What is the Bible's stance on gay marriage?

Definition and Scope

The question of gay marriage, as addressed in the Bible, involves understanding how Scripture defines marriage and human sexuality. The biblical text consistently portrays marriage as the union of one man and one woman, designed to reflect God’s creative plan for procreation, companionship, and spiritual symbolism. While the Bible does not use the modern term “gay marriage,” it does present teachings on same-sex relationships and on the structure of marriage. Examining these passages from the Berean Standard Bible offers insight into what the Bible teaches, how these teachings are applied in various historical contexts, and how they shape a biblical worldview regarding marriage.

I. God’s Original Design for Marriage

Throughout both Old and New Testaments, marriage appears as a foundational institution created by God:

1. Genesis and Creation

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

This verse depicts marriage as a divinely instituted bond between one man (Adam) and one woman (Eve). The text highlights physical, emotional, and spiritual unity—an idea repeated and affirmed by later biblical writers.

2. Jesus’ Reinforcement of the Creation Model

Jesus quotes Genesis when He teaches on marriage:

“‘Have you not read,’ He replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh”?’” (Matthew 19:4–5).

By quoting the Creation narrative, Jesus reiterates marriage as a divinely intended union of male and female, underscoring its unchanging importance from the beginning of creation.

3. Symbolic Value of Marriage

Scripture also uses marriage as a metaphor for the covenant between God and His people (e.g., Hosea 2:19–20; Ephesians 5:31–32). This symbolism depends on the complementary relationship between husband and wife, reflecting unity and distinct roles.

II. Old Testament Passages Concerning Same-Sex Relations

While the Old Testament does not discuss “gay marriage” per se, it does address same-sex sexual relations:

1. Levitical Law

“You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22).

In the context of Israel’s holiness code, this prohibition indicates that same-sex sexual activity is outside the boundaries established for God’s covenant people.

2. Wider Context of Leviticus 18

This chapter forbids multiple sexual practices—adultery, incest, bestiality, and more—grouping same-sex relations within a list of activities considered offensive in the sight of God. The overarching principle is that God’s people are to uphold sexual fidelity and purity as God defines it.

3. Sodom and Gomorrah

Though Genesis 19:1–11 involves a broader context of wickedness (including extreme violence and inhospitality), the condemnation of an attempt at same-sex relations is part of the account. Scholars debate how much of this story is specifically about same-sex behavior versus general depravity; however, historically, Jewish and Christian commentators reference this narrative as evidence of God’s disapproval of homosexual acts, understanding them to contradict the created design for human sexuality.

III. New Testament Passages Concerning Same-Sex Relations

Several passages in the New Testament address homosexual conduct in lists of moral teachings or describe it as against “nature”:

1. Romans 1:26–27

“For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:26–27).

Here, Paul discusses humanity’s rebellion against God, highlighting that same-sex relations are part of the evidence of turning away from God’s design in creation.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:9–10

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).

In this letter to the Corinthian church, Paul names various behaviors that fall short of God’s standard of righteousness, including both same-sex activity and other moral failings.

3. 1 Timothy 1:9–10

“We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious… for sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is contrary to sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:9–10).

This list again classifies same-sex conduct among other activities that contradict Scriptural moral teaching and sound doctrine.

IV. The Absence of Same-Sex Unions in Scripture

1. No Precedent for Gay Marriage

The Bible consistently portrays marriage as between a man and a woman and never introduces a same-sex union as equal to marriage. Every marriage example—Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and so forth—reflects the union of male and female as the normative pattern.

2. Early Church and Jewish Tradition

Historical and cultural records from early Judaism and the early Church show no acceptance of same-sex marriage. Where same-sex practice appeared in ancient cultures, the biblical and subsequent early Christian writings did not adapt the concept as permissible.

3. Consistency of Scriptural Teaching

From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible’s statements on sexual ethics are cohesive in affirming heterosexual monogamy as God’s intent, never suggesting an alternative pattern for marriage.

V. Theological Considerations and Pastoral Perspectives

1. Redemptive Themes

Scripture’s emphasis on the power of grace (Romans 5:20) applies to all people. Passages addressing homosexual acts (1 Corinthians 6:9–11) often highlight the transformative work of Christ—His atoning grace offers evidence that any sin, including sexual sin, is forgiven through repentance and faith in Him.

2. Christ’s Compassionate Ministry

While Scripture upholds heterosexual marriage, it also demonstrates Christ’s compassion toward individuals of all walks of life. Jesus ministered to individuals considered outcasts and sinners, guiding them toward repentance. This serves as a model for believers to show love and respect to everyone, even while affirming biblical morality.

3. Call to Holiness

The biblical narrative regularly calls God’s people to “be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Therefore, believers interpret marriage and all other life aspects—sexuality, service, worship—through the lens of imitating God’s holiness and honoring His commands.

4. Pastoral Care

Though the Bible’s stance does not endorse same-sex marriage, pastoral care involves empathetic listening and guidance, upholding love, and truth together. Believers are urged to maintain fidelity to Scripture’s teachings on marriage and sexuality while caring for individuals with genuine compassion and respect.

VI. Summary and Conclusion

In measured review of relevant passages and themes, the Bible consistently affirms marriage as a covenantal union between one man and one woman, beginning in Genesis and reiterated by Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Attempts to find biblical support for same-sex marriage point to no direct precedent in the text. Instead, the biblical guidelines on human sexuality uphold male-female relationships in the confines of marriage and portray same-sex acts as outside God’s established design.

Although many cultures today debate or affirm legal, psychological, or social grounds for same-sex marriage, from a strictly biblical perspective, drawing upon both Old and New Testament teaching, there is no endorsement of gay marriage. Yet, alongside this stance stands the biblical call to grace and compassion, with every individual invited to repentance and acceptance of Christ’s redemptive work. This enduring message of hope and reconciliation accompanies the clear scriptural definition of marriage as designed by God.