What Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships?
What Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships? Traditional biblical interpretation holds that sexual intimacy is designed for marriage between a man and a woman, based on Genesis 2 and multiple New Testament passages.
Key verse: Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
Traditional biblical interpretation holds that sexual intimacy is designed for marriage between a man and a woman, based on Genesis 2 and multiple New Testament passages.
Traditional biblical interpretation holds that sexual intimacy is designed for marriage between a man and a woman, based on Genesis 2 and multiple New Testament passages.
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." — Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible's teaching on sexuality begins in Genesis 2:24: 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.' Jesus affirmed this foundational design in Matthew 19:4-6. Several passages address same-sex sexual activity: Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 in the Old Testament law, Romans 1:26-27 describing 'vile affections' and 'men, leaving the natural use of the woman,' 1 Corinthians 6:9-10's list of those who will not inherit the kingdom, and 1 Timothy 1:10. While revisionist scholars interpret these passages differently, the traditional reading across centuries of Christianity has understood them as prohibiting homosexual practice. The Bible's sexual ethic consistently frames sexual expression within heterosexual marriage. At the same time, Scripture calls all believers to treat every person with dignity, love, and respect as image-bearers of God, regardless of orientation.
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
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
"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."
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?... 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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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