The word “homosexual” was first used in Bible translations in 1946 when it appeared in the Revised Standard Version. This has led some to claim that the word was an incorrect or ideological translation choice. However, an examination of the original Hebrew and Greek texts shows that while the specific word “homosexual” was not used, the concepts and behaviors it refers to are indeed found in Scripture.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew words zakar and mishkav zakar refer to males having sexual relations with other males. This is evident in verses like Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, which say, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” The prohibition against men lying with men is clear, even if the English word “homosexual” is not present. The New Testament contains similar prohibitions, using the Greek words arsenokoitai and malakos in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 to condemn sexual immorality, including adult males taking other males as sexual partners.
While the 1946 RSV may have been the first major translation to use the word “homosexual,” the concept is not new to Scripture. The ancient Hebrew and Greek vocabulary condemns sexual acts between males even if the specific word “homosexual” is of more recent vintage. The RSV translators were not inventing a new interpretation, but applying a modern term to describe an activity the Bible had already declared sinful for centuries prior. Far from being a mistranslation or ideological interpretation, the introduction of the word “homosexual” simply brought the English terminology up to date with the clear teachings found throughout Scripture.
Some important verses to understand regarding homosexuality and the Bible include:
- Genesis 1:27 – God created man and woman in His image according to His design and purpose.
- Genesis 2:24 – The complementary nature of the union between man and woman.
- Leviticus 18:22 – The prohibition against sexual relations between males.
- Leviticus 20:13 – Male same-sex relations punishable by death.
- Romans 1:26-27 – Unnatural relations between women and between men called shameful.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Homosexual offenders among those who will not inherit the kingdom.
- 1 Timothy 1:9-10 – The law condemns sexual immorality, including that between men.
While the specific word “homosexual” may not appear in ancient manuscripts, the behavior it describes is clearly condemned in both the Old and New Testament. The addition of the word “homosexual” in the 1946 RSV translation is therefore not a mistranslation or ideological interpretation. It accurately reflects prohibitions against sexual relations between males that have been part of Scripture from the beginning.
Some key points regarding homosexuality and mistranslation claims include:
- The word “homosexual” first appeared in the 1946 RSV translation.
- Earlier Hebrew and Greek terms clearly prohibit sexual relations between males.
- The RSV built on earlier prohibitions, not new interpretations.
- The word “homosexual” brought English up to date with ancient teaching.
- Claims of ideological mistranslation lack evidence.
While modern terminology evolves, the essential biblical teaching remains the same – sexual relations between males are declared to be sinful and against God’s design for human sexuality. The introduction of the word “homosexual” in 1946 did not alter this view, but simply applied a contemporary term for an activity the Bible had already declared immoral and sinful from ancient times.
Examining the Hebrew and Greek Texts
To fully answer claims of mistranslation, we must look carefully at the wording of the original Hebrew and Greek texts that deal with same-sex sexual relations between males:
Old Testament Hebrew Terminology
There are two primary Hebrew terms relevant to this discussion:
- Zakar – Meaning “male” or “man.” Often used euphemistically to represent a specifically male body part. Frequently paired with “mishkav” meaning “bed” or “lying down.”
- Mishkav zakar – Literal meaning “lying of/with a male.” Used to describe male-with-male penetrative intercourse. Appears in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
These terms make it clear that the Old Testament prohibits sexual relations between males, even if the specific word “homosexual” is not used. The activity is condemned in passages like Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” The Hebrew words leave no room for doubt that Scripture opposes all sexual relations between males.
New Testament Greek Terminology
The New Testament employs different yet similarly explicit terminology:
- Arsenokoitai – Compound word meaning “male-bedders” or men who take other males to bed. Appears in 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10.
- Malakos – Meaning “soft, effeminate,” often used to describe the passive partner in a male homosexual relationship. Appears in 1 Corinthians 6:9.
As in the Hebrew texts, these Greek terms clearly prohibit sexual activity between men. 1 Corinthians 6:9 states that “neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy…will inherit the kingdom of God.” Once again, the behavior being condemned is clear regardless of the English word used.
The evidence shows that Scripture’s opposition to same-sex relations between males is based on the actual text, not on the introduction of the word “homosexual” in English translations. Claims that the 1946 RSV translation involved mistranslation or ideological interpretation do not hold up under scrutiny. The Hebrew and Greek terminology makes the biblical teaching clear, with or without the word “homosexual.”
Translation History and Use of “Homosexual”
Understanding how the word “homosexual” entered the English biblical translation tradition helps explain further why its use does not constitute mistranslation or misinterpretation:
- Pre-1946 – No English translations used the word “homosexual.” However, some used phrases like “abusers of themselves with mankind” (KJV) to describe the behavior condemned in verses like 1 Corinthians 6:9.
- 1946 RSV – First major translation to use “homosexual.” Built on the work of earlier scholarship regarding the Hebrew and Greek terms and contexts.
- Post-1946 – Most major English translations now use “homosexual” in relevant passages. Not out of ideology, but linguistic updating.
This translation history shows English versions were updated to use contemporary terminology. But the underlying teaching of Scripture remained unchanged across different translations and eras. The RSV’s introduction of “homosexual” simply brought the English wording into alignment with what the ancient text had communicated for centuries prior.
Some key takeaways regarding word choices:
- No new interpretation was introduced in 1946.
- “Homosexual” updated English to match ancient meaning.
- Ideological claims about mistranslation lack solid basis.
- Scripture prohibited male-male relations long before 1946.
Modern English speakers would have a difficult time understanding archaic phrases like “abusers of themselves with mankind.” Thus, the use of “homosexual” communicates to contemporary readers the same truths found in the historic biblical texts. The English vocabulary was updated, but the underlying teaching remained untouched.
Addressing Claims of Mistranslation
Some individuals and groups opposed to the biblical teaching make claims of mistranslation regarding the word “homosexual.” However, these claims do not stand up to rigorous factual and linguistic analysis:
- Ideological bias – Critics often have a personal or social agenda that motivates rejection of biblical morality regarding homosexuality.
- Word study – As shown above, careful examination of Hebrew and Greek terms decisively proves the anti-homosexuality teaching predates 1946.
- Translation history – “Homosexual” built on centuries of translation work, not a new interpretation. Use of the word developed naturally, not ideologically.
- Church teaching – Historic biblical interpretation condemned same-sex relations long before 1946. Nothing changed due to the RSV’s translation choice.
Essentially, critics make an unfounded assumption that inclusion of the word “homosexual” altered the meaning of Scripture, when in fact the text has always prohibited such behavior beginning in ancient times. The claims of ideological mistranslation lack substantive evidence and appear motivated by a desire to deny or avoid the biblical teaching itself.
Some final points regarding claims of mistranslation include:
- Critics often have an agenda that rejects biblical sexual ethics.
- Hebrew and Greek terms clearly prohibit same-sex relations between males.
- Translation history shows no ideological change or new interpretation.
- The church has consistently interpreted Scripture as condemning homosexuality.
In conclusion, the introduction of the word “homosexual” into the RSV translation in 1946 did not represent an ideological change or mistranslation of Scripture. Careful examination shows that biblical condemnation of same-sex relations has been present from ancient times based on the Hebrew and Greek vocabulary. English translators introduced “homosexual” simply to communicate this ancient teaching more clearly to modern readers. Claims that use of the word altered the historic biblical stance lack concrete evidence and crumble under rigorous factual analysis.