ἐκπορνεύω (ekporneuō)
ekporneuō
to fornicate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekporneuō describes a state of deep, persistent unfaithfulness, specifically spiritual adultery against God. It is an intensified form of the more common word for sexual immorality, adding the prefix "ek" to suggest going out completely or giving oneself over entirely to the act. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew terms used for idolatry, framing religious betrayal as a marital infidelity.
This single occurrence in Jude (verse 7) applies this heavy term to the angels who abandoned their proper domain. By using this specific word, the text emphasizes that their sin was not merely a momentary lapse but a total abandonment of their created purpose. The imagery connects their physical rebellion directly to the spiritual corruption associated with idolatry.
Translators typically render ekporneuō as "go after strange flesh" or "given themselves over to sexual immorality." The word carries significant theological weight, linking sexual sin with the rejection of divine order. It portrays sin not just as a rule-breaking event, but as a fundamental shift in allegiance away from God toward created things.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekporneuō in Jude points to a profound shift in loyalty. It describes angels who abandoned their God-given role, choosing instead to follow desires that led them away from divine order. This is not just about breaking a rule; it is about turning your heart toward something created rather than the Creator.
When we face temptation, we might feel trapped by our circumstances or past mistakes. Yet this passage reminds us that true freedom comes from staying rooted in God’s design. Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a sobering example of what happens when we chase after 'strange flesh'—desires that promise satisfaction but lead to destruction.
God’s grace is greater than our failures. Even when we stumble, He offers restoration. Let this truth encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Christ, who alone satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. May you find peace in His faithful love and strength to walk in His ways.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having indulged in sexual immorality1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκπορνεύσασαι1×
Key Verses
-
Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having in the same way as these given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are shown as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
This verse uses ekporneuō to describe angels who abandoned their proper domain, linking sexual immorality with spiritual rebellion against God's order.