The Bible contains several passages addressing same-sex relations, including Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 in the Old Covenant, and Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9 in the New Testament. These texts historically condemn same-sex acts, though scholars debate their meaning within ancient cultural contexts focused on purity laws and exploitative practices rather than modern concepts of sexual orientation. Jesus reaffirmed male-female marriage in Matthew 19:4-6, yet interpretations vary widely across denominations. Understanding the historical background and original languages provides important context for contemporary theological discussions.
Key Takeaways
- The Bible contains several passages addressing same-sex acts, including Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9.
- Old Testament prohibitions in Leviticus focused on purity laws and specific acts, not sexual orientation as understood today.
- Jesus reaffirmed Genesis 2:24, defining marriage as a one-flesh union between a man and woman in Matthew 19:4-6.
- Biblical texts addressed ancient contexts like pederasty and temple prostitution, differing from modern committed same-sex relationships.
- Scholars debate whether prohibitions apply today, considering historical context versus traditional interpretations of scriptural authority.
Biblical Passages on Same-Sex Relations: Old and New Testament Perspectives
The biblical texts addressing same-sex relations appear primarily in scattered passages across both scriptures, with interpretations that have shaped religious discourse for centuries. Manuscript finds such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm long-term preservation of Old Testament texts.
In the Old Testament, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 explicitly prohibit male homosexual intercourse, calling it an abomination. Deuteronomy 23:18 forbids male prostitutes’ earnings in the Lord’s house.
The Genesis 19 account of Sodom has traditionally been linked to condemnation of homosexual behavior, though some scholars view it as condemning violence and hospitality violations. Jewish prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel attributed Sodom’s destruction to pride and social injustice rather than solely sexual acts.
The New Testament continues this thread. Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex acts as contrary to natural relations, while 1 Corinthians 6:9 lists men who have sex with men among those who will not inherit God’s kingdom. The Greek translation in 1 Corinthians 6:9 uses terms that specify passive and active participants in such acts.
These passages reference both testaments’ foundation in Genesis 2:24‘s male-female union.
Understanding Context: Historical Interpretation and Modern Application
Understanding how biblical texts on same-sex relations have been interpreted across centuries requires examining the wide gap between ancient contexts and contemporary frameworks. Bethlehem, meaning house of bread, holds deep symbolic resonance in Christian tradition. Biblical prohibitions in Leviticus targeted specific acts within purity codes distinguishing Israelites from Canaanite practices, not sexual orientation as understood today.
The association of Sodom with homosexuality emerged later in Hellenistic Jewish thought through writers like Philo, not from original biblical intent. Modern scholarship notes that ancient authors lacked concepts of gay identity, focusing instead on exploitative acts like pederasty or temple prostitution.
Textual critics find key Hebrew terms ambiguous, suggesting some translations may distort original meanings. Ezekiel explicitly identifies Sodom’s sins as arrogance and neglect of the poor rather than sexual behavior. Jesus reaffirmed the creation account, defining marriage as a one-flesh union between a man and woman in Matthew 19:4–6. This historical awareness doesn’t resolve theological debates but offers important context for contemporary discussions, acknowledging that ancient prohibitions addressed different circumstances than committed same-sex relationships today.
