Passive homosexual meaning
Introduction
Paul uses two words in 1 Cor , “μαλακοὶ” (malakoi) and “ἀρσενοκοῖται” (arsenokoitai), that are as important to Paul’s understanding of sexuality as they are difficult to know. Consider how differently leading English translations render this part of the verse.
“men who practice homosexuality” (ESV; a marginal note reads, “The two Greek terms translated by this group of words refer to the passive and active partners in consensual homosexual acts”)
“men who possess sex with men” (NIV []; a marginal note reads, “The words men who have sex with men translate two Greek words that refer to the passive and active participants in lesbian acts”)
“male prostitutes … homosexual offenders” (NIV []
“effeminate … homosexuals” (NASB ; a marginal note to the first pos reads, “i.e. effeminate by perversion”
“effeminate … sodomites” (NKJV)
“effeminate … abusers of themselves with mankind” (AV)
These translations appear to concur that the individuals in view are men who are engaged in some kind of sexual activity of which Paul disapproves. But the translations’ differe
Is Passive Homosexuality Permitted in Scripture? 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Undertake not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor gay offenders.Passive and/or active homosexuality is forbidden in the Bible (Lev. , ; Rom. , 32). In 1 Corinthians we see two different Greek words used for gay relationships: malakosand arsenokoites. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testamentby Walter Baur, et al., defines malakosas "soft, effeminate, esp. of catamites, men and boys who allow themselves to be misused homosexually." It's used to describe "male prostitutes" (or "effeminate" in the KJV) and those that are the more passive (receptive) partner in a homosexual relationship. The Greek word arsenokoitesis defined as "a male who practices homosexuality, pederast, sodomite," and "homosexual offenders" (or "sodomites" in the NKJV) to the more active partner in a queer relationship. Both parties in the relationship are seen as s
Homosexuality in 1 Corinthians Series
A survey of the translations for the two Greek words μαλακοὶ and ἀρσενοκοῖται in 1 Corinthians reveals a checked history. There contain been numerous attempts at precision. Despite this the translators of the NIV () have decided that the two terms are so closely related that they form a conceptual pair within the vice list so they can be fused into one English phrase “men who acquire sex with men.” This implies that these two words fit to a pairing that would be naturally associated in the minds of ancient readers as belonging to the same activity: male homosexual activity. However, a survey of these two words as they were used in Greek reveals that they would not be so closely akin in the minds of an ancient Greek speaking audience. In other words, the words are conceptually distinct and therefore it is not justified to obliterate this distinction by employing a singular English phrase.
In this essay malakos (μαλακός) will be considered followed by a second essay, which will consider the synonyms arsenokoites (ἀρσενοκοίτης).
Survey of Translat
The Bible on Homosexual Behavior
One way to argue against these passages is to make what I ring the “shellfish objection.” Keith Sharpe puts it this way: “Until Christian fundamentalists boycott shellfish restaurants, interrupt wearing poly-cotton T-shirts, and stone to death their wayward offspring, there is no obligation to tune in to their diatribes about homosexuality being a sin” (The Gay Gospels, 21).
In other words, if we can disregard rules appreciate the ban on eating shellfish in Leviticus , then we should be allowed to disobey other prohibitions from the Antique Testament. But this argument confuses the Old Testament’s temporary ceremonial laws with its permanent moral laws.
Here’s an analogy to assist understand this distinction.
I think of two rules my mom gave me when I was young: hold her hand when I cross the street and don’t drink what’s under the sink. Today, I hold to follow only the latter rule, since the former is no longer needed to protect me. In fact, it would now do me more harm than good.
Old Testament ritual/ceremonial laws were prefer mom’s handholding rule. The rea
The Bible on Homosexual Behavior
One way to argue against these passages is to make what I ring the “shellfish objection.” Keith Sharpe puts it this way: “Until Christian fundamentalists boycott shellfish restaurants, interrupt wearing poly-cotton T-shirts, and stone to death their wayward offspring, there is no obligation to tune in to their diatribes about homosexuality being a sin” (The Gay Gospels, 21).
In other words, if we can disregard rules appreciate the ban on eating shellfish in Leviticus , then we should be allowed to disobey other prohibitions from the Antique Testament. But this argument confuses the Old Testament’s temporary ceremonial laws with its permanent moral laws.
Here’s an analogy to assist understand this distinction.
I think of two rules my mom gave me when I was young: hold her hand when I cross the street and don’t drink what’s under the sink. Today, I hold to follow only the latter rule, since the former is no longer needed to protect me. In fact, it would now do me more harm than good.
Old Testament ritual/ceremonial laws were prefer mom’s handholding rule. The rea