The Bible contains six passages addressing same-sex behavior—including Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11—all expressing disapproval of such acts. Traditional interpretations view these texts as prohibiting homosexual relationships, while progressive scholars argue the passages addressed exploitative or idolatrous practices in ancient cultures rather than committed modern partnerships. Jesus never directly mentioned homosexuality but affirmed male-female marriage in Mark 10:6-9. Contemporary theologians continue debating whether biblical prohibitions apply to today’s understanding of sexual orientation, with interpretations varying widely across denominations and faith communities.
Key Takeaways
- The Bible contains six passages addressing same-sex relations, found in both Old and New Testaments.
- Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 prohibit male same-sex intercourse, calling it an “abomination” under ancient purity laws.
- Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex behavior as “unnatural,” while 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 excludes practitioners from God’s kingdom.
- Jesus never directly addressed homosexuality but affirmed male-female marriage as God’s design in Mark 10:6-9.
- Scholars debate whether biblical condemnations targeted exploitative acts rather than modern consensual same-sex relationships.
Biblical Passages Addressing Same-Sex Relations
The Bible contains several passages that religious communities and scholars have identified as addressing same-sex relations, though interpretations of these texts vary considerably across denominations and theological traditions. Reading the entire Bible takes approximately 70-80 hours total.
In the Old Testament, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 label male same-sex intercourse as an “abomination” and prescribe death as punishment, forming part of the Holiness Code governing ritual purity.
Genesis 19 recounts Sodom’s destruction, traditionally linked to sexual immorality, though some scholars emphasize hospitality violations over consensual acts.
The destruction of Sodom has been interpreted both as judgment against sexual sin and as condemnation of inhospitality toward strangers.
The New Testament includes Romans 1:26-27, where Paul describes same-sex behavior as “unnatural” and resulting from rejecting God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul states that men who have sex with men will not inherit God’s kingdom, though he notes such individuals can be washed and justified. Romans 1 describes God giving people over to shameful lusts as a consequence of idolatry.
Additionally, Jesus references Genesis 2:24 in Mark 10:6-9, affirming male-female marriage as the created design, though he never directly addresses homosexuality.
Modern Interpretation and Application of Scripture
How should contemporary believers approach biblical texts written thousands of years ago in radically different cultural contexts? Historical tradition places Jesus’ crucifixion at Golgotha, now beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, though this detail does not directly bear on debates about sexual ethics. Modern scholars increasingly argue that original biblical condemnations targeted exploitative or idolatrous same-sex acts rather than consensual loving relationships.
Ancient references often intertwined homosexual behavior with pagan worship and sexual abuse, not the committed partnerships recognized today. Revisionist scholarship emphasizes that biblical authors lacked awareness of concepts like sexual orientation or mutual same-sex commitment.
Progressive theologians note Jesus never directly addressed homosexuality, suggesting current debates may extend beyond explicit scriptural teachings. However, Jesus referenced Genesis when teaching about marriage, affirming God’s pattern of one man and one woman becoming one flesh. All six biblical references to same-sex acts concern exploitative, abusive, or idolatrous sexual behaviors rather than mutual love or commitment. Meanwhile, queer biblical interpretation has expanded over two decades, offering readings that affirm LGBTQ+ identities and challenge heteronormative assumptions.
These diverse perspectives reflect ongoing efforts to honor scripture’s authority while reinterpreting prohibitions through contemporary understanding of human sexuality and relationships.
