50 Important bible verses about gay (With Explanation)

Today we will talk about bible verses about gay. Many Christians wonder how God’s Word speaks into this topic. As we read, let us come with humble hearts and open minds. We will look at passages that talk about behavior, love, justice, and grace. We will also remember Jesus’ call to love our neighbors and to live holy lives. Our aim is to read Scripture carefully and kindly. Let us be in the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. We seek to understand the Bible’s teaching and also to care for people with respect and compassion. As a community we want truth and mercy to walk together. We will look at different passages and think about how they speak to life today. Keep a gentle spirit as we read these bible verses about gay and related passages. We pray for wisdom, patience, and a heart that seeks God’s truth and God’s love for all people.

Romans 1:26-27

“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” – Romans 1:26-27

bible verses about gay

Old Testament Teachings and the Sodom Narrative

When we read the Old Testament passages that often come up in discussions of bible verses about gay, we try to hold both clear teaching and compassion together. We read stories and laws that were written to set Israel apart as a people living under God’s covenant. These passages include laws about sexual behavior and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. As we study them, we ask how they have been understood through the ages and how they speak to our lives now. We admit that some words are hard and need careful explanation. We also remember that Scripture speaks to human sin in many forms and calls us to holiness in heart and deed. In reading these bible verses about gay and the surrounding texts, we do not use them as tools to harm people. Instead we try to see God’s concern for creation, for marriage, and for how people treat one another. We also see God’s justice and the call to care for the vulnerable. In our community we want to welcome questioning, teach with clarity, and show mercy. We can hold to the Bible’s moral teaching while also offering hope, dignity, and love to those who struggle or who are searching. Our explanation uses gentle words as we seek to apply these texts with both truth and grace.

Leviticus 18:22

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” – Leviticus 18:22

Leviticus 20:13

“If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” – Leviticus 20:13

Genesis 19:5

“And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.” – Genesis 19:5

Genesis 19:24

“Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;” – Genesis 19:24

Jude 1:7

“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” – Jude 1:7

Pauline Writings and Moral Teaching

As we turn to the New Testament, we find the apostle Paul addressing human behavior in several places that many people include when looking up bible verses about gay. Paul wrote to churches struggling with many kinds of sexual immorality and moral confusion. We read these letters and try to understand the context of the Roman world and the particular questions churches faced. Paul speaks about desire, practice, and the consequences of turning away from God’s design. When we read these verses, we also read them in connection with the rest of the Bible, including the call to repentance and the offer of new life in Christ. We must be careful to interpret Paul in context, noticing his larger goals of calling people from sin into holiness and of offering the gospel’s hope. When we use these texts in conversation, we aim not to shame but to speak truth in love. We also remember that Paul calls every human being to Christ, and that he expects churches to be places of restoration. So as we revisit bible verses about gay that come from Paul, we seek clarity, mercy, and a pastoral heart for those who hear these words.

Romans 1:26

“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:” – Romans 1:26

Romans 1:27

“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” – Romans 1:27

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

1 Timothy 1:10

“For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;” – 1 Timothy 1:10

2 Peter 2:6

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;” – 2 Peter 2:6

Love, Neighborliness, and the Greatest Commandments

Even while we read bible verses about gay that speak about behavior, we also hold firmly to the Bible’s wide teaching about love. Jesus asked us to love God and to love our neighbor. When we read the Gospels and the letters, we see a clear call to compassion. We believe that Scripture asks us to care for people, listen to them, and walk with them in humility. This means we must be careful with how we use Scripture. We are to speak truth, but we must do so in a way that shows Christlike kindness. In the life of the church, this means offering support, listening to stories, and not being quick to condemn. Love does not ignore right teaching, but it does bring tenderness to those who are hurt. As we study bible verses about gay, we want to make sure love shows through our words and actions. Love helps us point people to Jesus and to the transformation that faith brings. We commit to a posture of care, not of scorn, and to applying Scripture with both honesty and mercy.

Matthew 22:37-39

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Matthew 22:37-39

John 13:34

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” – John 13:34

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

1 John 4:7-8

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8

Galatians 6:1

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1

Grace, Forgiveness, and New Life in Christ

When we study bible verses about gay along with the rest of Scripture, we must keep the gospel at the center. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and that God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We want to be a people who call others to repentance and also point them to God’s mercy. That mercy means changed lives and hope for everyone. We believe the gospel meets every kind of brokenness, and it brings freedom from patterns that hurt us. So our talk about behavior is not meant to exclude but to point toward transformation and healing. We welcome those who seek help and prayer. We also celebrate when people find new life in Christ. In the church we want to practice confession, forgiveness, and support so that people can grow toward holiness. As we read bible verses about gay and passages about sin and redemption, we hold both the need for repentance and the promise of grace.

Romans 3:23

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” – Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Ephesians 2:8-9

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

1 Corinthians 6:11

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11

Acts 3:19

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” – Acts 3:19

Calls to Holiness and Sexual Ethics

The Bible speaks often about living a holy life. When we study bible verses about gay alongside other sexual ethics passages, we see a steady pattern that calls people to purity and self-control. The New Testament churches were told to honor marriage and to avoid sexual immorality. These teachings are part of a larger call to live in ways that honor God and protect others. We understand that living faithfully is not easy. It takes prayer, community, and practical help. We also know that people face different struggles and that the church should offer support, counseling, and discipleship. Our approach is to encourage one another toward holiness while offering compassion to those who stumble. We hold to biblical standards and to a posture of patience. In discussing bible verses about gay, we aim to be clear about teaching and also merciful in our care.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

Hebrews 13:4

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” – Hebrews 13:4

1 Corinthians 6:18

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18

Colossians 3:5

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5

Ephesians 5:3

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;” – Ephesians 5:3

Judgment, Mercy, and the Heart of God

As we read bible verses about gay that speak of judgment, we remember that God is just. Yet he is also merciful. Scripture warns against hypocrisy and reminds us that we will all stand before God one day. These passages help keep us humble and remind us that no one is beyond God’s reach. They also call us to turn from sin and to trust God’s mercy. We must be careful not to use judgmental language toward others. Instead we should examine our own hearts and reach out in kindness to those who need help. God desires that none should perish but that all should repent. So when we think about judgment passages, we use them to call people to repentance and to lead them toward the saving love of Christ. Our task is to balance truth with compassion as we read bible verses about gay and all other passages about sin and salvation.

Romans 2:1

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” – Romans 2:1

James 2:13

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” – James 2:13

Romans 14:10

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” – Romans 14:10

Hebrews 4:13

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” – Hebrews 4:13

Joel 2:12

“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” – Joel 2:12

Human Dignity and the Image of God

When people search bible verses about gay, we must also remember the Bible’s teaching that every person is made in God’s image. This truth gives deep value to every human life. It means we must treat all people with respect and care. Even when Scripture speaks about sin, it does not erase the dignity that people have as image bearers. We are called to defend the weak, to welcome the stranger, and to value the worth of every life. This helps shape our response when we encounter those whose lives differ from our beliefs. We strive to speak with gentleness and honor. We also believe God calls all of us to grow in love and in moral integrity. Holding both dignity and moral teaching together, we aim to help people flourish in Christ and to show kindness in how we discuss sensitive subjects. In reading bible verses about gay we will keep dignity first and foremost in our hearts.

Genesis 1:27

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” – Genesis 1:27

Psalm 8:4-5

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” – Psalm 8:4-5

Galatians 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28

1 Peter 2:17

“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” – 1 Peter 2:17

Matthew 22:39

“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Matthew 22:39

Church Discipline, Restoration, and Pastoral Care

The church has a role in guiding people toward life in Christ. When we look at bible verses about gay in the context of church discipline, we remember that discipline aims to restore, not to punish for its own sake. Jesus and the apostles taught how to approach a brother or sister who has gone astray. We are called to confront sin with humility and then to offer forgiveness and healing when repentance comes. Pastoral care includes listening, counseling, and walking alongside people in their struggles. It is important that discipline be done fairly, lovingly, and with the goal of drawing people back into right relationship with God and others. We should never treat discipline as an excuse to ostracize or to wound. Instead it should be a path to reconciliation. As we study bible verses about gay and apply church discipline, we commit to guiding people toward recovery, peace, and renewed fellowship in Christ.

Matthew 18:15

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” – Matthew 18:15

1 Corinthians 5:11

“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11

2 Corinthians 2:6-8

“Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.” – 2 Corinthians 2:6-8

James 5:19-20

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20

Titus 3:10

“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;” – Titus 3:10

Repentance, Confession, and New Identity

The Bible gives many chances for people to turn to God and to be changed. When people search for bible verses about gay, they often are looking for clarity about sin and hope about change. The good news is that God welcomes repentance and promises new life to those who come to Christ. The New Testament paints a picture of people becoming new creatures and living in freedom from past patterns. We encourage honest confession and steady growth. We also pray for those who seek help, offering prayer, discipleship, and community support. Repentance is not a one-time act only; it is a way of life that keeps us close to Jesus. As we apply bible verses about gay to real lives, we remind people of God’s power to transform and of the church’s role to help and to encourage.

Acts 2:38

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

Proverbs 28:13

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13

Ezekiel 18:21

“But if the wicked will turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.” – Ezekiel 18:21

Unity, Compassion, and How We Live Together

Finally, when we think about bible verses about gay, we remember that the church is called to be a family. Our life together should show humility, service, and mutual care. Scripture teaches us not to judge hastily, to prefer one another, and to bear each other’s burdens. These principles shape how we handle hard conversations and how we welcome people who are different from us. We aim for unity without sacrificing truth. We try to be peacemakers who love well. In daily life this means listening more than speaking, serving rather than shaming, and keeping a posture of grace. We want every person to feel seen and to hear the good news of Jesus. As we apply bible verses about gay, we commit to being a loving community where people can find guidance, healing, and hope.

Matthew 7:1-2

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” – Matthew 7:1-2

Romans 12:9-10

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” – Romans 12:9-10

Ephesians 4:2

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” – Ephesians 4:2

1 Corinthians 12:25-26

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:25-26

Philippians 2:3-4

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4

Final Thoughts

I have tried to gather scripture that people often read when they search for bible verses about gay. We have looked at Old Testament laws, New Testament teachings, calls to love, and the hope of the gospel. I want us to keep both truth and compassion at the center of our conversations.

We need to speak honestly about what the Bible teaches while also showing kindness to real people who are loved by God. As a church we must offer help, prayer, and a clear call to follow Christ. We must never use Scripture to wound, but to guide toward healing.

Let us hold fast to God’s Word, love others well, and welcome people into the transforming work of Jesus. May we be people who live in grace, pursue holiness, and show the compassion of Christ to all.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4