What does the Bible say about gay marriage?

The Bible says nothing about gay marriage directly, but it does set down the foundational principles of what constitutes marriage in God’s eyes. Every reference to marriage in the Bible indicates a union of male and female. The first description of marriage coincides with the creation of Eve in Genesis 2. According to that passage, marriage takes place when “a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).


In passages that contain instructions regarding marriage, such as 1 Corinthians 7:2–16 and Ephesians 5:22–33, the Bible clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. Biblically speaking, marriage is the union of a man and a woman in a lifetime commitment. Primary purposes of marriage are to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church (see Ephesians 5:22–33) and to build a family and provide a stable, secure environment for that family to grow. As families prosper, so does society at large, and stable families contribute to stable societies.

Again, the Bible does not explicitly mention gay marriage or same-sex marriage. But the pattern from the very beginning of creation has been heterosexual marriage. God’s design is the union of a man and a woman, and same-sex marriage breaks that model. Jesus emphasized the importance of the prototype in a discussion on marriage and divorce. He said, “At the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female’” (Mark 10:6) and then quoted Genesis 2:24. The relationship between Adam and Eve is the exemplar for marriage.

The broader issue, closely related to gay marriage, is homosexuality. Several passages in the Bible forbid homosexuality as sin (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Since homosexuality is condemned in the Bible, it follows that homosexual marriage is sinful.

The biblical understanding of marriage as the union of a man and a woman is found in every human civilization in world history. History thus argues against gay marriage. Modern secular psychology recognizes that men and women complement one another psychologically and emotionally. In regard to the family, psychologists contend that a stable union between a man and woman is the best environment in which to raise well-adjusted children. So, psychology also argues against gay marriage. Anatomically, men and women were clearly designed to fit together sexually. The “natural” purpose of sexual intercourse is procreation, and only a sexual relationship between a man and a woman can fulfill this purpose. In this way, nature argues against gay marriage.

So, if the Bible, history, psychology, and nature all argue for marriage being between a man and a woman, why is there such a controversy today? Why are those who oppose same-sex marriage labeled as “hateful” or “intolerant,” no matter how respectfully their views are presented?

The answer, according to the Bible, is rebellion against the Creator. Romans 1:18–32 says that God has made the fact of His existence evident to all people, but that truth was suppressed in favor of a lie. Instead of giving God the glory due Him, people “worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). “Because of this,” Scripture says, “God gave them over to shameful lusts,” which led to homosexual behavior (Romans 1:26–27). The normalization of same-sex marriage is symptomatic of a society turning its back on God. In spurning God’s original design, we reject His goodness, wisdom, and judgment.

To endorse gay marriage is to approve of the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently labels as sinful. As Christians, we should stand firm against the idea of same-sex marriage. Rather than condone or ignore sin, we should share the love of God and act as ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). We should point to the forgiveness that is available to all, including homosexuals, through Jesus Christ. We must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and contend for truth with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).