Sodomy, often associated with sexual immorality, is addressed in the Bible as a practice contrary to God’s design for human sexuality. Verses on sodomy offer insights into God’s perspective on sexual purity and the importance of honoring His created order. Let’s explore these verses with sensitivity and discernment, seeking understanding and guidance on this complex topic.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Cursing Others
Bible Verses About Sodomy
Genesis 19:1-11
“The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. … The men of Sodom surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter. They called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.'”
This passage describes the wickedness of the city of Sodom and the sinful desires of the men who lived there. The men of Sodom were so consumed by their lust that they sought to engage in homosexual acts with the male visitors to Lot’s house. This verse serves as a warning against the sin of sodomy and highlights the depravity that can result from the rejection of God’s laws and the pursuit of sinful desires.
Leviticus 18:22
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
This verse clearly states that homosexual acts are prohibited and considered an abomination in the eyes of God. It emphasizes the importance of sexual purity within the bounds of heterosexual marriage and affirms the biblical definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
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.”
This verse reiterates the severity of the sin of sodomy. It not only states that such acts are an abomination but also prescribes the punishment of death for those who engage in them. While this verse reflects the specific laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, it underscores the seriousness with which God regards sexual immorality and the need for repentance and forgiveness.
Romans 1:26-27
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul describes how the rejection of God and His truth leads to a downward spiral of sinful behavior. Homosexual acts are highlighted as a consequence of people exchanging natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. The text emphasizes the gravity of such acts and the repercussions that follow.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Here, the Apostle Paul lists various sinful behaviors, including men who have sex with men, and states that those who engage in them will not inherit the kingdom of God. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of sexual immorality, including homosexuality, and the need for repentance and transformation through Christ.
1 Timothy 1:9-10
“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
In this verse, Paul states that the law is established for the purpose of revealing and restraining sinful behavior. He includes homosexuality as one of the sins that is contrary to sound doctrine. The verse serves as a reminder that God’s laws have moral significance and provide guidance for righteous living.
Jude 1:7
“In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.”
This verse references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as a result of their sexual immorality and perversion. It warns that those who engage in such acts will face the punishment of eternal fire. The verse underscores the seriousness of sexual immorality, including sodomy, and highlights the consequences that await those who do not repent.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse affirms the inherent value and purpose of every human life. It reminds us that God is the creator of life and has designed each individual with intentionality. This includes their biological sex and the complimentary nature of male and female. It serves as a reminder of the divine design and reinforces the importance of cherishing and respecting the sanctity of life.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse establishes the foundational truth of human identity as being created in the image of God. It emphasizes the binary nature of gender, that God created male and female. This verse serves as a reminder that our identity and purpose are rooted in God’s design, and it provides a framework for understanding the sanctity of sexual relationships within the bounds of marriage.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse offers hope and encouragement for those struggling with sexual temptations, including same-sex attraction. It acknowledges the universal nature of temptation yet reassures believers that God is faithful and will not allow them to be overwhelmed by temptation. It points to the provision of a way out, which may include seeking God, relying on His strength, and finding support within the Christian community.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse calls believers to put to death their sinful desires and behaviors, including sexual immorality. It emphasizes the need to reject and forsake any sexual activity that violates God’s design. The verse underscores the transformative power of the Gospel in enabling individuals to overcome sin and pursue lives of holiness.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse describes the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is evidenced in the lives of believers. It includes qualities such as love, kindness, and self-control. These virtues are to be cultivated and expressed in all aspects of life, including our sexuality. The verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our desires and behaviors with the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.
Ephesians 5:3
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
Here, believers are called to live a life of holiness, with no hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed. It exemplifies the standard of purity that Christians are called to uphold and the need to resist and reject any behavior that deviates from God’s holy standards.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse highlights the equality and unity of believers in Christ. It teaches that our identities are not to be defined by our gender or any other distinction but by our union with Christ. While emphasizing unity, this verse does not negate or blur the distinctions between male and female, but rather emphasizes the equal value and worth of all believers in Christ.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
This verse affirms the biblical model of sexual relations within the context of marriage between one man and one woman. It establishes the importance of sexual purity and fidelity within the marriage relationship and reminds believers of the importance of honoring and cherishing the marital bond.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Here, marriage is elevated as sacred and deserving of honor and purity. The verse warns against adultery and sexual immorality, emphasizing that God will judge those who engage in such behavior. It reinforces the sanctity of marriage and the importance of upholding God’s design for sexuality.
Matthew 19:4-6
“‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.'”
This passage features Jesus affirming the divine design for marriage as the union between one man and one woman. It reflects back to the creation account and emphasizes the complementary nature of male and female. The verse underscores the permanence and sacredness of marriage and serves as a foundation for understanding God’s intent for sexual relationships.
Mark 10:6-9
“‘But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.'”
Similar to the previous verse, this passage quotes Jesus as He reiterates the divine intention for marriage as the union between one man and one woman. It emphasizes the unity and inseparable nature of the marital bond. The verse reaffirms the permanence of marriage and the importance of honoring God’s design.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse addresses husbands, calling them to treat their wives with respect and consideration. It acknowledges the role of husbands as leaders in the family and emphasizes the need for them to cherish their wives as equal partners. The verse reminds husbands of the responsibility to honor and value their wives and serves as a practical instruction for healthy, God-honoring relationships.
Proverbs 5:15-20
“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This passage offers wisdom regarding marital fidelity and the importance of sexual satisfaction within the bounds of marriage. It encourages spouses to find joy and fulfillment in each other and cautions against seeking sexual gratification outside of the marriage relationship. The verse underscores the beauty and exclusivity of marital love and the blessings it brings.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and self-control. It underscores God’s desire for believers to be sanctified and to avoid all forms of sexual immorality, including sodomy. The verse serves as a reminder of our responsibility to honor God with our bodies and to align our desires and behaviors with His holy standards.
2 Peter 2:4-6
“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly…”
This passage references the judgment of God upon the fallen angels, the wicked people in the ancient world during the time of Noah, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. It serves as a sobering reminder of God’s judgment upon those who engage in sinful behavior, including the sin of sodomy. The verse underscores the importance of repentance and the fear of the Lord in light of His righteous judgment.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
In this verse, a list of various sinful behaviors, including sexual immorality, is presented. It states that those who engage in such actions will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur, which symbolizes eternal punishment. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of sexual immorality, including sodomy, and underscores the need for repentance and salvation through Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Sodomy?
In the Bible, the term “sodomy” is often associated with the city of Sodom, which was destroyed by God due to its wickedness, including the practice of homosexuality and sexual immorality (Genesis 19).
The New Testament also addresses the issue of same-sex relations in Romans 1:26-27, where it is described as unnatural and a result of rejecting God.
As Christians, we believe that the Bible teaches sexual intimacy is to be reserved for marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). While the Bible does condemn the practice of sodomy, it’s important for us to approach the topic with love and compassion, remembering that all people are made in the image of God and are in need of His grace and redemption. We should seek to understand and support those struggling with same-sex attraction, offering the message of hope and transformation through Jesus Christ.