1 Corinthians 6:9
Any consideration of New Testament statements on same-sex acts must carefully view the social context of the Greco-Roman culture in which Paul ministered. Not to mention what the original text said and not just what word has been placed in the passage.
Prostitution and pederasty (sexual relationships of adult men with boys) were the most commonly known male same-sex acts.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9, Paul condemns those who are "effeminate" and "abusers of themselves with mankind" as translated in the KJV and "homosexuals" in other translations.
However, a deeper study would show you that the word placed in this passage for ‘effeminate’ was never present until it was added when the word meaning ‘molester’ or ‘pederast’ was removed. But that is not the word study for this article, so maybe another time.
The word, Arsenokoitai, which has been translated as ”abusers of themselves” or "homosexual” occurs once each in 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy (1:10), but nowhere else in other literature of the period.
It is derived from two Greek words, one meaning, "males" and the other "beds", it is a euphemism for sexual intercourse.
Other Greek words were commonly used to describe same-sex behavior but do not appear here. The larger context of 1 Corinthians 6 shows Paul extremely concerned with prostitution, so it is most likely that he was referring to male prostitutes and pedophilia.
Many experts that are now attempting to translate these words have reached a simple conclusion: their precise meaning is uncertain.
There Is No Law Against Love.
The rarity with which Paul discusses any form of same-sex behavior, and the ambiguity in references attributed to him, make it extremely unsound to conclude any sure position in the New Testament on homosexuality, especially in the context of loving, responsible relationships.
Since any arguments must be made from silence, it is much more reliable to turn to great principles of the Gospel taught by Yeshua, Jesus The Christ and His Apostles.
Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. Do not judge others, lest you be judged. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love . . . against such there is no law.
One thing is abundantly clear, as Paul stated in Galatians 5:14: "…the whole Law is fulfilled in one statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself".
Any consideration of New Testament statements on same-sex acts must carefully view the social context of the Greco-Roman culture in which Paul ministered. Not to mention what the original text said and not just what word has been placed in the passage.
Prostitution and pederasty (sexual relationships of adult men with boys) were the most commonly known male same-sex acts.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9, Paul condemns those who are "effeminate" and "abusers of themselves with mankind" as translated in the KJV and "homosexuals" in other translations.
However, a deeper study would show you that the word placed in this passage for ‘effeminate’ was never present until it was added when the word meaning ‘molester’ or ‘pederast’ was removed. But that is not the word study for this article, so maybe another time.
The word, Arsenokoitai, which has been translated as ”abusers of themselves” or "homosexual” occurs once each in 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy (1:10), but nowhere else in other literature of the period.
It is derived from two Greek words, one meaning, "males" and the other "beds", it is a euphemism for sexual intercourse.
Other Greek words were commonly used to describe same-sex behavior but do not appear here. The larger context of 1 Corinthians 6 shows Paul extremely concerned with prostitution, so it is most likely that he was referring to male prostitutes and pedophilia.
Many experts that are now attempting to translate these words have reached a simple conclusion: their precise meaning is uncertain.
There Is No Law Against Love.
The rarity with which Paul discusses any form of same-sex behavior, and the ambiguity in references attributed to him, make it extremely unsound to conclude any sure position in the New Testament on homosexuality, especially in the context of loving, responsible relationships.
Since any arguments must be made from silence, it is much more reliable to turn to great principles of the Gospel taught by Yeshua, Jesus The Christ and His Apostles.
Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. Do not judge others, lest you be judged. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love . . . against such there is no law.
One thing is abundantly clear, as Paul stated in Galatians 5:14: "…the whole Law is fulfilled in one statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself".