30 Important Bible Verses About Sexual Immorality

In this article, we will be sharing with you some powerful bible verses about sexual immorality, sexual immorality in the church, what the Bible says about sexual purity, sexual immorality in marriage, and why is sexual immorality a sin.

What does the Bible mean when it talks about sexual immorality? What is sexual immorality in the Bible? How is sexual immorality different from other sins?

When we talk about sexual immorality, God declared that a sexual relationship is strictly between a man and a woman in marriage (Ephesians 5:31). Sexual relationship outside marriage is forbidden as this was designed by God for pleasure in marriage.

Maintaining sexual purity is what every child of God should be craving for and it's possible to stay sexually pure before marriage. You can be in a relationship while being sexually pure between both partners.

You need to fill your heart and mind with the word of God and seek help from the Holy Spirit to guide your heart. It's also important to note here that you must have a relationship with someone who is also Godly inclined so you don't fall into the devil's trap.

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Meaning Of Sexual Immorality In the Bible

Sexual immorality in our society has caused a lot of issues, such as unwanted pregnancies outside of marriage, sexually transmitted diseases that can affect one's health or life expectancy, and infidelity (which can lead to divorce).

From television to music, to the internet, our youth are exposed to all forms of sexual activities every single day. Because of this exposure, many of them are tempted to engage in sexual activity at a younger age. But God has provided us with specific guidelines as to what is right and wrong sexually and how we can control our hearts from falling astray.

The Bible defines sexual immorality as any type of sexual relationship that falls outside the boundaries set out by God for His people.

In the Bible, sexual immorality is a term with many different meanings. For example, it can refer to any kind of sexual contact outside marriage or it can refer to intercourse between unmarried people. Sexual immorality can also refer to adultery, or to having sex with someone other than your spouse.

The act of sexual immorality in the Bible is often translated into porneia: the Greek word indicating prostitute whoredom. Notice this word does not directly translate to adultery. Any sexual action which goes contrary to biblical standards will be seen as immoral.

In general, the Bible is very clear that sex outside of marriage will lead people away from God and has harmful consequences for them and their relationships.

Bible Verses On Sex Before Marriage

God created sex to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage. Some people may try to tell you that sex outside of marriage is harmless fun, but the truth is that it can be physically and emotionally devastating. Abstinence from sex before marriage provides a safe way to enjoy this gift, and it's beautiful! God wants the best for you!

Paul's letter to the Thessalonian urges us to abstain from sexual activities outside of marriage.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 NIV

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[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;

1 Corinthians 7:34

There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband

Ephesians 5:3

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

1 Corinthians 7:8-9

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn

Deuteronomy 22:28-29

If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they are found; Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days

Let's also remember this verse from 1 Corinthians 7:4 "The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife."

Bible Verses About Sexual Immorality KJV

Luke 18:20

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness

Leviticus 20:13 (NLT)

If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense.

Matthew 5:32

Anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

Jude 1:7

Similarly, 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.

1 Corinthians 6:13

Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

Leviticus 18:22 (NLT)

Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.

1 Corinthians 10:8

We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did–and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.

Matthew 5:28

But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

1 Corinthians 6:15

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!

1 Corinthians 7:5

So do not deprive each other of sexual relations. The only exception to this rule would be the agreement of both husband and wife to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time, so they can give themselves more completely to prayer.

1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV

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

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

2 Timothy 2:22

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 6:13

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Ephesians 5:5

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Colossians 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

1 Corinthians 6:16-17

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Mark 7:20-23

And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Corinthians 7:2

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

1 Corinthians 6:15

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot? God forbid.

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Leviticus 18:22

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination.

Bible Verses About Sexually Immoral NIV

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men

1 Corinthians 5:9-10

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case, you would have to leave this world.

1 Corinthians 5:11

But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

Hebrews 12:16

See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

Sodom and Gomorrah are two biblical cities that are known for their sinful nature. They are usually used as an example of what happens when one sins.

God destroyed the two cities due to their adulterous, sexual immoral acts which were detestable before God. The family of Lot (Abraham's nephew) was the only one to be saved from this destruction because of Abraham's plea. However, Lot's wife disobeyed the command the angel gave to them by turning to look at the burning cities, and immediately she turned into a pillar of salt.

The entire encounter of what led to the destruction of these two cities can be found in Genesis 19:1-11.

Flee from Sexual Immorality

It's important to understand that sexual immorality is a sin. It's something that God hates and will judge us for if we don't repent.

The Bible commands us to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). This means we are to avoid anything that could lead us into temptation. We are to stay away from places, people, and things that would cause us to sin.

When it comes to sexual immorality, we are to take extra precautions. This is because our sexuality is a very powerful aspect of who we are. It's something that can easily get out of control if we're not careful.

There are many dangers of sexual immorality. It can lead to physical diseases, emotional pain, and spiritual death. It can also cause us to miss out on the blessings God has for us.

When we flee from sexual immorality, we are choosing to live a life that is pleasing to God. We are also setting ourselves up for success in other areas of our lives. When we are living in obedience to God, He blesses us in ways we can't even imagine.

If you are struggling with sexual immorality, know that you are not alone. Many people have been where you are and have come out victorious. With God's help, you can overcome this temptation and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

How to overcome Sexual Immorality

1) Spend time in prayer with God
2) Guard your heart with the word of God
3) When sexual thoughts come into your mind, flee from them either by taking a walk and meditating on God's word or playing gospel music and singing with your heart.
4) Stay away from pornography or movies filled with sex scenes
5) If you are not married and can't hold yourself, then go to God in prayer for a partner.
6) Learn to develop self-control
7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So ask God for a spirit that will enable you to fear Him.

Difference between fornication and adultery?

Bible studies have shown fornication or adulterous behavior is immoral. Fornication means consensual sexual relationships between individuals that aren't tied together. Adultery however occurs when a couple has an agreement to marry.

In the same manner, marriage forms an important foundation for society as it provides for spiritual growth for children. Adultery destroys parent-child relationships and complicates the relationship in families. Although the two are possible secretly, God's eyes are everywhere. He knows every violation, no matter how quietly they are.

List of Sexual Immorality in the Bible with Verses

1) Pagan sexual activity - Exodus 32; Isaiah 57:7-8; Hosea 4:12-14; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5
2) Fornication - Genesis 38:24; Leviticus 21:9; Deuteronomy 22:21; 1 Corinthians 6:18, 7:2; Hebrew 13:4
3) Polygamy - Genesis 2:1-8; Matthew 19:4-6; Genesis 4:19-24; 1 Kings 11:1-9; 1 Timothy 3:2,12
4) Best iality - Exodus 22:19; Leviticus 20:15-16; Deuteronomy 27:21
5) Rape - Genesis 34:1-31; Judges 19:1-30, 2 Samuel 13:11-14
6) Homosexuality - Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9
7) Adultery - Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; Proverbs 6:32; Matthew 5:27-32, 15:19; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
8) Incest - Leviticus 18, 20, 27
9) Prostitution - Leviticus 19:29, 21:9; 1 Corinthians 6:16

Examples of Sexual Immorality:

1. Adultery - A married person engaging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse.
2. Fornication - Sexual intercourse between two unmarried people.
3. Homosexuality - Engaging in sexual relations with someone of the same gender.
4. Best iality - Sexual relations between a human and an animal.
5. Incest - Sexual relations between family members who are too closely related to marry.
6. Prostitution - The act of engaging in sexual relations in exchange for money.
7. Rape - Sexual intercourse that is forced upon someone against their will.
8. Porno graphy - The viewing of sexually explicit material, often for the purpose of sexual arousal.
9. Sodomy - Oral sex between two people.
10. Pedophilia - Sexual attraction to children.

What is considered sexually immoral?

Different people have different opinions on what is considered sexually immoral. In general, anything that goes against the teachings of the Bible would be considered sexually immoral. This can include premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, and pornography.

Additionally, any type of sexual activity that is outside of marriage would be considered immoral. This includes things like masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex.

What are the consequences of sexual immorality?

The consequences of sexual immorality can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. Some of the physical consequences include STDs, unwanted pregnancies, and abortion. Emotional consequences can include guilt, shame, and anxiety. Spiritual consequences can include a loss of intimacy with God, a feeling of separation from God, and spiritual death.

Additionally, sexual immorality can lead to other types of sin, such as lying and stealing. It can also cause problems in relationships, both romantic and platonic.

Can you be forgiven for being sexually immoral?

Yes, you can be forgiven for being sexually immoral. However, forgiveness is not automatic. You must ask God for forgiveness and then turn away from your sin.

Additionally, there may be natural consequences for your actions that you will have to deal with even after you are forgiven. For example, if you contract an STD, you will still need to receive medical treatment.

If you have an unwanted pregnancy, you may have to make the difficult decision of whether or not to keep the child. However, no matter what the consequences are, God will forgive you if you ask Him.

What does the Bible say about sexual desires?

The Bible says that sexual desires are natural and normal. However, it also says that we should not act on our sexual desires outside of marriage. This means that premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, and pornography are all against the teachings of the Bible.

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Bible Verses About Sexual Immorality
Bible Verses About Sexual purity

We hope you have been blessed by this topic on bible verses about sexual immorality, bible scriptures on sexuality immorality, scriptures on sexual sin, what does bible say about fornication?

Although the temptation to stray from the straight and narrow way may arise, God is aware of your intentions and desires. He will help you to remain pure no matter what obstacles or scenarios life throws at you.

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