Christian scripture & interpretation

Bible passages and same-gender relationships

A brief guide to seven frequently discussed passages, the contrasting ways readers interpret them, and the historical and linguistic questions behind the disagreement.

Open Bible on a wooden table beside reading glasses

Reading the debate

Why interpretations differ

Around twenty biblical passages have sometimes been connected with same-gender sexual behavior. Seven receive most of the attention in modern religious debate. This page summarizes broad interpretive patterns rather than declaring that every conservative, progressive or secular reader holds the same view.

Disagreement often turns on translation, ancient social practices, literary context and whether a passage addresses all same-gender intimacy or a narrower practice involving coercion, exploitation, ritual activity or a violation of customary gender roles.

The summaries below are deliberately concise. Follow the passage links for fuller discussion, and consult multiple translations and qualified scholarship before drawing a conclusion.

Seven passages

Interpretations at a glance

These columns describe common positions in neutral, abbreviated language. They do not settle the underlying textual questions.

Passage	Common traditional reading	Common contextual reading
Genesis 19	The account is understood as evidence that same-gender sexual acts are prohibited generally.	The account is read primarily as condemning threatened sexual violence, humiliation and grave failures of hospitality.
Leviticus 18:22	The verse is treated as a direct prohibition of sexual activity between men.	The verse is interpreted within Israel's holiness code, with debate over ritual setting, status, gender roles and the exact Hebrew wording.
Leviticus 20:13	Like Leviticus 18, it is understood to prohibit sexual activity between men.	Readers ask whether its scope concerns a specific ancient practice rather than all loving, consensual same-gender relationships.
Romans 1:26–27	Paul is understood to describe same-gender sexual behavior generally as contrary to divine intention.	The passage is read in the context of idolatry, excess and people acting contrary to their own customary disposition.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10	Contested Greek terms are translated as references to men engaged in same-gender sexual activity.	The terms are considered uncertain and may refer to exploitation, abuse, prostitution or unequal sexual relationships rather than orientation.
1 Timothy 1:9–10	A disputed Greek term is read as prohibiting male same-gender sexual activity.	The word's meaning is examined alongside surrounding references to violence and exploitation, with caution about modern labels.
Jude 1:7	Sodom's conduct is linked with prohibited sexual behavior and divine judgment.	The phrase about pursuing “other flesh” is read as a reference to humans seeking sexual contact with angels, alongside violence and rejection of hospitality.

Translation note: Vocabulary in Leviticus and the Pauline letters remains disputed. English renderings may encode an interpreter's conclusion, so comparing translations is especially important.

Two broad frameworks

Where the readings diverge

Each framework contains substantial internal variation. The descriptions below should be treated as orientation, not labels for every reader.

Traditional framework

Many conservative readers understand the passages as part of a consistent biblical ethic that reserves sexual intimacy for marriage between a woman and a man.

The texts are read together rather than as isolated statements.
Prohibitions are usually treated as extending beyond a particular ritual or abusive setting.
Pastoral responses vary: some emphasize celibacy, while others make claims about change that remain strongly contested.

Contextual framework

Many progressive religious and secular readers conclude that the passages do not address modern, loving and consensual same-gender relationships.

They distinguish sexual orientation from acts involving coercion, exploitation or ritual excess.
They give significant weight to ancient language, social hierarchy and literary setting.
They commonly evaluate relationships through consent, faithfulness, safety, mutuality and care.

Constructive engagement

How dialogue can work

Deep disagreement need not prevent careful listening or a shared commitment to people's safety and dignity.

Define terms

Clarify whether the discussion concerns orientation, identity, conduct, marriage, translation or church policy.

Read in context

Consider genre, audience, language, ancient custom and the argument surrounding each verse.

Represent fairly

Describe another interpretation in terms its own readers would recognize before offering criticism.

Protect dignity

Reject harassment, exclusion and coercion while continuing honest theological disagreement.

Archive reviewed 4 September 2026

Sources and further reading

The original essay referred to scholarship and advocacy concerning the history of English Bible translation. Publication claims and links can change, so readers should verify editions, dates and arguments independently.

Forge, “Has ‘Homosexual’ Always Been in the Bible?” published 21 March 2019: forgeonline.org.
Kathy Baldock, an article on the wording used in the 1946 Revised Standard Version, published 13 June 2019: canyonwalkerconnections.com.

Reader guide

Frequently asked questions

Does this page endorse one interpretation?

No. It maps major areas of disagreement and directs readers to fuller discussions.

Are the two columns complete descriptions?

No. They are abbreviated frameworks. Individual scholars, denominations and readers often combine elements in different ways.

Why does translation matter so much?

Several key Hebrew and Greek expressions have uncertain scope. A modern English term can imply categories that were not framed identically in antiquity.

Does Genesis 19 describe a consensual relationship?

The narrative centers on threatened group violence against visitors. Debate concerns what broader moral conclusions should be drawn from it.

What does “contextual reading” mean?

It means interpreting words within their literary, historical and social setting rather than assuming a verse directly describes every modern circumstance.

Where can I read about the broader subject?

Visit the Bible and sexual orientation menu or the sexual orientation collection.