sacred about human intimacy. When these limits blur, fallout is inevitable. Broken families, the surge in sexually transmitted diseases – all these signs hint at an underlying crisis.

Just as I see parallels between our world and these ancient cities, I see the need for heeding the lessons they offer. Although divine fire may not descend, consequences of unchecked sexual immorality can be equally devastating.

Jude 1:7-8 thus stands as a reminder. It beckons us to tread carefully, respecting the divine authority we so casually dismiss. It encourages us to honor God’s intent for our bodies and our relationships.

The tales of Sodom and Gomorrah may be millennia old, yet they continue to echo through time. These cities serve as beacons, their past illuminating our present. We must strive to uphold the sanctity of sex and honor God’s design, turning from the path these ancient cities tread.

After all, we are the authors of our own stories. Let’s strive to keep ours from mirroring the tragic narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah.

8.  1 Corinthians 6:13-14

You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴ By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.

Does your body serve a divine purpose? In 1 Corinthians 6:13-14, we find our answer. It resoundingly asserts our bodies are for the Lord, not for sexual immorality.

Consider the Apostle Paul. A symbol of transformation. His life, depicted in Acts 21:13, was a journey from violent persecution to selfless dedication. It offers a roadmap, guiding us from immorality to God’s service.

Today’s society often promotes the fallacy, “all things are lawful.” A dangerous mantra, especially when applied to extramarital sex and fornication. I firmly believe this outlook distorts the scriptural messages like Colossians 2:19 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. These verses propel us towards sexual purity and unity with Christ.

We are members of Christ. An empowering thought, isn’t it? Each of us is not an island but a part of a divine assembly. This understanding reinforces the sanctity of our bodies.

Then, there’s the promise of resurrection. More than a future event, it is a driving force for purity today. The same power that raised Jesus will raise us too. A promise worth striving for, don’t you think?

In summary, our bodies are sacred. Not to be misused, but consecrated for the Lord. Keep this in mind as you navigate life. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Let’s walk this path together. Embracing purity as our lifestyle. Awaiting the day God, by His power, raises us to eternal life.

9.  Revelation 22:15

Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood

Imagine a city of pure gold, adorned with gems. This is the New Jerusalem, as told in Revelation. Yet, in this vision of heaven, some are excluded, notably the sexually immoral.

Why them? Scripture often groups sexual immorality with other grave sins. Take 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, where Paul lists those who won’t inherit God’s kingdom. Sexual immorality is there. Similarly, Ephesians 5:5 confirms that immoral people have no place in God’s kingdom.

Consider the powerful imagery of being “outside”. It symbolizes eternal separation from God. As painful as it sounds, it shows the severity of unrepentant sin’s consequences.

Here’s a case in point: the story of Tamar from Genesis 38. It’s a narrative steeped in sexual immorality, deception, and disgrace. Tamar, desperate and outcast, resorts to disguising herself as a prostitute to lure her father-in-law, Judah.

The repercussions are enormous, not just for Tamar and Judah, but also for their offspring, one of whom is included in the lineage of Christ. Despite the sin present in the story, it also presents an opportunity for repentance and a return from the path of immorality.

Today, many are entangled in sexual sins, heedless of spiritual repercussions. I want to tell them: It’s never too late. Repentance is possible. Purity can be chosen.

Revelation 22:15 carries a potent message. Sexual immorality leads to dire outcomes. But the call to repentance rings louder. The heavenly kingdom is our goal, and grace always exists. Despite our missteps, remember: The road to repentance is a decision away. Choose wisely. The stakes are eternal.

10.  Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.

Deep within every human heart, a battle rages between virtue and vice. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus unveils the heart as the epicenter of all actions, moral and immoral. Our heart is like a fertile garden, where thoughts, like seeds, sprout into deeds that portray the gardener’s intent.

Intriguingly, Mark 7:21-23 echoes this notion. Jesus emphasizes that destructive behaviors, including sexual misconduct, originate from within us. The seeds we sow in our hearts ultimately yield the fruit of our actions.

But what’s the cost of sowing seeds of sexual immorality? The Bible holds the mirror to this, presenting fornication as a defiling act. James 1:14-15 expounds this idea, highlighting desire as the root from which sin sprouts, eventually culminating in spiritual demise.

One thing I appreciate is the compassionate narrative of transformation in Jesus’s teachings. His encounter with the woman at the well in John 4 illustrates this beautifully. This woman, entangled in a web of failed relationships, represented a heart yearning for change.

Instead of condemning her, Jesus offered her transformative grace, signifying the ‘living water’.

This biblical episode echoes in our world today. Many individuals, caught in a cycle of casual sexual encounters, seek fulfillment in the wrong places. But, like the Samaritan woman, they too can find satisfaction through a changed heart.

In conclusion, the battle against sexual immorality begins with transforming our heart – an internal overhaul. We must acknowledge our deepest desires and thoughts. Overcoming such struggles may seem daunting, but remember, we possess the seeds of change.

All we need is to nurture them. Through this transformation, empowered by divine grace, we can bloom into the individuals we are destined to be.

11. Colossians 3:5

12. 1 Corinthians 5:1-3

13. 1 Peter 2:11

14. Hebrews 13:4

15. Romans 6:12-13

16. Ephesians 5:3

17. 2 Timothy 2:22

18. 2 Samuel 11:2-5

19. 2 Corinthians 12:21

20. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9

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Fornication in the Bible: FAQs

What is the punishment for fornication in the Bible?

In the Bible, the penalty for fornication extends beyond this life. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 warns that fornicators won’t inherit God’s kingdom.

Revelation 21:8 adds that their fate is the fiery lake. Not to invoke fear, but to highlight spiritual consequences.

What are some Bible verses about adultery or cheating?

Adultery is heavily condemned in the Bible. Proverbs 6:32 labels the adulterer as senseless, self-destructive. “You shall not commit adultery,” says Exodus 20:14. Even lustful thoughts are seen as adultery by Jesus in Matthew 5:27-28.

Can you provide Bible verses about fornication in the King James Version (KJV)?

Yes, the King James Version discusses fornication. 1 Corinthians 6:18 advises to flee fornication as a sin against one’s body. Ephesians 5:3 prohibits even the mention of fornication among saints.

What does the Bible say about fornication before marriage?

Premarital fornication is discouraged in the Bible. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 urges abstinence from sexual immorality, advocating for self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:2 promotes marriage as a remedy to sexual immorality.

Who committed fornication in the Bible?

Fornication occurs in the Bible. King David, for example, committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were steeped in sexual sin (Genesis 19:5-7).

Are there any Bible verses about fornication and forgiveness?

Repentance brings forgiveness in the Bible, even for fornication. 1 John 1:9 promises divine forgiveness and cleansing for confessed sins. Acts 3:19 calls for repentance for sins to be wiped out.

How can one experience deliverance from fornication and adultery?

Repentance, seeking God’s forgiveness, and acknowledging one’s failings start the journey of deliverance from fornication and adultery. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us that God helps overcome temptation. Turning to God’s word (Romans 12:2) and seeking accountability also aid the process.

Could you mention five benefits of fleeing from fornication?

Fleeing from fornication yields many benefits. These include a clear conscience, evasion of spiritual repercussions, healthier relationships, emotional and mental wellbeing, and exemplifying a life that honors God.

Is it a sin to kiss someone before marriage?

The Bible doesn’t label premarital kissing as a sin. But, if it triggers sexual immorality or lustful passions (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), it’s advisable to abstain.

Is oral sex a sin in Christianity?

The Bible doesn’t directly discuss oral sex. However, it urges believers to avoid sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Hence, any sexual activity outside marriage could be deemed sinful.

Which Bible verse says no sex before marriage?

1 Corinthians 7:2 suggests sexual relations should be confined to marriage. This can be interpreted as a directive against premarital sex.

What does the Bible say about extramarital affairs?

The Bible unequivocally forbids extramarital affairs. Exodus 20:14 expressly says, “You shall not commit adultery.” Proverbs 6:32 warns that the adulterer destroys himself.

What is fornication for married couples?

For married couples, fornication typically refers to adultery – sexual activity outside of their marital covenant.

Is it OK to have sex before marriage?

The Bible counsels against sex before marriage, advocating for its reservation within marital bounds (Hebrews 13:4). This promotes protection from the potential fallout of premarital sexual relationships.

What happens if you have sex before marriage?

Premarital sex can yield several consequences, including guilt, emotional distress, and spiritual implications. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 asserts that such acts are sins against one’s body, a temple of the Holy Spirit.

What to do if you had sex before marriage?

For those who’ve had premarital sex, the Bible encourages repentance. 1 John 1:9 offers divine forgiveness upon confession.

Seek spiritual guidance, foster accountability, and focus on personal development and healing. Choosing to align with God’s instructions is always an option, regardless of the past.

Author: Akatakpo DunnDr. Akatakpo Dunn is a dedicated follower of Christ, an active member and speaker, and an ongoing learner of the Scriptures. Passionate about his faith and serving others, he is committed to sharing his spiritual journey and insights to inspire and uplift fellow believers. He has been active in the church for more than 23 years. Through The Faithful Christian Blog, Dr. Dunn combines his love for God, philanthropy, and Scripture, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to grow in their faith. Follow me: on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Akatakpo Dunn

Dr. Akatakpo Dunn is a dedicated follower of Christ, an active member and speaker, and an ongoing learner of the Scriptures. Passionate about his faith and serving others, he is committed to sharing his spiritual journey and insights to inspire and uplift fellow believers. He has been active in the church for more than 23 years. Through The Faithful Christian Blog, Dr. Dunn combines his love for God, philanthropy, and Scripture, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to grow in their faith. Follow me: on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.