FORNICATION.

In every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law (Lev. 21:9; 19:29; Deut. 22:20, 21, 23-29; 23:18; Ex. 22:16). (See ADULTERY.) But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer. 3:8, 9).

FORNICA'TION. This word, as used by the sacred writers, denotes various acts of lewdness and incontinency; and it is also figuratively applied to idolatry, or the mingling of the pure worship of God with the impure rites of heathenism. Matt 5:32, etc.

FORNICA'TION. This word, as used by the sacred writers, denotes various acts of lewdness and incontinency; and it is also figuratively applied to idolatry, or the mingling of the pure worship of God with the impure rites of heathenism. Matt 5:32, etc.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Unlawful sexual intercourse on the part of an unmarried person; the act of such illicit sexual intercourse between a man and a woman as does not by law amount to adultery.

2. Adultery.

3. Incest.

4. Idolatry.