### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀρσενοκοίτης (arsenokoítēs, `{{G733}}`) is a compound word derived from two distinct elements: ἄῤῥην (arrhēn, `{{G730}}`), meaning "male" or "man," and κοίτη (koítē, `{{G2845}}`), meaning "bed," "couch," or by extension, "sexual intercourse" or "lying with." Etymologically, therefore, ἀρσενοκοίτης signifies "one who lies with a male" or "a male bedder." This etymological construction strongly indicates a reference to homosexual sexual activity. The term itself is a neologism, appearing to be coined or at least popularized by the Apostle Paul, as it does not predate the New Testament writings in extant Greek literature with this specific meaning. The Strong's definition accurately renders its core meaning as "a sodomite" or "an abuser of (that defile) self with mankind," pointing directly to sexual relations between males. The nuance implies an active participant in such acts, though its pairing with μαλακοί (malakoi, `{{G3120}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]] suggests a possible distinction between active and passive roles, or perhaps between the effeminate and the penetrator, respectively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀρσενοκοίτης (arsenokoítēs, `{{G733}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in Pauline epistles and within lists of behaviors that are antithetical to God's will and the inheritance of His kingdom.
1. **[[1 Corinthians 6:9]]**: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals (ἀρσενοκοίτης)..."
In this passage, Paul is addressing a church struggling with various forms of immorality. The inclusion of ἀρσενοκοίτης in this vice list is highly significant. It is immediately preceded by μαλακοί (malakoi, `{{G3120}}`), often translated as "effeminate" or "soft." While μαλακοί could refer to general moral weakness or effeminacy, in this context, especially when paired with ἀρσενοκοίτης, it is widely understood to refer to the passive partner in male homosexual acts, or more broadly, men whose behavior is effeminate in a way that facilitates such acts. The coupling of μαλακοί and ἀρσενοκοίτης thus encompasses both active and passive roles in male homosexual intercourse, condemning the practice broadly. The overarching message is clear: those who persist in such unrighteous behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God, emphasizing the grave spiritual consequences.
2. **[[1 Timothy 1:10]]**: "...for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals (ἀρσενοκοίτης), for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine..."
Here, Paul instructs Timothy on the proper use of the law, stating that it is not for the righteous but for the lawless and disobedient. Again, ἀρσενοκοίτης is listed among behaviors that are contrary to God's revealed will and sound doctrine. This context reinforces the understanding that engaging in homosexual acts is a violation of divine law and a mark of unrighteousness. The inclusion in a list alongside other serious sins like sexual immorality, slave trading, and perjury underscores its classification as a grave offense in the eyes of God. Both occurrences firmly place ἀρσενοκοίτης within the category of behaviors that are unequivocally condemned by the apostolic teaching.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀρσενοκοίτης is enriched by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts, particularly those pertaining to sexual ethics and the divine order.
1. **μαλακοί (malakoi, `{{G3120}}`)**: As noted, this term is paired with ἀρσενοκοίτης in [[1 Corinthians 6:9]]. While μαλακοί literally means "soft" or "effeminate," in this specific context, it is widely interpreted as referring to the receptive or passive partner in male homosexual acts, complementing the active role implied by ἀρσενοκοίτης. This pairing suggests a comprehensive condemnation of homosexual practices.
2. **πορνεία (porneia, `{{G4202}}`)**: This is a broader term for sexual immorality, encompassing various illicit sexual acts, including prostitution, adultery, and fornication. While ἀρσενοκοίτης specifies a particular form of sexual sin, it falls under the general umbrella of πορνεία. The New Testament consistently condemns πορνεία as contrary to God's will and a defilement of the body.
3. **ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia, `{{G766}}`)**: Translates to "licentiousness," "sensuality," or "debauchery," indicating a lack of moral restraint, especially in sexual matters. While broader than ἀρσενοκοίτης, the latter is certainly an expression of ἀσέλγεια.
4. **Old Testament Parallels**: The concept underlying ἀρσενοκοίτης is deeply rooted in the Old Testament's prohibitions against homosexual acts.
* [[Leviticus 18:22]]: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah, `{{H8441}}`)."
* [[Leviticus 20:13]]: "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them."
* The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah ([[Genesis 19:1-11]]), particularly the demand by the men of Sodom to "know" (יָדַע, yada, `{{H3045}}`) Lot's visitors, is a foundational text often cited in relation to the biblical condemnation of homosexual acts, even if the primary sin of Sodom was broader in scope.
* [[Romans 1:26-27]]: Paul describes God's judgment on those who suppress the truth, leading to "dishonorable passions" where "women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error." This passage, while not using ἀρσενοκοίτης, describes the very acts that the term condemns, framing them as unnatural and a consequence of rejecting God.
These related terms and concepts demonstrate a consistent biblical witness against homosexual acts, viewing them as a violation of God's created order and a serious moral offense.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀρσενοκοίτης (arsenokoítēs, `{{G733}}`) is profound, touching upon core doctrines of creation, sin, holiness, and redemption.
1. **Violation of Created Order**: The biblical understanding of human sexuality is rooted in God's creation of humanity as male and female, intended for complementary union in marriage ([[Genesis 1:27]], [[Genesis 2:24]]). Homosexual acts, by definition, deviate from this divinely ordained pattern for sexual union. The term ἀρσενοκοίτης, "male-bedder," directly contravenes the heterosexual norm established at creation and reaffirmed by Jesus ([[Matthew 19:4-6]]).
2. **Sin and Unrighteousness**: The consistent placement of ἀρσενοκοίτης in vice lists ([[1 Corinthians 6:9]], [[1 Timothy 1:10]]) unequivocally marks it as a sin. It is not merely a cultural taboo but a moral transgression against God's revealed will. As a component of "unrighteousness," it stands in opposition to God's holiness and justice.
3. **Exclusion from the Kingdom of God**: The explicit statement in [[1 Corinthians 6:9-10]] that ἀρσενοκοίτης will not inherit the kingdom of God highlights the gravity of this sin. It is a stark warning that persistent, unrepentant engagement in such behavior leads to eternal separation from God. This does not imply that this sin is unforgivable, but rather that unrepentant sin of any kind prevents one from entering God's kingdom.
4. **Call to Repentance and Transformation**: Crucially, the condemnation of ἀρσενοκοίτης in [[1 Corinthians 6:9-10]] is immediately followed by a message of hope and transformation in [[1 Corinthians 6:11]]: "And such *were* some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." This verse is foundational. It demonstrates that individuals who previously engaged in such sins (including ἀρσενοκοίτης) can be radically transformed through faith in Christ, through the washing of regeneration, sanctification by the Holy Spirit, and justification. The Gospel offers forgiveness and the power to live a new life, free from the dominion of sin.
5. **Holiness of the Body**: Paul's broader discourse in [[1 Corinthians 6]] emphasizes that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit ([[1 Corinthians 6:19]]) and belongs to the Lord. Sexual sin, including ἀρσενοκοίτης, is a unique sin against one's own body and against God, defiling the temple of the Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀρσενοκοίτης (arsenokoítēs, `{{G733}}`) is a compound word meaning "one who lies with a male," specifically referring to homosexual sexual activity. Though a New Testament neologism, its meaning is clear from its etymology and consistent usage. It appears twice in Pauline epistles ([[1 Corinthians 6:9]], [[1 Timothy 1:10]]), both times in lists of behaviors that are contrary to God's will and prevent inheritance of the kingdom of God. In [[1 Corinthians 6:9]], its pairing with μαλακοί (malakoi, `{{G3120}}`) suggests a comprehensive condemnation of both active and passive roles in male homosexual acts. Theologically, ἀρσενοκοίτης signifies a violation of God's created order for human sexuality, a grave sin that stands in opposition to righteousness. However, the New Testament simultaneously offers a powerful message of redemption: those who previously engaged in such sins can be washed, sanctified, and justified through faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the call to a life of holiness.
TRV