What Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
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."
Romans 1:26-27
"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."
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
"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."
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