What Does the Bible Really Say About Homosexuality?

Author: ettie.v

Author Location: Germiston, South Africa

For LGBTQ Christians and those who love them, few questions carry more weight than “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” This question has caused immense pain, divided families, and led many to abandon their faith entirely. Yet when we examine the biblical passages carefully—considering their original languages, cultural context, and Jesus’ teachings on love—a different picture emerges.

As someone with a Doctorate in Christian Leadership who has walked this journey personally, I invite you to explore what Scripture truly teaches about same-sex relationships. This isn’t about dismissing biblical authority, but about understanding it more deeply.

The Six Biblical Passages: Context Matters

Only six passages in the entire Bible are commonly cited regarding homosexuality. That’s six verses out of over 31,000 — less than 0.02% of Scripture.

Let’s examine each one carefully:

Genesis 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah): This passage describes attempted gang rape, not loving same-sex relationships. Ezekiel 16:49 clarifies Sodom’s actual sins: “pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” The sin was in-hospitality and violence, not homosexuality.
Read more about interpreting this passage.

Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13: These verses appear in the Holiness Code, which also prohibits eating shellfish, wearing mixed fabrics, and planting different crops together. The Hebrew word “toevah” (תּוֹעֵבָה) means “ritually unclean” or “culturally abhorrent,” not inherently sinful. These laws distinguished Israel from surrounding pagan nations.
Read more about interpreting these passages.

Original Hebrew and Greek: Lost in Translation

The New Testament passages require even more careful examination of original languages:

Romans 1:26-27: Paul describes people abandoning their “natural” (physin) relationships. The Greek word “physin” refers to one’s individual nature, not universal human nature. Most likely Paul is describing heterosexual people engaging in same-sex acts against their orientation — not LGBTQ people expressing their authentic selves.
Read more about interpreting this passage.

1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10: These contain the Greek words “malakoi” and “arsenokoitai.” “Malakoi” means “soft” and likely refers to male prostitutes. “Arsenokoitai” is a word Paul appears to have created, possibly referring to exploitative relationships or pederasty (adult men with boys), not committed same-sex partnerships.
Read more about interpreting this passage.

Cultural Context of Biblical Times

Understanding the cultural context is crucial for biblical interpretation. In the ancient world, same-sex relationships were typically:
– Exploitative relationships between masters and slaves
– Pederasty (older men with young boys)
– Temple prostitution connected to idol worship
– Expressions of dominance and power, not love

The concept of committed, monogamous same-sex relationships based on mutual love and respect, like we have today, simply didn’t exist in biblical times. The biblical authors couldn’t condemn something that wasn’t part of their cultural understanding.

Jesus’ Teachings on Love and Inclusion

Remarkably, Jesus never mentioned homosexuality. Not once. But He spoke extensively about love, inclusion, and welcoming the marginalized. Consider His words:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Jesus consistently reached out to those rejected by religious society—tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, and others considered “unclean.” His ministry was characterized by radical inclusion and love.

Affirming Biblical Interpretation

Affirming theology doesn’t ignore Scripture—it takes it seriously by considering:
– Historical context: What did these passages mean to their original audience?
– Literary context: How do these verses fit within the broader biblical narrative?
– Theological context: How do they align with core Christian principles of love, justice, and inclusion?
– Scientific understanding: What do we now know about sexual orientation that biblical authors didn’t?

The Bible’s overarching message is God’s unconditional love for all people. As 1 John 4:8 declares, “God is love.” Any interpretation that contradicts this fundamental truth deserves careful reexamination.

The Fruits of Affirming Faith

Jesus taught us to judge teachings by their fruits (Matthew 7:16-20).

The fruits of non-affirming theology include:
– Increased suicide rates among LGBTQ youth
– Family rejection and homelessness
– Mental health struggles and spiritual trauma
– Exodus from faith communities

In contrast, affirming communities produce fruits of love, acceptance, healing, and spiritual growth—exactly what Jesus promised His followers would experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Doesn’t this interpretation compromise biblical authority?
A: Not at all. Affirming interpretation takes Scripture seriously by studying it in its original context and languages. We’re not changing what the Bible says—we’re understanding what it actually meant.

Q: What about traditional marriage?
A: The Bible presents various marriage models, including polygamy and arranged marriages. The consistent biblical principle is covenant faithfulness and mutual love, which same-sex couples can absolutely embody.

Q: How do I reconcile my faith with my sexual orientation?
A: Your identity as an LGBTQ person and your faith in Christ are not in conflict. God created you as you are, and your sexual orientation is part of how you reflect God’s diverse creation.

Resources for LGBTQ Christians

If you’re an LGBTQ Christian seeking community and support:
– Join our weekly online small groups for fellowship and spiritual growth
– Check out our growing list of LGBTQ-affirming churches across South Africa
– Attend our annual Virtual Retreat for deeper theological exploration
– Contact us to access our counseling support for those working through faith and identity questions

Remember: You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Your sexual orientation doesn’t disqualify you from God’s love or from serving in Christian ministry. You belong in God’s family!

Moving Forward in Faith

The question isn’t whether LGBTQ people can be Christians — it’s whether the church will embrace the radical, inclusive love that Jesus modeled. As we study Scripture more deeply and listen to the experiences of LGBTQ believers, we discover that God’s love is even bigger and more beautiful than we imagined.

If you’re struggling with these questions, know that you’re not alone. Thousands of LGBTQ Christians around the world are living authentically integrated lives of faith. Your journey toward wholeness and belonging is sacred, and God is with you every step of the way.

For more resources on affirming theology and to connect with our community, explore our website or contact us directly.

You are loved, you are welcome, and you belong.