Understanding ἀρσενοκοίτης (arsenokoites) Strong’s G733: The Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality in Ancient and Modern Contexts

Pronunciation Guide: ar-sen-ok-oy’-tace

Basic Definition

Strong’s G733: A compound word combining ἄρσην (male) and κοίτη (bed), describing a person who engages in homosexual activity contrary to Torah standards. This term appears in vice lists within the New Testament writings of Paul, specifically addressing behaviors incompatible with God’s design for human sexuality as established in creation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine)
• Compound word from ἄρσην (male) and κοίτη (bed/lying)
• Found in ethical instruction and vice lists
• Appears in Pauline epistles
• Used in judicial and moral contexts

ἀρσενοκοίτης Morphology:

• ἀρσενοκοίτης (nominative singular) – one who lies with males
• ἀρσενοκοῖται (nominative plural) – those who lie with males
• ἀρσενοκοίταις (dative plural) – to/for those who lie with males

Origin & History

The term ἀρσενοκοίτης appears to be a Pauline neologism, likely derived from the Septuagint translation of Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13, where the words ἄρσην and κοίτη appear in close proximity. This connection to the Torah demonstrates Paul’s grounding of his ethical teaching in the Hebrew Scriptures.

The word is not found in classical Greek literature prior to Paul’s usage, suggesting its specialized creation to address specific ethical concerns within the early Messianic communities. Its appearance in early church fathers’ writings, such as in the Didache (2:2) and the writings of John Chrysostom (Homilies on Romans), shows its continued relevance in early church ethical discourse.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who engages in sexual activity contrary to biblical standards
• Violator of Torah sexual ethics
• Participant in prohibited sexual behavior

ἀρσενοκοίτης Translation Options:

• “Men who practice homosexuality” (ESV) – emphasizes the specific nature of the prohibited behavior
• “Abusers of themselves with mankind” (KJV) – historical translation reflecting older English usage
• “Those who lie with males” (literal translation) – closest to the compound meaning
• “Sexual perverts” (RSV) – broader interpretation of the term’s ethical implications

Biblical Usage

The term appears in two significant New Testament contexts, both within vice lists that enumerate behaviors incompatible with God’s kingdom. The word’s placement within these lists suggests its serious nature in biblical ethics.

These appearances occur in contexts addressing the transformation of believers’ lives through the power of the Gospel, emphasizing both the reality of sin and the possibility of redemption through the Messiah.

• “[οὔτε μαλακοὶ οὔτε] ἀρσενοκοῖται [οὔτε κλέπται οὔτε πλεονέκται]” men who practice homosexuality 1 Corinthians 6:9
• “ἀρσενοκοίταις [πόρνοις]” men who practice homosexuality 1 Timothy 1:10

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, various forms of same-sex behavior were accepted within certain social contexts. The creation of this compound term by Paul represents a distinctly Jewish-Christian ethical perspective, rooted in the Torah’s teaching about human sexuality and God’s design in creation.

The term’s creation and usage reflect the early Messianic community’s navigation of ethical boundaries while living within the broader Greco-Roman culture. This demonstrates how the early believers maintained biblical sexual ethics while engaging with surrounding cultural practices.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀρσενοκοίτης in New Testament vice lists reflects the consistent biblical teaching about human sexuality from creation through the Torah to the New Testament. It emphasizes that God’s design for human sexuality remains constant across both covenants.

This term appears within passages that also emphasize God’s redemptive power and the transformative nature of the Gospel. The context always pairs ethical instruction with the hope of salvation and transformation through the Messiah Jesus, demonstrating that no sin is beyond His redemptive power.

Personal Application

Understanding this term requires holding together both God’s clear standards for sexual ethics and His infinite love and power to transform lives. It calls believers to approach this topic with both truth and grace, recognizing that all people are created in God’s image and are candidates for His redemption.

This understanding should lead to humble, gracious engagement with others while maintaining biblical truth, always pointing to the transformative power of the Gospel and the hope found in the Messiah.

Related Words

• πορνεία (porneia) “sexual immorality” – broader term for sexual sin – See G4202
• μαλακός (malakos) “soft, effeminate” – often appears in similar contexts – See G3120
• ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia) “uncleanness, impurity” – general term for moral impurity – See G167
• ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia) “sensuality, licentiousness” – related to uncontrolled desires – See G766

Did you Know?

• The term ἀρσενοκοίτης is one of several compound words that Paul appears to have created, demonstrating his skill in crafting precise theological vocabulary to address specific ethical concerns.
• The word’s composition directly parallels the Hebrew phrases in Leviticus, showing how the New Testament writers built upon and interpreted Torah teachings while addressing new cultural contexts.
• The term’s appearance in both 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy demonstrates its established usage within early Messianic teaching about sexual ethics.

Remember This

ἀρσενοκοίτης represents the continuity of God’s ethical standards across both covenants while pointing to the transformative power of the Gospel through the Messiah Jesus.