The sodomite of the O.T. refers to male prostitution and homosexual moral perversion practiced in connection with idolatry (De. 23:17; 1 Ki. 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2 Ki. 23:7). The same Hebrew word is translated “unclean” (Job 36:14). The term is connected with the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah and has come to be identified with homosexuality and moral perversion in general. The 1828 Webster dictionary defined “sodomy” as “a crime against nature.” The Webster’s Deluxe Unabridged Dictionary of 1983 defines sodomy as “any sexual intercourse regarded as abnormal, as between persons of the same sex, especially males, or between a person and an animal.” The term is descriptive of the moral perversion of the city of Sodom (Gen. 19; Jude 7).

THE NIV TRANSLATION OF SODOMY: Some modern translations, such as the New International Version, replace the word “sodomite” with “male temple prostitutes.” This rendering is an interpretation as is the rendering “sodomite.” According to Strong’s, the Hebrew term is “qadesh, kaw-dashe’; from H6942; a (quasi) sacred person, i.e. (techn.) a (male) devotee (by prostitution) to licentious idolatry.” In the Authorized Version this Hebrew word is translated “sodomite” and “unclean.” The term “sodomite” was brought over from the Geneva Bible. Many older Bible dictionaries connect sodomy with homosexuality. Eadie (1872) defines Sodomite as “not dwellers in Sodom, but practisers of unnatural lust÷the sin of Sodom. This sin was consecrated in many Eastern kingdoms.” The People’s Bible Encyclopedia by Charles Randall Barnes (1903) says: “The sodomites were not inhabitants of Sodom, nor their descendants, but men consecrated to the unnatural vice of Sodom (Gen. 19:5; comp. Rom. 1:27) as a religious rite.” Note that Barnes connects the sin of sodomy with the homosexuality described in Romans 1:27. Hastings (1898) says: “The term ÎSodomite’ is used in Scripture to describe offences against the laws of nature which were FREQUENTLY connected with idolatrous practices” (emphasis ours). Note that Hastings did not claim that the offences against the laws of nature were restricted solely to idolatrous temple worship. The term “sodomy” in these passages doubtless did refer, at least in part, to homosexuality connected with immoral pagan religions. The problem with the NIV translation is that it LIMITS this sin to that particular connection rather than allowing the larger meaning of homosexuality in general. It also creates the confusion that the practice of sodomy in the Old Testament and the sin of Sodom itself was limited to male prostitution.

OTHER BIBLE TERMS FOR SODOMY. Some contend that the Bible only condemns prostitution and forced immorality, and that sodomy, or homosexuality, in general, is not addressed in the Word of God. That this is not true is evident by the terminology used in the following passages of Scripture. The language the Holy Spirit uses in the N.T. to describe same-sex relations prove that God considers this a great wickedness, whether or not it is done with consent÷"uncleanness" (Rom. 1:24); “dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Ro. 1:24); “vile affections” (Rom. 1:26); “that which is against nature” (Rom. 1:26); “that which is unseemly” (Rom. 1:27); “reprobate mind” (Rom. 1:28); “effeminate” (1 Cor. 6:9); “abusers of themselves with mankind” (1 Cor. 6:9); “inordinate affection” (Col. 3:5); “them that defile themselves with mankind” (1 Tim. 1:10); “filthy conversation” (2 Pet. 2:7); “going after strange flesh” (Jude 7). Under the Mosaic law homosexuality required the death penalty (Lev. 18:22-29; 20:13). The terminology used in the passages in Leviticus describe and condemn homosexuality in general÷man lying with man, and woman lying with woman.

WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF SODOMY? (1) It is an abomination (Lev. 18:22). (2) It bore the death penalty in the O.T. dispensation (Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:32). (3) It defiles the land (Lev. 18:25). (4) It is the product of a morally reprobate mind (Rom. 1:26-28). (5) It is worthy of the judgment of eternal fire (Jude 7). (6) It can be forgiven and cleansed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

IS SODOMY A GREATER SIN? While it is true that there are many sins other than homosexuality and all sin is wicked before God, and while it is true that any sin can be forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ, the Bible does not say that all sin is the same in its effect in this world. God did not pour our fire and brimstone upon Sodom because of its jealousy or covetousness or lack of hospitality. It was judged specifically because of its homosexuality (Jude 7). Though all moral sins are evil in God’s eye, homosexuality is especially corrupt because it is a sin against nature itself. It destroys the very fabric of society, which is the family as defined biblically÷a man and a woman united in holy matrimony rearing children to fear God and to be productive citizens. Homosexuality is to “change the natural use into that which is against nature” (Rom. 1:26).