Homosexuality n the Bible
The word “homosexual” first appeared in an English translation of the Bible in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) in 1946. Specifically, it was included in translations of passages like 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10. This was a departure from earlier translations, which often used terms like “sodomites” or “abusers of themselves with mankind” to translate the Greek terms arsenokoitai and malakoi.
Historical Context and Issues:
1. Translation Debate:
• The Greek word arsenokoitai is rare and its exact meaning has been debated. Some scholars argue it refers to exploitative or abusive sexual practices rather than a blanket condemnation of same-sex relationships. The inclusion of “homosexual” in 1946 reflected cultural attitudes of the time rather than definitive linguistic evidence.
• Malakoi, another term in these passages, has been translated as “effeminate” or “soft” in earlier versions, with interpretations ranging from moral weakness to specific sexual behaviors.
2. Criticism of the 1946 Translation:
• Critics argue that the use of “homosexual” introduced a modern concept that did not exist in the biblical languages or cultural context. The term “homosexuality” was first coined in the late 19th century, and its use in the RSV has been scrutinized for anachronistically imposing a contemporary understanding onto ancient texts.
• More recent translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), have shifted to different renderings, such as “men who have sex with men,” to better reflect contemporary scholarship.
3. Broader Implications:
• The decision to use “homosexual” in 1946 significantly influenced Christian teaching and societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people, often reinforcing negative views that have been contested by many theologians and scholars.
For more detailed discussion, scholars like David Bentley Hart, Robert Gagnon, and Kathy Baldock provide varied perspectives on these translations and their implications. Further reading can provide deeper insights into the historical and linguistic issues involved in translating these passages.
Historical Context and Issues:
1. Translation Debate:
• The Greek word arsenokoitai is rare and its exact meaning has been debated. Some scholars argue it refers to exploitative or abusive sexual practices rather than a blanket condemnation of same-sex relationships. The inclusion of “homosexual” in 1946 reflected cultural attitudes of the time rather than definitive linguistic evidence.
• Malakoi, another term in these passages, has been translated as “effeminate” or “soft” in earlier versions, with interpretations ranging from moral weakness to specific sexual behaviors.
2. Criticism of the 1946 Translation:
• Critics argue that the use of “homosexual” introduced a modern concept that did not exist in the biblical languages or cultural context. The term “homosexuality” was first coined in the late 19th century, and its use in the RSV has been scrutinized for anachronistically imposing a contemporary understanding onto ancient texts.
• More recent translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), have shifted to different renderings, such as “men who have sex with men,” to better reflect contemporary scholarship.
3. Broader Implications:
• The decision to use “homosexual” in 1946 significantly influenced Christian teaching and societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people, often reinforcing negative views that have been contested by many theologians and scholars.
For more detailed discussion, scholars like David Bentley Hart, Robert Gagnon, and Kathy Baldock provide varied perspectives on these translations and their implications. Further reading can provide deeper insights into the historical and linguistic issues involved in translating these passages.
