FORNICATION

The Greek term porne is a comprehensive term, covering every form of illicit sexual activity by human beings. Note the following passages that help us understand this word.

Single people who wish to satisfy their sexual appetites may marry. Otherwise, such activity is "fornication" (1 Cor. 7:2). 

When a married person has sexual relations with someone other than a spouse, in addition to committing adultery, they have committed fornication -- the latter term embracing the former (Mt. 5:32; 19:9). Jesus taught that the only valid reason for a divorce and subsequent remarriage is when one marriage partner commits fornication against their innocent victim. 

Homosexual conduct is also fornication, as Jude 7 clearly indicates. 

The rebellious fornicator is subject to church discipline (1 Cor. 5), and those who persist in this sin cannot enter heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Sometimes the term "fornication" is used symbolically to denote apostasy from the faith (Rev. 17:2; 19:2).