What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? The Bible consistently presents sexual intimacy as designed for marriage between a man and a woman, and identifies homosexual practice as contrary to God's design.
Key verse: Romans 1:26-27 (KJV)
The Bible consistently presents sexual intimacy as designed for marriage between a man and a woman, and identifies homosexual practice as contrary to God's design.
The Bible consistently presents sexual intimacy as designed for marriage between a man and a woman, and identifies homosexual practice as contrary to God's design.
"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." — Romans 1:26-27 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
This is one of the most sensitive and debated topics in modern Christianity. The Bible addresses homosexual practice in several passages: Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 in the Old Testament law; the story of Sodom (Genesis 19); and three New Testament passages — Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and 1 Timothy 1:10. Romans 1:26-27 is the most detailed, describing homosexual behavior as 'against nature' in the context of humanity's rejection of God. At the same time, the Bible teaches that all people are made in God's image and deserve dignity and respect. All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and sexual sin of any kind — adultery, fornication, lust, pornography — falls short of God's design. Christians are called to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), never in hatred or condemnation. 1 Corinthians 6:11 offers hope to all sinners: 'And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.' The gospel offers transformation and grace to everyone, regardless of their struggle.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
Biblical teaching on sex, sexual purity, and God's design for intimacy within marriage.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind... And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
What Is Sin According to the Bible?
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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