Fornication in every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law (Leviticus 21:9; Leviticus 1:19; Deuteronomy 22:20, Deuteronomy 1:22, Deuteronomy 1:22; Deuteronomy 1:23; Exodus 22:16). (See ADULTERY)
But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isaiah 1:2; Jeremiah 2:20; Ezekiel 1:16; Hosea 1:2; Hosea 1:2; Jeremiah 3:8, Jeremiah 1:3).