What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

Homosexuality is a deeply sensitive and controversial topic, thus many people look to know what does the bible say about homosexuality.

Folks seek guidance from the Bible to understand its teachings on this issue.

This article explores what the Bible says about homosexuality, examining scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments to provide a comprehensive understanding.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

The Bible addresses homosexuality in several passages, both in the Old and New Testaments. Leviticus 18:22 (KJV) states, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”

This verse reflects the traditional stance that homosexual acts are sinful. The Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) translates it similarly: “You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.”

A real-life example involves a man who grew up in a conservative Christian home. He struggled with same-sex attraction and felt conflicted about his faith. After reading Leviticus 18:22, he sought counsel from his pastor. This guidance helped him understand the Bible’s teachings and led him towards a path of celibacy.

The Old Testament View on Homosexuality

The Old Testament contains several passages condemning homosexual behavior. Leviticus 20:13 (KJV) states, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”

The CJB mirrors this sentiment: “If a man goes to bed with a man as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they must be put to death; their blood is on them.”

This severe penalty underscores the gravity with which ancient Israel viewed such acts. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 is often cited in discussions about homosexuality.

The inhabitants of these cities attempted to sexually assault two angels visiting Lot. This act led to their destruction, symbolizing God’s judgment against such behavior. This narrative is frequently interpreted as a condemnation of homosexual acts.

Sodom and Gomorrah: A Case Study

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah provides a case study in the Bible’s view on homosexuality.

Genesis 19:4-5 (KJV) recounts, “But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them.”

The CJB offers a similar translation, emphasizing the sinful intentions of the men of Sodom. This event led to the cities’ destruction, symbolizing God’s judgment against such behavior.

A modern parallel can be found in societies that have faced moral and social decline due to the acceptance of practices deemed sinful by biblical standards.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? New Testament Insights

The New Testament also addresses homosexuality.

Romans 1:26-27 (KJV) discusses how people abandoned natural relations for unnatural ones:

“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”

The CJB translates this passage similarly, highlighting the deviation from natural relations.

A contemporary example involves a young man who grew up in a liberal household. He embraced his same-sex attraction until he encountered Romans 1:26-27 in a Bible study group. This led him to reconsider his lifestyle and seek a deeper understanding of his faith.

The Teachings of Paul on Homosexuality

Paul’s letters in the New Testament provide further insights. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (KJV) includes “nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind” in a list of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The CJB reads, “Don’t you know that unrighteous people will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t delude yourselves — people who engage in sex before marriage, who worship idols, who engage in sex after marriage with someone other than their spouse, who engage in active or passive homosexuality.

This reinforces the view that homosexual acts are sinful. A real-life story involves a woman who identified as a lesbian and later converted to Christianity. After reading Paul’s letters, she chose to live a celibate life, believing it was in line with her newfound faith.

Temptation vs. Action: Understanding Biblical Sin

It’s important to distinguish between temptation and action. As noted in sources like GotQuestions.org, experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin, but acting on those impulses is considered sinful.

James 1:14-15 (KJV) states, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

The CJB echoes this, emphasizing the process from temptation to sin. For instance, a Christian man experiencing same-sex attraction might seek help from his faith community to resist acting on those impulses, aiming to live a life that aligns with his beliefs.

Homosexuality and Christian Compassion

Despite the clear biblical stance against homosexual acts, Christians are called to love and compassion. Jesus’ interactions with marginalized individuals, such as the adulterous woman in John 8:3-11, highlight the importance of showing love and offering redemption rather than condemnation.

Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” The CJB translates this similarly, emphasizing mercy. A practical example is a church that welcomes individuals struggling with same-sex attraction, offering support and guidance without judgment.

This reflects the balance of truth and love that the Bible advocates.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? A Call to Love and Truth

While the Bible condemns homosexual behavior, it also emphasizes love and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:15 (KJV) urges believers to “speak the truth in love.” The CJB reads, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in every respect grow up into him who is the head, the Messiah.”

Christians are encouraged to uphold biblical teachings while showing compassion and support to those struggling with same-sex attraction. Consider a support group for individuals with same-sex attraction that combines biblical teaching with empathetic counseling.

This group helps members navigate their faith and attractions, fostering a supportive community grounded in love and truth.

FAQ: Common Questions About Homosexuality in the Bible

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?

The Bible mentions homosexuality in several passages, often condemning the practice as sinful (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27).

What is God’s punishment for homosexuality?

In the Old Testament, homosexual acts were punishable by death (Leviticus 20:13). However, the New Testament emphasizes forgiveness and redemption through Christ.

What does Jesus say about homosexuality?

Jesus did not directly address homosexuality. However, His teachings on love, compassion, and repentance are foundational to the Christian approach to all sins.

Is homosexuality an unforgivable sin in the Bible?

No sin, including homosexuality, is beyond God’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 emphasizes that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us.

How does the Bible define homosexuality?

The Bible defines homosexuality as engaging in sexual acts with someone of the same sex, which is considered contrary to God’s design for human relationships (Romans 1:26-27).