Is it True That The Word "Homosexuality" is Not Found in The Bible?

In recent years, a common claim has gained traction, especially across social media and progressive Christian circles: “The word ‘homosexuality’ did not appear in the Bible until 1946, and its inclusion was a translation error.” One prominent example comes from a viral tweet by Zach W. Lambert in January 2024. He argued that the Greek words malakoi and arsenokoitai, found in 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10, were mistranslated to mean “homosexuals,” and that Paul was not referring to modern understandings of sexual orientation at all.

This argument has been embraced by many who support a more inclusive reading of Scripture, but does it hold up under closer biblical and historical examination? Let’s take a thoughtful and respectful look at what these Greek words mean, how Paul likely used them, and whether the modern word “homosexuality” is truly out of place in biblical translations.

The Origin of the Word Arsenokoitai

One of the strongest arguments in favor of traditional biblical teaching is that the word arsenokoitai appears to have been coined by Paul himself. This term does not exist in any surviving Greek literature before Paul’s letters. However, its roots are clear: arsēn means “male,” and koitē means “bed” often with sexual connotations. So, arsenokoitai quite literally means “male-bedders” or “those who lie with males.”

Why would Paul invent such a word? The answer likely lies in Leviticus 20:13, which in the Greek Septuagint reads:

“hos an koimēthē meta arsenos koitēn gynaikos”

translated as “whoever lies with a male as with a woman.” The connection is unmistakable. Paul, a trained Pharisee deeply immersed in the Hebrew Scriptures, appears to combine these two words from Leviticus directly into arsenokoitai.

This context is vital because Leviticus 18 and 20 do not merely forbid exploitative same-sex acts, they prohibit all male same-sex sexual behavior. If Paul had wanted to condemn only exploitative relationships (like pederasty or prostitution), there were specific Greek terms he could have used, such as paiderastēs (men who have sex with boys). But he did not. Instead, he referenced the broader moral standard of the Mosaic law.

The Moral Logic in Paul’s Writing

When we look at 1 Timothy 1:9–10, we see Paul listing sins that correspond closely to the Ten Commandments. Among them are “those who strike their fathers and mothers,” “murderers,” “sexually immoral,” and “men who practice homosexuality” (arsenokoitai). This pattern makes it clear that Paul saw homosexual behavior, alongside other sexual sins, as contrary to God's moral law, not merely as a matter of cultural taboo or social harm, but as part of a broader, consistent ethic.

If Paul were trying to introduce a radically new sexual ethic that accepted consensual same-sex relationships, he chose an extremely obscure way of doing it. It would be especially strange for him to appeal to Leviticus, where all same-sex sexual activity is condemned, if his goal was to allow for some forms of it.

What About Malakoi?

The second debated word, malakoi, literally means “soft.” In Greek, it could refer to luxurious clothing (as in Matthew 11:8 and Luke 7:25), but in moral contexts, it was commonly understood as describing a man who is effeminate or passive in a same-sex relationship.

Some argue that Paul was merely criticizing men who were overly feminine in appearance or mannerisms. But Paul never says that having long hair or soft clothes puts someone outside the kingdom of God. In the context of 1 Corinthians 6, malakoi is placed between two other sexual sins, adultery and homosexual activity (moichoi and arsenokoitai). That’s a strong clue that Paul had some form of immoral sexual behavior in mind, not merely a man’s grooming habits or preferences in fabric.

In many ancient Greek sources, malakoi was used to describe men who allowed themselves to be penetrated by other men, the “passive” partner in homosexual activity. When placed together with arsenokoitai, the two words likely describe the full scope of male same-sex behavior, both the active and passive participants.

Early Translations and Church Understanding

Some people claim the word “homosexuality” is a modern concept and does not belong in translations of ancient texts. While it’s true that the term itself was coined in the 19th century, that does not mean the concept was unknown. Ancient societies were deeply familiar with same-sex sexual behavior, and the early church consistently condemned it.

In fact, early translations of the Bible into Latin, Syriac, and Coptic, long before 1946, rendered arsenokoitai as “those who lie with men” or “men bedding men.” These translators understood exactly what Paul meant. The claim that the term homosexuality is a modern error simply does not hold up under historical scrutiny.

Conclusion

So, is it true that the word homosexuality is not found in the Bible and it is present in the modern versions only because of a translation mistake? No, that claim does not match the evidence. While the word “homosexuality” may be modern, the concept is clearly addressed in Scripture, especially in Paul’s writings.

Paul’s use of malakoi and arsenokoitai was not random or careless. It was rooted in the moral framework of the Old Testament, shaped by a Jewish worldview, and applied with theological purpose to Gentile believers. These words were not meant to refer only to abusive or exploitative relationships, but to all same-sex sexual behaviour, which Paul saw as inconsistent with God’s design.

Source: What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoung