Homosexuality in the New Testament

Since 1980, scholars have debated the translation and modern relevance of New Testament texts on homosexuality. Three distinct passages (Romans 1:26–27, 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (repeated in 1 Timothy 1:9–10) and Jude 1:7) have been taken to condemn same-sex intercourse, but each passage remains contested. Whether these passages refer to homosexuality hinges on whether the social context limits the references to a more specific form: they may prohibit male pederasty or prostitution rather than homosexuality per se, while other scholars hold the position that these passages forbid sex between men in general. Another debate concerns the translation of key terms: arsenokoitēs (ἀρσενοκοίτης), malakos (μαλακός), and porneia (πορνεία). Meanwhile, other passages in the New Testament, such as the Ethiopian Eunuch, the Centurion's Servant, and Jesus's teaching on divorce, may or may not refer to homosexuality.