The Bible contains several verses that address the topic of homosexuality, particularly the prohibition against same-sex relations. These verses are found in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the traditional biblical perspective on this issue. Below are key passages from various books of the Bible that speak directly to the subject.
7 Bible Verses About Man Shall Not Lay with Man
1. Leviticus 18:22
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
This verse from Leviticus is one of the most direct and explicit condemnations of homosexual behavior in the Bible. It is part of a larger section that details various sexual prohibitions meant to guide the Israelites in maintaining moral purity.
2. Leviticus 20:13
“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.”
Leviticus 20:13 reiterates the prohibition found in Leviticus 18:22 but adds the severe punishment that was prescribed under the Mosaic Law for those who violated this commandment.
3. Romans 1:26-28
“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, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of same-sex relations in his letter to the Romans. He describes these actions as contrary to God’s natural design and speaks of the consequences that follow such behavior.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:9
“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,”
Paul again speaks on the topic in 1 Corinthians, listing those who engage in homosexual behavior among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. This verse is part of a broader admonition against various sinful practices.
5. Romans 1:27
“And the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
This verse reinforces the message found earlier in Romans 1:26-28, emphasizing the unnaturalness of same-sex relations and the resulting consequences.
6. 1 Timothy 1:10
“The sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,”
In his letter to Timothy, Paul includes homosexual behavior in a list of actions that are contrary to sound doctrine, further highlighting the biblical stance on this issue.
7. Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
While this verse does not directly address homosexuality, it is often cited in discussions on the biblical view of marriage. It establishes the foundational principle of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, which underlies the Bible’s prohibition against same-sex relations.
Conclusion
These verses collectively form the basis for the traditional Christian view on homosexuality. They reflect a consistent message throughout both the Old and New Testaments that same-sex relations are considered contrary to God’s design for human sexuality. This perspective has been a central tenet of Christian teachings on morality and continues to inform many believers’ understanding of biblical ethics.