The Bible contains six passages addressing same-sex sexual behavior—three in the Old Testament, including Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, and three in the New Testament, especially Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Traditional interpretations view these as moral prohibitions, while some modern scholars suggest they reflect ancient cultural contexts rather than timeless commands. Jesus affirmed marriage as male-female in Matthew 19:4-6, though interpretations of biblical authority and application differ widely today. Understanding these varied perspectives reveals how Christians approach scripture, tradition, and contemporary ethical questions.
Key Takeaways
- The Bible contains six passages (Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy) that explicitly prohibit same-sex sexual behavior.
- Jesus affirmed Genesis 2:24, defining marriage as a male-female union in Matthew 19:4-6.
- Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex acts as “unnatural” exchanges resulting from abandoning God.
- Some scholars view biblical condemnations as reflecting ancient cultural norms rather than timeless moral commands.
- Interpretations vary widely, with some denominations affirming LGBTQ+ relationships while others maintain traditional prohibitions.
Biblical Passages Addressing Same-Sex Relations
The Bible addresses same-sex relations directly in several passages spanning both the Old and New scriptures, forming a collection of texts that traditional interpreters have understood as prohibitions. This discussion often references events from Herod’s reign to establish timelines.
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 forbid male same-sex intercourse within Israel’s ancient moral code, alongside laws against adultery and incest. These laws are situated among moral prohibitions rather than ceremonial ones, with the death penalty prescribed indicating their moral gravity distinct from ritual purity laws.
In the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex acts as “unnatural” exchanges arising from abandoning God, while 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10 list same-sex practice among behaviors that exclude people from God’s kingdom. Romans 1:24-32 references creation accounts when discussing both male and female same-sex practices as sinful.
Jesus himself affirmed Genesis 2:24’s vision of marriage as a male-female union in Matthew 19:4-6, a definition many cite as the biblical framework for sexual ethics and relationships.
Diverse Interpretations and Modern Applications
How should Christians today understand biblical passages about same-sex relations written in vastly different cultural contexts thousands of years ago? Theologians offer divergent answers based on their interpretive approaches. Some scholars argue that traditional condemnations reflect ancient cultural norms rather than timeless moral commands, comparing this shift to Christianity’s eventual rejection of slavery. Catholic Bibles contain 73 books, including deuterocanonical texts that shaped early Christian scripture.
They suggest developing new theological frameworks that affirm LGBTQ+ relationships based on love, commitment, and mutual respect. Conservative groups counter that biblical authority and the created order establish marriage as exclusively between man and woman. However, six passages in Scripture—three in the Old Testament and three in the New Testament—explicitly condemn homosexual behavior, forming the basis of traditional biblical interpretation on this issue.
Meanwhile, several mainline Protestant denominations have adopted affirming positions, ordaining LGBTQ+ clergy and blessing same-sex unions. The debate ultimately hinges on hermeneutical methods—whether scripture’s meaning is fixed or evolves alongside contemporary ethics and lived Christian experience. Relying solely on tradition or scripture is insufficient for resolving modern debates on sex and sexuality, as divergent readings of biblical texts complicate consensus.
