Does the Bible support same-sex marriage?
Short answer
No—homosexual weddings are not biblical.
According to Scripture, marriage is defined by God as a covenant between one man and one woman. Because the Bible consistently defines marriage this way and also describes same-sex sexual relationships as sinful, it does not affirm or recognize same-sex weddings as God-ordained.
That said, the Bible also commands believers to treat all people with dignity, love, and truth.
1. How the Bible defines marriage
Creation sets the pattern
Marriage is established by God at creation—before culture, government, or religion.
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
—Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
This verse is foundational. Jesus Himself later affirms it.
“Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female… For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife?”
—Matthew 19:4–5 (KJV)
Jesus does not redefine marriage—He reaffirms it.
2. What Scripture says about same-sex sexual relationships
The Bible speaks consistently—across both Testaments.
Old Testament
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”
—Leviticus 18:22 (KJV)
New Testament
“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…”
—Romans 1:26–27 (KJV)
“Be not deceived… neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind… shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
—1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (KJV)
These passages describe same-sex sexual behavior as sin, not as a morally neutral or blessed alternative.
3. Why this means same-sex weddings are not biblical
A wedding is a celebration and covenant blessing of a relationship.
Since Scripture:
defines marriage as male–female, and
identifies same-sex sexual relationships as sinful,
the Bible cannot affirm a ceremony that blesses something it elsewhere calls sin.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
—Amos 3:3 (KJV)
God does not bless what contradicts His revealed design.
4. Love, grace, and truth—held together
This is where many people get confused.
The Bible commands love for all people:
“Love thy neighbour as thyself.”
—Mark 12:31 (KJV)
But love does not mean redefining sin:
“Speaking the truth in love…”
—Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)
Jesus showed compassion without affirming sin:
“Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
—John 8:11 (KJV)
5. A common misunderstanding
Some say:
“Jesus never mentioned homosexuality.”
But Jesus:
affirmed Genesis’ definition of marriage
upheld sexual purity (Matthew 5:27–28)
affirmed the authority of Scripture (Matthew 5:17–19)
Silence is not approval—especially when Scripture already speaks.
6. Final biblical summary
Marriage → God-designed covenant between one man and one woman
Same-sex sexual relationships → described as sinful in Scripture
Same-sex weddings → therefore not biblical
People → to be loved, respected, and invited to repentance and grace
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.”
—Revelation 3:19 (KJV)