The topic of homosexuality and how it is addressed in the Bible has been the subject of theological debate for many years.
Scripture About Homosexuality
Leviticus 18:22 –
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
This verse is explicit in declaring that same-sex relations are not part of God’s design for human relationships. The term “abomination” underscores the severity of the act in the moral code given to Israel.
Leviticus 20:13 –
“If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”
This verse highlights the seriousness of same-sex relations in the context of Old Testament law, equating such acts with grave sins worthy of severe judgment. Though Christians are not bound by the Mosaic Law, its moral principles carry significance.
Romans 1:26-27 –
“For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
Paul describes homosexual behavior as a result of humanity’s rejection of God. It is portrayed as unnatural and contrary to the order established in creation.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 –
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality…”
Homosexuality is listed among sins that separate individuals from God’s kingdom. This passage calls for repentance and transformation through Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:9-10 –
“Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality…”
This verse places homosexuality alongside other violations of God’s moral law, emphasizing its incompatibility with a holy life.
Genesis 19:4-5 –
“But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.’”
The sinfulness of Sodom is often linked to the homosexual intentions of its inhabitants. Their behavior was part of the moral corruption that brought divine judgment.
Jude 1:7 –
“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
This verse affirms that the actions of Sodom and Gomorrah included unnatural desires, serving as a warning of God’s judgment on sexual immorality.
Mark 10:6-8 –
“But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Jesus reiterates the creation account, affirming marriage as the union of a man and a woman. This foundational principle excludes same-sex relationships.
Matthew 19:4-6 –
“He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?”
Jesus’ teaching on marriage confirms the exclusive nature of male-female unions as ordained by God.
Deuteronomy 22:5 –
“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
While not directly addressing homosexuality, this verse emphasizes God’s design for gender distinctions, which undergird His plan for human relationships.
Ephesians 5:31-32 –
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”
Marriage between a man and a woman is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church, reinforcing the sacred nature of heterosexual unions.
Colossians 3:5 –
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
This verse calls believers to reject all forms of sexual immorality, which would include homosexual practices.
2 Peter 2:6-7 –
“If by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked…”
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is cited as a warning against indulgence in sinful passions, including homosexuality.
Proverbs 14:12 –
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
This verse reminds us that human reasoning or societal acceptance does not override God’s standards. Pursuing relationships outside His design leads to spiritual death.
Isaiah 5:20 –
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
This verse warns against distorting God’s truth, which includes redefining moral standards such as sexuality.
Matthew 7:13-14 –
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Homosexuality, like other sins, represents the broad path of rebellion against God, whereas obedience to His word represents the narrow way.
Galatians 5:19-21 –
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Homosexuality falls under the broader category of sexual immorality, which excludes individuals from God’s kingdom unless they repent.
Psalm 119:105 –
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Scripture provides guidance on moral living, including affirming God’s design for human sexuality.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 –
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
This passage emphasizes God’s desire for believers to live sanctified lives, avoiding all forms of sexual immorality, including homosexuality, by exercising self-control.
Proverbs 3:7 –
“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”
Human wisdom often tries to justify sinful behavior, but God calls His followers to fear Him and reject what He defines as evil, including same-sex relationships.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 –
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of following God’s commandments, including those about sexual morality, as all actions will be judged.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 –
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The Bible, including its teachings on homosexuality, provides God’s standards for righteousness and equips believers to live according to His will.
Matthew 5:17-18 –
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
Jesus affirms the enduring relevance of God’s moral law, which includes the prohibition of same-sex relationships as outlined in the Old Testament.
Isaiah 55:8-9 –
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God’s standards, including His design for sexuality, are far above human reasoning or societal trends, and His ways should guide our lives.
Jeremiah 17:9 –
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
This verse warns against trusting human feelings or desires, which can lead to sin, including homosexual behavior, if not aligned with God’s Word.
Hebrews 13:4 –
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
God’s design for marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman excludes homosexual relationships and condemns any sexual immorality.
Galatians 6:7-8 –
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Those who indulge in sinful behavior, including homosexuality, will face the consequences unless they turn to God and pursue righteousness.
James 4:4 –
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
Adopting worldly views that accept or promote homosexuality places individuals in opposition to God and His teachings.
2 Corinthians 5:10 –
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability for all actions, including sexual immorality, before the judgment seat of Christ.
Proverbs 16:25 –
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Society may attempt to normalize homosexuality, but Scripture warns that paths contrary to God’s will lead to spiritual destruction.
Revelation 21:8 –
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
This verse places sexually immoral behaviors, including homosexuality, among those actions leading to eternal separation from God.
Revelation 22:14-15 –
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Only those who repent and align their lives with God’s standards will experience eternal life; the sexually immoral remain outside His kingdom.
2 Peter 3:9 –
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
This verse emphasizes God’s desire for everyone, including those engaged in homosexuality, to repent and turn to Him for salvation.
Psalm 51:10 –
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
This verse reflects the hope for transformation through repentance and submission to God’s will, including sexual purity.
John 8:11 –
“And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’”
Jesus offers forgiveness but calls for a life free from sin, including sexual immorality.
Further Reading
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30 Powerful Best Bible Verses For Funerals (With Commentary)