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NASB | Matthew 5:28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:28 but I say to you that everyone who [so much as] looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
Bible Question: I have a friend who is a Christian, but doesn't believe in the "fornication" part of the Bible. He believes that this word was not translated correctly somehow. He said that translators found it unfair that an unmarried person could have sex with many, while a married person couldn't. I know this sounds ridiculous, and I think he's using it as justification for his actions. He is open to argue it, though. Where should I start? Thanks for any help. |
Bible Answer: Hello libraudr, Welcome to the Forum. I think you're most likely right that your friend is merely trying to justify his actions. I'd avoid "arguing" the point as no one wins an argument. Here's what I'd suggest: 1. Why does your friend believe this? Does he have any valid reason(s) by which he can support his belief? Has he extensively studied the etymology of the word and possess knowledge of the original languages? 2. What do the experts say? Greek NT Scholars like Weust, Robertson, Vincent, etc. Does his "belief" line up with their conclusions? Let's briefly examine some passages- Matt. 5:28- In context, this passage is dealing with adultery. The word translated adultery is 'moicheuo' and is used 14 times in the NT. Of the 14 occurrences in the AV, 13 are translated "commit adultery", once "adultery. It's bacis meaning is "to commit adultery" or "to be an adulterer". 1 Cor. 6:9- The word here translated adulterers is 'pornos' (Gr.) which is used 10 times in the NT. 5 times translated as "fornicator", 5 times as "whoremonger". It's meaning is that of "a man who prostitues his body to another's lust for hire; unlawful sexual intercourse". Deut. 5:18- The word translated adultery is 'na'aph (Heb.). It's used 31 times in the OT, with the AV translating as 'adultery' 17 times, 'adulterer' 8 times, 'adulteress' 4 times, 'adulterous' once and "women that break wedlockâ once. Meaning: to commit adultery, usually of man, always with wife of another. Deut. 5:18 (LXX)-Interestingly, in the Septuagint, translators chose the same Greek word as in Matt. 5:28- moicheuo! Personally, I don't think your friend has much- if any- of a leg to stand on with this! Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |