Romans 1:26–27
Bible Verses. Also called Romans 1:26-27, Rom. 1:26–27, changed the natural use into that which is against nature, God gave them up unto vile affections.
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:
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.
Scripture quotation from the King James Version (KJV). Read this chapter
Romans 1:26–27 is the passage in which Paul, describing humanity's turning from God to idolatry, refers to same-sex sexual activity as having "changed the natural use into that which is against nature." It is the New Testament text most frequently cited in discussions of the church's position on homosexuality, and the traditional interpretation stands in contention with readings that seek to reinterpret it.
About this articleAI draft from a Korean source. No sources listed. Not yet reviewed by a person.
- Origin
Drafted by AI from the Korean church.wiki article, then translated and adapted for English readers on 5 November 2026.
- Sources
None listed yet. The article draws on the biblical text and general reference works. Add a source
- Review
Not yet reviewed by a person. Last edited by a person: never. Translation updated 5 November 2026. Edit history
Context
Romans 1:18–32 declares that the wrath of God is revealed against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Although people could have known God through the created world, they did not glorify him, and instead changed his glory into an image made like corruptible man and beasts (v. 23). Paul then states three times that God consequently "gave them up" to the lusts of their own hearts (vv. 24, 26, 28). Verses 26–27 form the second of these stages, and they are followed by a list of sins that includes covetousness, envy, murder, and slander. Then, in 2:1, Paul declares that whoever judges such people does the same things, thereby placing every reader before God.
Interpretation
- Traditional interpretation: The Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and most major Protestant denominations in Korea read this passage as teaching that same-sex sexual activity in itself departs from God's order of creation. They connect "natural" (physis, nature) with the creation of male and female in Genesis 1–2 and cite the passage together with Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:9–11. Those holding this position also frequently affirm that all people, including those with same-sex attraction, are objects of God's love.
- Revisionist interpretation: Some theologians and denominations in North America and Europe argue that what Paul had in mind was sexual activity bound up with idolatry, exploitative relationships with slaves or boys, or acts committed out of lust by people naturally oriented toward the opposite sex, and that these differ from present-day consensual same-sex relationships. Some also read "nature" as referring to the social conventions or gender roles of the time, noting that the same word is used in 1 Corinthians 11:14 in reference to customs concerning the length of hair.
Debates and Issues
Supporters of the traditional interpretation respond that the passage also mentions relations between women, which makes it difficult to limit its scope to exploitative relationships, and that Paul's argument is grounded in creation rather than in cultural custom. Proponents of the revisionist interpretation hold that the ancient world had no concept of sexual orientation comparable to the modern one.
These interpretive differences have shaped the official positions of denominations. Some mainline denominations in the United States have permitted same-sex marriage or the ordination of LGBTQ clergy, and some denominations have divided over the issue. The major Korean denominations generally define homosexuality as contrary to Scripture. For further details, see Homosexuality and the Church. Voices from across the range of positions have observed that using this passage solely to condemn a particular group misses the flow of Paul's argument in 2:1 and 3:23.
Related Passages
See also 6
Is there a problem with this article? Report it
Log in to report. Reports are reviewed within 24 hours.
Discussion 0
Share corrections, other viewpoints or questions about this article.