The Bible addresses the topic of homosexuality in several passages, both in the Old and New Testaments. Traditional interpretations generally understand these passages as conveying that sexual relationships are intended to occur within the context of a marriage between a man and a woman. However, interpretations and applications vary among Christian denominations, with some viewing these texts in a historical context or re-evaluating their relevance to contemporary understandings of sexuality.
Here are the main biblical passages that have traditionally been understood to address homosexuality, along with interpretations commonly associated with each one:
1. Genesis 19:1–11 – The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah
- In this account, two angels visit Lot in Sodom, where the men of the city demand to have sexual relations with the visitors. God later destroys Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness.
- Interpretation: Historically, this passage has been interpreted as a condemnation of homosexual acts, among other sins attributed to Sodom, such as pride, lack of hospitality, and injustice (see Ezekiel 16:49–50).
- Genesis 19:5 – “They called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.’”
2. Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 – Prohibitions in the Law of Moses
- In the Old Testament law, specific instructions prohibit male same-sex relations.
- Leviticus 18:22 – “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.”
- Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”
- Interpretation: These verses are often cited as clear prohibitions against same-sex sexual activity in the context of ancient Israelite law. However, some scholars argue these laws were part of the broader purity codes specific to Israel and their covenant with God.
3. Romans 1:26–27 – Paul’s Letter to the Romans
- The Apostle Paul describes certain behaviors, including same-sex relations, as being contrary to God’s design.
- Romans 1:26–27 – “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
- Interpretation: Many interpret this passage as Paul’s denunciation of same-sex behavior, understanding it as a departure from God’s intended design for sexuality. Others argue that Paul is specifically addressing certain exploitative or idolatrous practices of his time rather than loving, consensual same-sex relationships.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 – Warning Against Sinful Behaviors
- In this letter, Paul lists behaviors he considers incompatible with inheriting the Kingdom of God.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 – “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men… will inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Interpretation: The Greek terms used here, including arsenokoitai (often translated as “men who have sex with men”), have been the subject of debate. Traditional views understand this term as a reference to same-sex sexual relations. However, some scholars suggest it could refer specifically to exploitative relationships, such as pederasty, rather than homosexuality as understood today.
5. 1 Timothy 1:9–10 – Paul’s Instructions to Timothy
- Paul includes “men who have sex with men” among a list of behaviors he condemns as contrary to sound doctrine.
- 1 Timothy 1:9–10 – “We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels… for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
- Interpretation: Similar to 1 Corinthians, this passage has traditionally been seen as addressing same-sex acts. Some scholars suggest, however, that Paul’s words may have targeted exploitative practices within the cultural context of his day.
6. Matthew 19:4–6 – Jesus on Marriage
- While Jesus does not explicitly address homosexuality, He affirms the creation narrative in Genesis, describing marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
- Matthew 19:4–6 – “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?”
- Interpretation: Some Christians interpret Jesus’ affirmation of male-female marriage as an implicit endorsement of heterosexual marriage as the standard for sexual relationships. Others argue that Jesus’ silence on same-sex relationships may leave room for varied interpretations.
Summary
The Bible’s references to same-sex relationships are few but have historically been interpreted as part of a broader understanding of sexual ethics within Scripture. However, interpretations vary widely, with some Christians upholding a traditional view and others offering more inclusive interpretations based on historical context, translation nuances, and broader biblical principles of love and justice.