Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Sex in the Hebrew Bible

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Sex occurs frequently in the Hebrew Bible, with extensive laws regulating it.

Contents

Homosexuality

The Bible refers to homosexuality numerous times in both the Old Testament and New Testament (including by Jesus). Every place it is mentioned it is referred to in a not positive light. The teaching from the Scriptures are clearly against homosexual behavior of any kind.

Leviticus 18:22 says:

Leviticus 20:13 states:

These verses prohibits male homosexual acts.

Ham’s actions in Genesis 9:20-25, are debated upon because of the vagueness of the script, but some interpret it as Ham doing something sexual with his father Noah, while Noah was passed out drunk in his tent.

Passages

  • Lot had sex with his daughters after they get him drunk for the purpose of becoming pregnant.
  • The sin of Onan, which is often misinterpreted as masturbation, was coitus interruptus or withdrawal. He was also violating the duty of yibbum. Onan was struck down and killed by God because he "spilt his seed upon the ground" while he had a duty to impregnate his brother's wife.
  • Genesis 38:13-24 tells the story of Tamar (wife of Onan mentioned above) trading sex with her father-in-law Judah for ownership of a goat.
  • Exodus 20:14, as the seventh commandment, prohibits the act of adultery: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
  • Leviticus 18 lists several prohibitions concerning sex according to biblical rule.
  • It is said that Elkanah had sexual union with his wife Hannah and she bore him Samuel.
  • Book of Deuteronomy states the prohibition of prostitution. 17"(A)None of the daughters of Israel shall be a cult prostitute, (B)nor shall any of the sons of Israel be a cult prostitute. 18"You shall not bring the hire of a harlot or the wages of a [a](C)dog into the house of the LORD your God for any votive offering, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God."
  • Second Samuel 11:3-5 describes King David with Bathsheba and his act of adultery with her:
  • Proverbs 5 shows how sexual sin causes scars and pain.
  • References

    Sex in the Hebrew Bible Wikipedia