The term "homosexual" refers to individuals who experience sexual attraction to members of their own sex. In the context of the Bible, discussions surrounding homosexuality often focus on specific passages that address same-sex relations and the moral teachings associated with them.

Old Testament References

1. Genesis 19:1-11: The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is frequently cited in discussions of homosexuality. The men of Sodom sought to engage in sexual relations with Lot's male visitors, leading to the city's destruction. This narrative is often interpreted as a condemnation of homosexual acts, though some argue it primarily addresses issues of hospitality and violence.

2. Leviticus 18:22: "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." This verse is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines various laws for the Israelites. It explicitly prohibits male same-sex relations, labeling them as detestable.

3. Leviticus 20:13: "If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." This passage reiterates the prohibition found in Leviticus 18:22 and prescribes a severe penalty for such acts.

New Testament References

1. Romans 1:26-27: "For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men 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." The Apostle Paul describes same-sex relations as contrary to nature and a result of turning away from God.

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." Paul includes those who engage in homosexual acts in a list of behaviors that are inconsistent with inheriting God's kingdom.

3. 1 Timothy 1:9-10: "We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching." This passage categorizes homosexual acts among various sins that are contrary to sound doctrine.

Theological and Ethical Considerations

Throughout history, the interpretation of these passages has been a subject of significant debate. Traditional readings maintain that the Bible clearly prohibits homosexual behavior, viewing it as inconsistent with God's design for human sexuality, which is intended to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.

The biblical texts are often understood to emphasize the importance of sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. The creation narrative in Genesis 1-2 is frequently cited to support the view that heterosexual marriage is the divine ideal, as it reflects the complementary nature of male and female.

In contemporary discussions, some argue for a more nuanced understanding of the biblical texts, considering historical and cultural contexts. However, traditional interpretations continue to hold significant influence within many Christian communities, which uphold the belief that homosexual acts are incompatible with biblical teachings on sexuality.1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.
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1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.
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Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
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Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
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Romans 1:26-27
For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
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Romans 5:8
But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
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2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be on them.
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1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know you 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,
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1 Timothy 1:10
For fornicators, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for enslavers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
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Genesis 19:1-38
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
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733. arsenokoites -- a sodomite
... homosexual From arrhen and koite; a sodomite -- abuser of (that defile) self with
mankind. see GREEK arrhen. see GREEK koite. (arsenokoitai) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/733.htm - 6kHomosexual (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Homosexual (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 6:9 Or don't
you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? ...
/h/homosexual.htm - 6k

Queen (59 Occurrences)
... chessmen. 6. (n.) A playing card bearing the picture of a queen; as, the
queen of spades. 7. (n.) A male homosexual, esp. one who ...
/q/queen.htm - 44k

Homosexuals (2 Occurrences)

/h/homosexuals.htm - 7k

Homo

/h/homo.htm - 7k

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