In the Scriptures, sexual morality is addressed with clarity and gravity. While the term “adultery” specifically refers to marital infidelity, where one spouse is sexually unfaithful to the other, the Bible broadens the conversation about sexual purity to include behaviors outside of the confines of marriage as well.

In the book of Hebrews, it is written, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4, ESV). This passage underscores the sanctity of the marriage relationship and includes both adultery (within marriage) and sexual immorality (a broader term that can include premarital sex) under behaviors subject to judgment.

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 exhorts, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” This passage speaks to the importance of honoring God with our bodies, which includes abstaining from sexual relationships outside of the marriage covenant.

Thus, while the Bible uses specific terms for different types of sexual sins, it is clear in teaching that sexual relations are to be reserved for the marriage relationship between a husband and wife. Premarital sex, therefore, falls outside of this divine design and is considered sinful.