Topical Encyclopedia
Unchastity, often referred to as sexual immorality in biblical texts, is a term that encompasses a range of behaviors considered sinful and contrary to the teachings of Scripture. It is a violation of the divine order for human sexuality, which is intended to be expressed within the confines of marriage between one man and one woman. The Bible consistently warns against unchastity, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness in the lives of believers.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, unchastity is frequently addressed in the context of the Mosaic Law.
Leviticus 18 provides a comprehensive list of prohibited sexual relations, underscoring the sanctity of the marital relationship. The Israelites were commanded to avoid the practices of the surrounding nations, which often included various forms of sexual immorality.
Leviticus 18:20 states, "You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her."
The account of Joseph and Potiphar's wife in
Genesis 39 serves as a powerful example of resisting unchastity. Joseph's refusal to engage in adultery, despite persistent temptation, highlights the virtue of maintaining sexual purity. His response, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (
Genesis 39:9), reflects the understanding that unchastity is ultimately a sin against God.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of sexual purity. Jesus Himself addresses the issue in the Sermon on the Mount, expanding the understanding of adultery to include even lustful thoughts. In
Matthew 5:28, He teaches, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses unchastity in his epistles, urging believers to flee from sexual immorality. In
1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul writes, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."
Paul's letters to the Thessalonians and Ephesians also contain exhortations to live in holiness and honor, avoiding the impurity that characterized the Gentile world. In
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, he instructs, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."
Consequences and RedemptionThe Bible warns of the spiritual and physical consequences of unchastity.
Proverbs 6:32-33 cautions, "He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away." The destructive nature of sexual sin is evident in the lives of biblical figures such as David, whose adultery with Bathsheba led to personal and familial turmoil (2 Samuel 11-12).
Despite the gravity of unchastity, Scripture also offers hope for redemption and forgiveness. The account of the woman caught in adultery in
John 8:1-11 illustrates Jesus' mercy and call to repentance. After dispersing her accusers, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (
John 8:11). This encounter underscores the possibility of a transformed life through Christ's grace.
ConclusionUnchastity is a significant concern in biblical teaching, reflecting the broader call to holiness and purity. Believers are encouraged to honor God with their bodies, recognizing the sacredness of the marital covenant and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the Gospel, individuals can find forgiveness and strength to live in accordance with God's design for human sexuality.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The quality or state of being unchaste; lewdness; incontinence.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
UNCHASTITYun-chas'-ti-ti.
SeeCRIMES;PUNISHMENTS.
Greek
4202. porneia -- fornication... from porneuo Definition fornication NASB Word Usage fornication (4), fornications
(2), immoralities (1), immorality (16), sexual immorality (1),
unchastity (1
...Library
Praise ofUnchastity.
... Homily V. Chapter XVI."Praise ofUnchastity. "Thus have I in part set
before you the amours of all the more noted gods, beloved...
Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... We see that the world is full of shameful works ofunchastity, indecent words, tales
and ditties, temptation to which is daily increased through gluttony and...
Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... Therefore adultery was the most common form ofunchastity among them. But
because among us there is such a shameful mess and the...
Second Sunday in Lent
... 3. In our present lesson he treats chiefly of two vices:unchastity, which is a
sin against oneself and destructive of the fruits of faith; and fraud in...
The Charge of Infanticide Retorted on the Heathen.
... If in the one case there isunchastity, and in ours cruelty, we are still on the
same footing (if I may so far admit our guilt [694] ) in nature, where cruelty...
On a Holy Martyr's Day
... Day. Of three roots of spiritual temptation by which holy men are secretly
assailed; spiritualunchastity, covetousness and pride....
Sermon on a Martyr's Day
... Of three sorts of spiritual temptation by which holy men are secretly assailed;
to wit: spiritualunchastity, covetousness, and pride....
Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John...
... When a man hath taken a wife, and hath lived with her, and it come to pass that
she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath foundunchastity in her; then...
Third Sunday in Lent
... Christians. While there is a conjugal duty to be required by necessity, it is
for the very purpose of avoidingunchastity and uncleanness....
Of the Discipline and Advantage of Chastity.
... Moreover, as mature, it is both always excellent in men, and to be earnestly desired
by women; so its enemy,unchastity, is always detestable, making an...
Thesaurus
Unchastity (5 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
UNCHASTITY. un-chas'-ti-ti. See CRIMES;
PUNISHMENTS. Multi-Version Concordance
Unchastity (5 Occurrences).
...Adultery (49 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Adulteration; corruption. 3. (n.) Lewdness orunchastity of thought
as well as act, as forbidden by the seventh commandment....
Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... Exodus 22:18 Leviticus 20:27 Deuteronomy 13:5; Deuteronomy 18:20 1 Samuel 28:9);
(5) adultery (Leviticus 20:10 Deuteronomy 22:22); (6)unchastity: (a) before...
Crimes (22 Occurrences)
... 9:21; Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:2, 4). The intensive ekporneuo = "to be utterly
unchaste" is found in Jude 1:7. Every form ofunchastity is included in...
Crime (45 Occurrences)
... 9:21; Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:2, 4). The intensive ekporneuo = "to be utterly
unchaste" is found in Jude 1:7. Every form ofunchastity is included in...
Unchecked (1 Occurrence)
Lewd (37 Occurrences)
... lewd" gives the wrong impression. The idea ofunchastity is not present
in the text or context. (2) Rhadiourgema likewise occurs...
Lewdness (68 Occurrences)
... lewd" gives the wrong impression. The idea ofunchastity is not present
in the text or context. (2) Rhadiourgema likewise occurs...
Incontinency (1 Occurrence)
... in-kon'-ti-nen-si (akrasia, "without control"): In 1 Corinthians 7:5, it evidently
refers to lack of control in a particular matter, and signifiesunchastity....
Resources
What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgUnchastity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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