The Bible does not directly address the topic of hermaphroditism, as this medical condition was not understood in biblical times. However, we can gain some insights about how God views intersex people by examining relevant biblical principles.
God creates people with diverse bodies
The Bible teaches that God intentionally created human beings with physical variety. For example, Jeremiah 1:5 states that God formed each person and knew them before birth. Psalm 139:13-14 says that God knits each person together in the womb. This indicates that God purposefully makes each individual with unique physical attributes.
Intersex conditions like hermaphroditism are part of the diversity of human bodies God creates. Although considered abnormalities by human standards, they are part of God’s sovereign design. The presence of intermediate or atypical sex anatomies reflects the complexity of human development, not divine mistakes.
Gender and sex are complex topics in Scripture
Biblical authors recognized only two sexes, male and female, as indicated by numerous binary references (Genesis 1:27). However, gender and sex were more fluid in the ancient world than often assumed.
For example, the Hebrew word “ebed” meaning servant or slave was applicable to females as well as males. Jesus refers to “eunuchs” in a positive way, suggesting acceptance of sexual minorities (Matthew 19:12).
In addition, the creation story implies a spectrum between male and female. Genesis 1:27 states: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” The Hebrew words used here for male (zakar) and female (neqebah) describe a scale, not just two discrete options.
This indicates that biblical authors recognized diversity in sex and gender that challenges rigid binary perspectives.
Outward appearance does not determine a person’s value
The Bible consistently affirms the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings regardless of physical condition. Outward appearance and social status did not determine someone’s value in God’s eyes.
For instance, David was chosen as king despite being the youngest son (1 Samuel 16:7). Jesus ministered to lepers and other societal outcasts the religious elites shunned (Luke 5:12-14). The apostle Paul taught that human worth is not based on external qualities like race, social position or physical traits (Galatians 3:28).
This biblical principle would apply to intersex individuals as well. Their value and identity derive from being made in God’s image, not their atypical anatomies.
Compassion is the appropriate response to conditions we don’t understand
There are many physical conditions mentioned in the Bible that lack explanation and would today be called disabilities or disorders. For example, the “woman with an issue of blood” who touched Jesus’ garment, seeking healing after suffering for 12 years with constant menstrual bleeding (Luke 8:43-48).
Jesus responded to her and others with physical aberrations, birth defects or chronic illnesses with love and compassion, not judgement or revulsion. He focused on the person, not just their condition.
This models an appropriate posture towards intersex individuals. Rather than reacting with confusion, ignorance or disgust, believers should respond with Christlike care and dignity.
God calls the church to embrace and support the vulnerable
Scripture instructs God’s people to actively care for the vulnerable and marginalized within their communities.
God’s law compelled the Israelites to show concern for foreigners, orphans, widows, the blind, the deaf and the physically disabled (Leviticus 19:14, 33-34). The psalmists describe God as protecting the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3-4).
The epistles instruct the church to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). James defines true religion as caring for “orphans and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27).
Given the social stigmatization intersex people often experience, the church should embrace its calling to provide spiritual, emotional and practical support.
Ethical treatment should guide medical decisions
Most intersex conditions do not significantly impact health. However, some create risks requiring medical care. Certain congenital adrenal hyperplasias put infants at risk of life-threatening salt loss. Androgen insensitivity syndrome increases chances of undescended testes prone to malignancy.
When medical intervention is recommended for an intersex child, parents must navigate complicated decisions. Surgery may reduce health risks but has problematic historical outcomes, including loss of sexual function or fertility.
Biblical wisdom emphasizes acting with love, seeking wisdom, prioritizing consent, and avoiding harm (Philippians 2:3-4; Proverbs 1:7, 3:5-6). believers should thoughtfully weigh medical options, consider the child’s future autonomy, and treat the child as they would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
Moral considerations apply to some intersex traits
A small percentage of intersex conditions involve anatomy prone to virilization at puberty, such as 5-alphareductase deficiency. Individuals with this condition may develop more masculine features during adolescence despite being raised female.
While gender identity usually still aligns with upbringing, occasionally it shifts at puberty. If so, transgender moral considerations may apply regarding cross-dressing, surgery to reinforce gender identity, marrying someone of the same birth sex, etc.
However, even in these exceptional cases, believers must show empathy, recognize complexity, and rely on biblical principles of love, grace and humility (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:2). Categorically condemning those faced with difficult gender questions violates the compassion modeled by Jesus.
Marriage considerations for some intersex people
Most intersex people identify as either male or female. However, some with conditions like partial androgen insensitivity have ambiguous identities not fitting cleanly into either category.
This poses challenges regarding marriage for Christians affirming sex distinctions. If an intersex individual sees themselves as neither male nor female, traditional marital gender roles may prove uncomfortable.
However, ostracizing intersex believers who long for marriage seems unnecessarily cruel. Christians need wisdom to graciously hold theological convictions while also extending empathy and care in navigating intimate relationships (Ephesians 4:15).
Eternal identity will reflect God’s purposes
For intersex Christians, living in an atypical body can be difficult. Navigating a condition few understand often feels lonely and confusing.
However, Scripture offers hope. Believers look forward to resurrection when imperfect bodies will be redeemed. God promises to ultimately fulfill his good purposes for each individual he fearfully and wonderfully created (Philippians 1:6, Psalm 139:14).
In Christ, the intricate details of one’s earthly body will not matter. Glorified bodies will perfectly reflect a redeemed identity and God’s intentions (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
Until then, compassionate Christians can provide intersex individuals with needed support and community.