Was "homosexual" a mistranslation in the Bible?

Fall Sin

TL;DR:

The claim that “homosexual” is a mistranslation misunderstands how Bible translation works—modern terms are used to accurately convey the original Greek meaning. The Bible consistently describes homosexuality as a sin, while also offering grace and forgiveness to all who turn to Christ.

what does the bible say?

The claim that “homosexual” is a mistranslation of the Bible misunderstands how translation works, as modern terms are used to faithfully convey the meaning of ancient Greek words (1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10). In these passages, Paul uses the word arsenokoitai, which reflects the same prohibition of same-sex sexual behavior found in the Old Testament law (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). This demonstrates a clear continuity across Scripture, where both the Old and New Testaments consistently affirm God’s design for sexual relationships within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). While some debate the wording of English translations, the underlying meaning of the original text remains consistent and unchanged (Romans 1:26–27). At the same time, the Bible does not present this sin as uniquely unforgivable; rather, all sin separates humanity from God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Revelation 21:8). The gospel offers real hope, declaring that those who turn to Christ can be washed, sanctified, and justified regardless of their past (1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 5:9). While this is a sensitive subject in our culture, believers can hold firmly to truth while extending compassion, remembering that God’s grace is available to all who repent and believe (Romans 3:10–18).

from the old testament

God established sexual activity as being between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Since everything that deviates from His design is sinful, deviating from sex within a heterosexual marriage is sinful.
This is why, when God gave the Israelites the Mosaic Law, He defined what constituted improper relationships, including same-sex relationships. He said, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22) and “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them” (Leviticus 20:13).

from the new testament

Paul condemned various sins in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or 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, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Likewise, 1 Timothy 1:9–11 states, “the law is … for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.”
When Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10, he used the Greek word arsenokoitai. That word is not found elsewhere before the New Testament, so he may have coined it. It seems to combine arsen (“male”) and koite, words found in the Greek translation of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. In the Corinthians passage, Paul also uses malakoi, which is sometimes translated as “effeminate” (NASB) to make sense of its meaning of “soft” in the context of arsenokoitai. Some scholars believe it may refer to the more passive sexual role in a same-sex male relationship, i.e., malakoi and arsenokoitai refer to two men in such a relationship. Some translations, such as the ESV’s, combine both into the more general “men who practice homosexuality” statement.
In these examples, the ESV translates arsenokoitai as “men who practice homosexuality.” In modern English, that means someone who has sex with someone of the same sex. That meaning underlies the Leviticus passages (cf. Romans 1:26–27, which includes women engaging in same-sex relationships), so using “homosexual” for these New Testament passages accurately represents Paul’s meaning.
Homosexuality is a sin, but it can be forgiven. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul added, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” God’s grace is available to everyone regardless of his or her past sins!

implications for today

Many people who challenge the translation ‘homosexual’ in modern English Bibles do so because they want to affirm homosexuality. The conflict exists because society wishes to promote homosexuality as a natural part of human experience and then reconcile that view with Scripture. However, Scripture is clear that from the very beginning, God designed sexual relationships to be between one man and one woman in the context of marriage (Genesis 2:24). The deviation from that design is the result of the fall and our rebellion against God. One expression of that rebellion is same-sex sexual relationships. It’s both a way to thumb our noses at God and God’s punishment for our rejection of Him (Romans 1:26–27).

But homosexuality is not an unforgiveable sin. For instance, Scripture lists sexual immorality along with lying as sins of those who will not enter heaven (i.e., Revelation 21:8). Why is that? Because entry into heaven is not about “not being gay;” it’s about acknowledging that we are all sinners (Romans 3:10–18) and about trusting in Jesus’ perfect life as the only escape from God’s wrath against sin (Romans 5:9). Paul reminded believers of his day that some of them had formerly practiced homosexuality, but that in Christ they had been forgiven and cleansed (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

If you are reading this today and struggle with same-sex attraction, this does not have to define you. Jesus forgives all sins. Even after we are saved, we must continue to fight sins like these, putting to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13). As we do so, we grow more and more like Christ, knowing that one day, we will finally be set free of all sins when we see Him (1 John 3:2).

understand

The claim that “homosexual” is a mistranslation misunderstands how translation works.
The Greek word arsenokoitai used by Paul reflects the same prohibition of same-sex sexuality already found in the Old Testament law, which is referred to as "homosexuality" in modern English.
God designed sexual relationships to be experienced and enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman.

reflect

How does understanding the connection between the Old Testament law and the New Testament teaching help you see the Bible’s sexual ethics more clearly?
How does remembering that the gospel offers forgiveness for every sin define the way you think about difficult moral issues addressed in Scripture?
How do you show compassion toward those who struggle with sin without affirming their sin?

engage

Why is it important to study the original languages and historical context of Scripture when evaluating claims about mistranslations in the Bible?
How should Christians respond when cultural arguments challenge long-standing interpretations of biblical moral teaching?
What principles should guide believers as they explain biblical teaching on sexuality in a culture that increasingly rejects those standards?

More Resources

Sexuality

Is homosexuality a sin?

The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin because it departs from God’s design for marriage and sexuality, but it is not a sin beyond the reach of His grace. Like all sin, it calls for repentance and surrender to Christ, who offers new life, identity, and hope to everyone willing to follow Him.

How does the Bible describe what is honorable and permissible in marital intimacy? What does the Bible say about sex once married?

The Bible affirms marital intimacy as a good and honorable gift from God, designed by Him for both procreation and deep relational bonding. Within marriage, what is sexually permissible can be discerned by asking whether it is loving, consensual, honors the one-flesh union, and aligns with God's design for purity and mutual respect.

Sexuality

Are homosexual feelings sinful? Is homosexual / same-sex attraction a sin?

The Bible teaches that homosexual attraction is a result of humanity's fallen nature and is not part of God's original design for sexuality. While temptation itself is not sin, choosing to embrace, dwell on, or act upon same-sex attraction is considered sinful according to Scripture.

Theology

Will God still forgive you if you keep committing the same sin?

God’s forgiveness of truly repentant sinners is unlimited. But those who lead a lifestyle of sin should examine themselves as they are not reflecting the fruits of the Spirit.