What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
Understanding a Controversial Topic Through Scripture
The topic of homosexuality remains one of the most debated and emotionally charged issues in modern society, and many seek to understand what the Bible truly says about it. Within the Christian faith, believers are called to honour
Scripture as the inspired Word of God, meaning it must be the foundation for Christian belief and moral conduct. But what does the Bible say about homosexuality, and how should Christians approach this subject with truth, clarity, and compassion?
This article examines the key biblical texts that address same-sex sexual behaviour and explores how these passages have been understood throughout history, while also considering the broader message of love, redemption, and human dignity.
Biblical Foundations: God’s Design for Human Sexuality
To understand what the Bible says about homosexuality, we must first consider what it says about human sexuality in general. In the opening chapters of Genesis, the Bible lays a foundation:
“So God created mankind in his own image… male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).
God’s creation of humanity as male and female was not arbitrary; it was purposeful. Genesis 2:24 adds:
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Here we see the establishment of heterosexual, monogamous marriage as God’s design for sexual expression. This union is both physical and spiritual, intended for procreation, companionship, and the reflection of God’s covenant relationship with His people.
The Bible consistently affirms this model across both the Old and New Testaments. Any sexual activity outside of this design, whether heterosexual or homosexual, is described as contrary to God’s will.
Old Testament Passages on Homosexuality
Two specific passages in the Old Testament directly address homosexual acts:
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.”
These verses are part of the Holiness Code given to Israel. They are clear in prohibiting same-sex sexual activity.
Some argue that these commands are outdated ceremonial laws. However, the moral laws in Leviticus, particularly those repeated in the New Testament, continue to carry weight in Christian ethics.
Moreover, these commands are not isolated; they sit within a broader context that prohibits various forms of sexual immorality, including incest, adultery, and bestiality.
Sodom and Gomorrah: A Cautionary Tale?
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) is often cited in discussions about homosexuality. In this account, the men of Sodom attempt to rape two male visitors (angels in disguise), and the city is later destroyed by God’s judgment.
While some scholars argue that the sin of Sodom was inhospitality or general wickedness (as mentioned in Ezekiel 16:49), the New Testament reaffirms the sexual dimension of the sin:
“…just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7).
The Greek phrase “unnatural desire” (Greek: sarkos heteras) supports the interpretation that same-sex behaviour was part of the city’s moral decay.
New Testament Teachings on Homosexuality
In the New Testament, homosexuality is mentioned more explicitly, particularly in writings by the Apostle Paul. Three primary passages address the issue:
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…”
This passage describes a society that has rejected God, resulting in distorted desires and behaviour. Paul highlights both male and female homosexual acts as contrary to nature (para physin in Greek), suggesting a deviation from God’s created order.
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 men who have sex with men… will inherit the kingdom of God.”
The original Greek uses two terms—malakoi and arsenokoitai—to describe passive and active participants in homosexual acts. While some modern translations debate the exact scope of these terms, most scholars agree they refer broadly to same-sex sexual relations.
1 Timothy 1:9–10
“…the law is made… for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality…”
Again, arsenokoitai is used, a compound word formed from “man” and “bed,” echoing the language of Leviticus and condemning homosexual acts.
These passages do not single out homosexuality but place it among a range of sins, including greed, idolatry, and drunkenness, showing that all humanity needs grace.
The Message of the Gospel: Grace for All
While the Bible teaches that homosexual behaviour is sinful, it also teaches that all people, regardless of their past, are invited into a new life through Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:11 follows the list of sins with this hope-filled statement:
“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
This verse affirms that people from all backgrounds, including those who once practised homosexual behaviour, were transformed by God’s grace. The gospel is not about condemnation but redemption.
Christ offers forgiveness, healing, and the power to live in obedience. This transformation may not mean the removal of same-sex attraction. Still, it may involve choosing celibacy or living according to biblical standards despite personal desires just as all believers are called to deny themselves and follow Christ (Luke 9:23).
What the Bible Doesn’t Say
It’s essential to clarify a few things the Bible does not say:
- The Bible does not single out homosexuality as the “worst” sin.
- The Bible does not condemn people for experiencing same-sex attraction only for acting on it sexually.
- The Bible does not give Christians permission to hate, mock, or abuse people who identify as gay or lesbian.
Jesus consistently showed love to sinners, offering both grace and truth (John 1:14). His followers are called to do the same.
Responding with Compassion and Conviction
Christians must approach this topic with both theological conviction and pastoral sensitivity. The biblical view of sexuality is countercultural, but it should never be used as a weapon. Instead, believers are called to reflect Christ’s heart loving all people while upholding God’s truth.
Many people wrestle with their sexuality, and some may feel rejected by the church. Christians must extend grace without compromising on Scripture. Churches should be places of refuge where people can ask honest questions, confess sin, and find support to live according to God’s design.
Conclusion: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
The Bible teaches that God designed sex to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman.
Homosexual behaviour, along with other forms of sexual immorality, is considered sinful in both the Old and New Testaments. However, the heart of the Christian message is not condemnation but redemption.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His grace reaches every sinner, including those with same-sex desires, and His Spirit empowers transformed lives. The gospel offers all people a new identity: not in sexuality, but in Christ.
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Useful External Links
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A26-27
https://www.gotquestions.org/homosexuality-Bible.html
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-does-the-bible-say-about-homosexuality
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-does-bible-say-about-homosexuality/