Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  6000 Sin and salvation  »  6100 Aspects of sin  »  6236 sexual sin  »  6238 homosexuality

Sexual relations between people of the same sex. The biblical emphasis upon the loving union of male and female, as an integral part of God's creation ordinance, establishes the context against which the censure of homosexual practice is to be set.

God's creation order for sexuality

Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:18-24

Both Jesus Christ and Paul endorsed the creation order:

Mark 10:6-9 pp Matthew 19:4-5; Ephesians 5:31

OT prohibitions of homosexual practice

Leviticus 18:22 See also Leviticus 20:13

Homosexual practice is incompatible with the kingdom of God

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 The meanings of the Greek words for “male prostitutes” and “homosexual offenders” are disputed, but the terms are commonly associated with particular forms of homosexual behaviour. See also 1 Timothy 1:9-11

Sexual disorder is one consequence of rejecting God

Romans 1:21-27

Homosexuality associated with pagan religious beliefs and practices:

1 Kings 14:24; Kings 15:12; 2 Kings 23:7

Examples of homosexual practice

In Sodom and Gomorrah:

Genesis 19:4-8; Jude 7 Judges 19:16-24 in Israel in a time of moral decadence

See also

4005  creation
5707  male and female
5717  monogamy