Homosexual pride - Bible calls arrogance
Even more explicit connections are possible through terms associated with homosexuality in earlier literature.
For example, it has been argued in this volume (p. 79) that the word hyperēphania, “arrogance,” seems an appropriate description of homosexuality because it refers to the attitude underlying the behavior. The ancients perceived this as well (see its use in Mark 7:22; Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:2). Female and male same-gender sexual activity is in the context in Rom. 1:26–27.
Ezekiel explicitly cites arrogance as the sin of Sodom (Ezek. 16:49, 56; cf. “haughty” in v. 50). Ecclesiasticus detests the “pride” of the people of Sodom (16:8) and affirms that “pride begins with sin, and the man who clings to it will rain down abominations” (10:13).21 The Sodomites acted “insolently” (3 Macc. 2:5), and the wicked priests of Israel are “arrogant” pederasts and those given to bestiality (T. Levi 17:11).
Another term associated with homosexuality is lawless (anomos; 1 Tim. 1:9). Cognates (anomia, anomēma) specifically define the sin of Sodom (Ezek. 16:47, 49, 50, 58; cf. Isa. 1:4–5). The intertestamental literature similarly associates the term with Sodom. King Josiah “abolished the wicked abominations” (Ecclus. 49:2). The reference is to male cult prostitutes in 2 Kings 23:1–13 (v. 7; cf. Deut. 23:17–18; 1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; Jer. 16:18). The priests are also “lawless” (T. Levi 17:11).
Other terms associated with homosexuality should be considered. Aselgeia is found in five lists (Mark 7:22; Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; 1 Peter 4:3). The word refers to sensuality pursued in an excessive way.22 In Jewish contexts that refer to same-gender vice, it occurs in Wisdom 14:26 after “confusion of sex” and “adultery.”
The idea of homosexuality is clear in 2 Peter 2:7, where Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot are mentioned. The several occurrences of aselgeia outside of lists have the same sense of sexual excess (2 Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:17–18; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:2, 18). In the list of Romans 13:13, it is used parallel to koitai (beds), and elsewhere it occurs with akatharsia (2 Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:17–18), “uncleanness.” The latter is used by the LXX in the Levitical prohibition (Leviticus 18) of homosexuality. In each case aselgeia allows for a homosexual nuance.
The other term is asebēs and its cognates. It occurs in 2 Peter 2:6, in which Sodomites provide examples of the “ungodly” and their punishment. Asebēs in Wisdom 10:1–14 describes the inhabitants of the five cities, including Sodom. It occurs only once in a list (1 Tim. 1:9). Interestingly, the reference to reducing Sodom to “ashes” is a motif associated with Sodom’s destruction. Originating in Genesis 19 itself, it often is picked up by later writers (4 Ezra 2:8–9; Matt. 11:23–24; Luke 17:29; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7).
De Young, J. B. (2000). Homosexuality: Contemporary Claims Examined in Light of the Bible and Other Ancient Literature and Law (pp. 226–227). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.
Another term associated with homosexuality is lawless (anomos; 1 Tim. 1:9). Cognates (anomia, anomēma) specifically define the sin of Sodom (Ezek. 16:47, 49, 50, 58; cf. Isa. 1:4–5). The intertestamental literature similarly associates the term with Sodom. King Josiah “abolished the wicked abominations” (Ecclus. 49:2). The reference is to male cult prostitutes in 2 Kings 23:1–13 (v. 7; cf. Deut. 23:17–18; 1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; Jer. 16:18). The priests are also “lawless” (T. Levi 17:11).
Other terms associated with homosexuality should be considered. Aselgeia is found in five lists (Mark 7:22; Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; 1 Peter 4:3). The word refers to sensuality pursued in an excessive way.22 In Jewish contexts that refer to same-gender vice, it occurs in Wisdom 14:26 after “confusion of sex” and “adultery.”
The idea of homosexuality is clear in 2 Peter 2:7, where Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot are mentioned. The several occurrences of aselgeia outside of lists have the same sense of sexual excess (2 Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:17–18; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:2, 18). In the list of Romans 13:13, it is used parallel to koitai (beds), and elsewhere it occurs with akatharsia (2 Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:17–18), “uncleanness.” The latter is used by the LXX in the Levitical prohibition (Leviticus 18) of homosexuality. In each case aselgeia allows for a homosexual nuance.
The other term is asebēs and its cognates. It occurs in 2 Peter 2:6, in which Sodomites provide examples of the “ungodly” and their punishment. Asebēs in Wisdom 10:1–14 describes the inhabitants of the five cities, including Sodom. It occurs only once in a list (1 Tim. 1:9). Interestingly, the reference to reducing Sodom to “ashes” is a motif associated with Sodom’s destruction. Originating in Genesis 19 itself, it often is picked up by later writers (4 Ezra 2:8–9; Matt. 11:23–24; Luke 17:29; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7).
De Young, J. B. (2000). Homosexuality: Contemporary Claims Examined in Light of the Bible and Other Ancient Literature and Law (pp. 226–227). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.
