Brett A. Todd
It has been said from time to time that the word “homosexual” is used in the Bible or at least it should be used. This is not exactly correct. For one thing, as already mentioned, the word homosexual is never used in the original languages of the Bible. So when translating these ancient languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek) into English, one has to be certain the English word is equivalent to the meaning of the word translated. Here lies the problem, there is no ancient word in the Bible that is equivalent to the word, homosexual, as we know the word today.
Nevertheless, some have referred to 1 Corinthians 6:9 to boost their argument that in Romans 1:26-27, Paul was talking about homosexuality as we know it today. This is how this Corinthian verse reads, “Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites…” Here, unfortunately, some zealous Bible translators have done just that, they translated the Greek word “ἀρσενοκοῖται” (arsenokoitai) as homosexuals or sodomites. Both of these translations are incorrect, and yes, distorted.
There is not a whole lot we can know about this Greek word. It is a very rare word and is only used twice in the New Testament, here in 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10. Because of this rarity, translating “ἀρσενοκοῖται” (arsenokoitai) as homosexuals or sodomites is only a bias or naive guess. However, there is a possibility this word refers to a “male bed partner” describing the male abuser who penetrates a passive male, who is a slave or prostitute “μαλακοὶ”. But again, we don’t have enough information to be certain. At this point in New Testament studies, simply and honestly, until we learn more and can decipher the meaning of this word, it is best to translate it as “male illicit sex”.
Something to keep in mind, during Paul’s time, for a Roman male citizen, it was okay to have sexual relations with another male as long as this other person was not a male Roman citizen and as long as the Roman citizen male was not the receptive person in the sex act. The male Roman citizen could do anything he wanted sexually to his slaves or to someone who was not a Roman citizen as long as he didn’t take on the role of a woman. To do this would be completely reprehensible for any real man. This might be a touchstone in understanding Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians as well as Romans 1:26-27.
Either way, neither 1 Corinthians 6:9 nor Romans 1:26-27 refers to a committed relationship between two adult men or two adult women, nor does it refer to one’s sexual identity or orientation. Rather, both Scriptures do describe abusive and exploitative relationships.
From here, we will move on to some lighter topics. Next, we will talk about the circular patterns you find in the stories of the Bible.
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