[B-Greek] Difference between PORNEIA and AKAQARSIA in Gal 5:19

Carl W. Conrad cwconrad at artsci.wustl.edu
Thu May 4 06:38:56 EDT 2006


On May 3, 2006, at 11:33 PM, Robb Wallace wrote:

> Hello,   Gal 5:19  FANERA DE ESTI TA ERGA THS SARKOS, hATINA ESTI  
> (MOICEIA), PORNEIA, AKAQARSIA, ASELGEIA, …
>
>
>
> In the list of the works of the flesh given in Galatians 5:19, what  
> is the difference in meaning between the words fornication  
> (PORNEIA) and uncleanness (AKAQARSIA)? It seems to me that in this  
> context both are referring to sexual sin. My understanding of  
> PORNEIA is that it’s a general word encompassing all sexual sin  
> (adultery, fornication, incest, homosexuality, and bestiality).  
> What then would be specific examples of what Paul had in mind for  
> uncleanness? Could PORNEIA in this context be a reference to any  
> “natural” sexual sin (i.e. heterosexual – adultery, fornication,  
> incest) and AKAQARSIA to any “unnatural” sexual sin (i.e.  
> homosexuality, bestiality)?

I think your sense for PORNEIA is generally on target, but AKAQARSIA  
is defined in BDAG without any specific association with sexuality:  
"1. lit. any substance that is filthy or dirty, refuse; 2. fig. a  
state of moral corruption"


Carl W. Conrad
Department of Classics, Washington University (Retired)
1989 Grindstaff Road/Burnsville, NC 28714/(828) 675-4243
cwconrad2 at mac.com
WWW: http://www.ioa.com/~cwconrad/





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