The Bible does not explicitly mention the term “gay marriage,” as it is a modern concept. However, the Bible does address the topics of homosexuality, marriage, and sexuality in ways that have implications for the debate around gay marriage.
Biblical passages on homosexuality
There are several passages in the Old and New Testament that directly mention and condemn homosexual behavior:
- Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (ESV)
- Leviticus 20:13 – “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.” (ESV)
- Romans 1:26-27 – “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.” (ESV)
- 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.” (ESV)
- 1 Timothy 1:9-10 – “Knowing this: that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” (ESV)
These verses indicate that the Bible condemns homosexual relations between people of the same sex. This forms a basis for many Christians to oppose gay marriage.
Biblical passages on marriage
The Bible also contains many passages that discuss the concept, purpose, and sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman:
- Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (ESV)
- Matthew 19:4-6 – “He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,’ and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (ESV)
- Ephesians 5:31-32 – “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” (ESV)
- Hebrews 13:4 – “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (ESV)
These and other verses point to God’s design for marriage being between one man and one woman. This is seen by many Christians as excluding gay marriage.
Different Christian views on gay marriage
There are divergent views among Christians on what the Bible teaches regarding homosexuality and same-sex marriage:
- Traditional/Conservative View – The traditional view held by most evangelical and historically orthodox Christians is that the Bible clearly prohibits homosexual relations. As a result, gay marriage is seen as incompatible with God’s design for sexuality and marriage revealed in Scripture.
- Revisionist/Progressive View – Some progressive Christian scholars argue that the Biblical passages on homosexuality are misunderstood or refer to specific contexts such as temple prostitution. They do not believe the Bible totally prohibits committed, monogamous same-sex relationships. As a result, they support gay marriage.
- Undecided View – Other Christians acknowledge that the Bible speaks against homosexual activity but are unsure if this completely precludes gay marriage. They continue to study Scripture and consider how to apply biblical principles to modern questions of sexuality and marriage.
There is significant debate within the church on how to interpret what the Bible says about homosexuality and apply it to gay marriage.
Issues impacting the debate on gay marriage
There are several important considerations that shape how Christians think about the issue of gay marriage:
- Authority of Scripture – A key question is whether the Biblical texts should be taken as authoritative for Christian belief and practice today, or if their commands can be viewed as culturally-bound and able to be adapted.
- Church Tradition – Most Christian churches throughout history have viewed homosexual behavior as sinful based on Scripture. Those advocating for gay marriage are seen by some as rejecting orthodox Christian teaching on sexuality and marriage.
- Science of Sexuality – Scientific research into sexual orientation is seen by some as demonstrating that homosexuality is an innate orientation, not a willful choice or lifestyle that can be changed.
- Justice – Some Christians advocating for gay marriage view it primarily as an issue of social justice and equality. They believe Christians should uphold equal rights for gays and lesbians to marry.
- Religious Freedom – There are debates around whether legal gay marriage infringes on the religious freedom of those who morally object to it based on their biblical beliefs.
These kinds of factors shape how Christians wrestle with applying the Bible’s teachings to their stance on contemporary gay marriage.
Overview of key biblical principles related to marriage
While the Bible does not directly address gay marriage, it does lay out some principles about marriage that inform the discussion:
- Marriage was designed by God to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24).
- Sexual relations are proper only within the marriage relationship between a husband and wife (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).
- Marriage is meant to reflect the mystical union between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).
- God’s people should not marry unbelievers or non-Christians (2 Corinthians 6:14).
- Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled (Hebrews 13:4).
- God’s standards for sexuality and marriage are grounded in His holy nature and design for human flourishing (Leviticus 20:7-8).
While these principles do not explicitly forbid or permit gay marriage, they establish foundational biblical beliefs about marriage that shape the debate.
Implications regarding gay marriage
Given the totality of Scripture, many derive the following implications regarding gay marriage:
- Marriage is intended to be between one man and one woman, not two people of the same sex.
- Homosexual activity falls short of God’s standards for human sexual behavior.
- Same-sex romantic partnerships should not be given equal status as a marriage between a man and woman.
- Society’s laws about marriage should reflect the creational design of male-female marriage established by God.
- The legalization of gay marriage may lead to infringement upon religious liberty and freedom of conscience.
However, Christians differ greatly in how to apply the principles of Scripture to public policy on marriage. Faithful believers can thoughtfully disagree on some aspects of this complex issue while upholding biblical authority.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible clearly teaches that homosexual behavior is sinful and not aligned with God’s design for human sexuality and relationships. Marriage in Scripture is portrayed as a union between a man and a woman. However, the Bible does not directly address the modern concept of gay marriage. Christians differ in their views of how biblical principles should be applied to form perspectives on this contemporary issue. Yet all Christians should seek to interact with grace, truth and love when discussing marriage and sexuality.