THE TRUE MEANING OF "FORNICATION"
"The Universal English Dictionary" gives the origin of the word "fornication" as "ecclesiastical Latin", and says it means "sexual intercourse between unmarried persons; or between a married and an unmarried person". That the King James translators understood it in this way is evident from its usage in the passages which fit into this category. As the case of a "betrothed husband" putting away his "betrothed wife" is an exception, it must be the exception to which Jesus is referringIn the Scriptures a man was regarded as already a husband, even though he was only betrothed to his future partner. Likewise, a woman was regarded as already a wife, even though she was only betrothed. If a betrothed husband broke off his betrothal it was referred to as "putting away". Therefore, the only man who could "put away" his wife, and marry another, without committing adultery, was a betrothed husband, whose wife was "betrothed" to him, but not yet "glued together" in marriage. Jesus says there is only one exception! As the case of a "betrothed husband" putting away his "betrothed wife" is an exception, it must be the exception to which Jesus is referring. Otherwise, there would be more than one exception!
It is significant that we have just such a case in Scripture to illustrate our point. When Joseph discovered that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was with child, she was betrothed to him, but not yet married. Yet they are spoken of as husband and wife! Furthermore we are told that he was considering "putting her away"! Thus we see that the exceptive clause, the only reason for which a man could put away his wife, did not part those who have been "glued together" in marriage"Then Joseph, her husband.....was minded to put her away privily......Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Matt 1:19 & 20). When the Pharisees wished to belittle Jesus, believing that he was born as a result of premarital unchastity on Mary's part, they said, "We be not born of fornication (porneia)" (John 8:41). The Jews were clearly using the word "porneia" to describe premarital unchastity! The example of Mary and Joseph shows that a man could "put away" his "wife" during betrothal and before they were married. Thus we see that the exceptive clause, the only reason for which a man could put away his wife, did not part those who have been "glued together" in marriage. This is why Jesus was so emphatic that, once married, a man and woman have been "glued together", and are "never again two".