What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
What the Bible teaches about same-sex relationships and how Christians approach this topic.
What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Read key KJV scriptures and explore the biblical teaching on same-sex relationships with context and compassion.
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." — Leviticus 18:22 (KJV)
Homosexuality is one of the most discussed and debated topics in modern Christianity. The Bible addresses same-sex relations in several passages in both the Old and New Testaments. While Christians hold varying interpretations, the traditional reading of Scripture identifies marriage as between one man and one woman, while also calling believers to treat all people with love and dignity.
Key Scriptures About Homosexuality
Leviticus 18:22
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."Read in context
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; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."Read in context
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
"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, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."Read in context
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."Read in context
1 Corinthians 6:11
"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."Read in context
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."Read in context
The Biblical View of Marriage
From Genesis 2:24 through Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19:4-6, the Bible consistently presents marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman. This design is rooted in creation and is affirmed throughout both Testaments. Jesus quoted Genesis when asked about marriage, affirming God's original design.
Love for All People
While the Bible's traditional teaching defines sexual morality within heterosexual marriage, it equally commands love for all people. John 3:16 declares that God loves the whole world. Jesus associated with those society rejected and called His followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:39). Christians are called to hold both truth and love together.
A Prayer About Homosexuality
Father, give us hearts full of both truth and love. Help us to hold faithfully to Your Word while treating every person with the dignity and compassion that Jesus modeled. Guide us with wisdom as we navigate difficult conversations, and may Your grace be evident in all we do. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on homosexuality.
Does the Bible condemn homosexuality?
The traditional interpretation of passages like Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 holds that same-sex sexual activity is outside God's design. Some modern scholars offer alternative interpretations of these texts. The traditional Christian view affirms that sexual expression is designed for marriage between one man and one woman.
Does God love gay people?
Absolutely. John 3:16 says God loved the world — all people. Every person is created in God's image and has inherent dignity and worth. The Bible calls Christians to love all people while also being faithful to the teachings of Scripture. God's grace is available to everyone who believes (1 Corinthians 6:11).
What is the main Bible verse about homosexuality?
Leviticus 18:22 is one of the clearest scriptures on homosexuality: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about homosexuality?
Scripture addresses homosexuality in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 6 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Genesis, John and more.
Where does the Bible first mention homosexuality?
The earliest passage on this list is Leviticus 18:22, in the book of Leviticus. Scripture's full teaching on homosexuality unfolds across both testaments — see all 6 verses above for the broader picture.
Is homosexuality a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Read key KJV scriptures and explore the biblical teaching on same-sex relationships with context and compassion. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Homosexuality
Specific questions Christians ask about homosexuality — each answered with KJV scripture.
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.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Predestination?
Predestination is the biblical teaching that God chose believers before the foundation of the world, though Christians differ on exactly how this interacts with human free will.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Dating and Courtship?
While the Bible doesn't mention modern 'dating,' it provides clear principles for pursuing romantic relationships with purity, wisdom, and godly intention.
Read answerHow Old Is the Earth According to the Bible?
Christians hold different views — young earth creationists calculate roughly 6,000-10,000 years from biblical genealogies, while old earth creationists see the 'days' of Genesis as long ages.
Read answerWhy Should Christians Fast?
Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.
Read answerShould Christians Confess Their Sins?
Yes — the Bible teaches that confession of sin to God brings forgiveness and cleansing, and confessing to one another brings healing and accountability.
Read answerWhat Is Modern Idolatry?
Idolatry is anything that takes God's place in your heart — money, success, relationships, pleasure, or self — and the Bible warns it is as dangerous today as ancient idol worship.
Read answerDo Christians Still Struggle with Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that believers have a new nature in Christ but still contend with the old flesh, creating an ongoing internal battle until glorification.
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