Those who push this narrative rely on revisionist history. Even some so-called “scholars” seem more interested in reshaping the Bible to fit modern desires than in faithfully interpreting it. Following is a sample of various translations in English to emphasize that Paul’s condemnation of homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 is indeed clear and emphatic:
“have ye not known that the unrighteous the reign of God shall not inherit? be not led astray; neither whoremongers, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, the reign of God shall inherit.” (Young’s Literal Translation)
The simple truth of the matter is that translators have always understood the Greek terms malakoi and arsenokoitai as referring to homosexual behavior. They have been correct in viewing this text as an affirmation of the traditional view of marriage as being between a man and a woman. Nothing groundbreaking has been discovered to warrant a drastically different view of the text.
Just because the ancient world did not use words like “sexual orientation” does not mean they did not understand same-sex behavior. Ancient writers, including Plato, Philo, and Roman historians, clearly described men who were attracted to other men, both in casual and committed relationships. Paul lived in a world where same-sex acts were common and discussed openly.
The Greek words malakoi and arsenokoitai were not used in a vacuum. Paul chose them deliberately, and translators across centuries have wrestled with their meaning, not because they were unclear, but because language and culture evolve. Saying “we cannot understand what Paul meant because we are modern” is like saying we cannot understand ancient laws against theft because we now have credit cards.
