Is Transgender in the Bible?
If you are curious to know whether or not transgender people exist in the Bible, you’ve come to the right place. The word transgenderism is found in the Bible, but you need to understand the context before you can answer that question. Transgenderism is a sinful sexual act. It’s also a violation of God’s moral law.
Malakos
Malakos is a term that is used several times in the Bible to describe unmasculine behavior. It can also refer to males who engage in unmasculine sexual activity. The term is not often used in the context of transgender relationships. In the Bible, males often acted as “malakos” in relationships with females.
The word malakos is derived from a Greek word that means soft. The word can refer to a transvestite, cross-dresser, or male prostitute. It can also refer to an aggressive homosexual. The word arsenokoites comes from two Greek words, “bed” and “man.”
God condemns transgendered individuals because of their lack of sex identity. This is true even though God gave birth to men and women with ambiguous genitalia. Those born male who act and look like women are also considered transgender by God.
The Bible warns of transgender behavior, including idolatry, witchcraft, and dishonest gain. These behaviors are akin to reducing the value of the image of God in others and are contrary to the nature of God himself. This is why transgender expression is not acceptable.
Arsenokoites
Arsenokoitai (also translated as sodomites and men who sex with men) is a word that appears only in the Bible. The first known use of the word occurs in Paul’s letter to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:8-11. The word itself literally means “soft”, so it is unclear if arsenokoitai refers to men who practice homosexuality or transgender people.
The word arsenokoitai is derived from the Greek word malakos, which literally means “soft to the touch”. The word was used in a metaphorical sense to describe a catamite and male prostitute in general. It also refers to an unnatural sexual intercourse practiced by men.
The Bible warns against the sinful behavior of transgender people. For example, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists “wrongdoers” who are not allowed to enter the kingdom of God. In the same chapter, the word arsenokoites is used to describe a transgender man who lies to his partner by pretending to be a woman.
eunuchs
Although Jesus’ words referred to eunuchs as “unfit for marriage” in Matthew 19:12, the word does not necessarily denote a transgender person. In fact, the biblical text refers to a man castrated in the process of sexual procreation. The rabbis recognized both natural eunuchs and those who had been castrated. However, they disagreed about their legal status.
The Hebrew scriptures contain many references to eunuchs, including those who were royal court officials or guardians of royal harems. The Bible never equates eunuchs with transgender people, although the eunuchs did have heterosexual desire. And though Jesus does not explicitly affirm that eunuchs are transgender, he does mention the eunuchs’ transgender status in Isaiah 56:3-5. Isaiah also reverses Deuteronomy’s exclusions of eunuchs. He promises to build a monument for them in the house of God.
According to Jesus, the original creation of males and females was a divine act. However, there are three exceptions to this rule. The first exception is that the eunuchs were made transgender by men. In other words, eunuchs are intersex people from birth.
Jerome argues against this interpretation. He sees the Bible as historical fiction, and believes it gives him the authority to use it against evangelicals. His interpretation of Jesus’ words gives him authority to use the Bible against evangelicals.
Men who play the part of a woman
In the Bible, men play the part of women in many places. In Genesis, for instance, the role of a woman is defined as submitting to the authority of a man. While this is undoubtedly a fundamental role of womanhood, it is not her primary function. God created both men and women for different purposes. Ultimately, men are called to rule the earth, while women are created to fill structures and serve the world that God subdues.
Malakos as a transgender character
The word “malakos” comes between two words, “wrongdoer” and “effeminate.” These terms are used to describe people who engage in sinful sexual behavior, including transgender behavior. The word malakos is used in the Bible only once, but it is significant.
While the Greek word for male prostitute, malakos, means “soft to the touch,” it was used to refer to people of the male gender more generally. The word also refers to a man who engages in unnatural sex, such as homosexual intercourse.
While transgender people are not identified as eunuchs by the Bible, the Hebrew language does contain a reference to eunuchs. These people were born male but had their reproductive organs removed before puberty. While eunuchs were not considered transgender by contemporary standards, they were treated with prejudice and oppression.
In addition to addressing transgender issues in general, Christian ministry to transgender persons should seek to increase the integrity between birth sex and gender identity. This goal is important as a long-term goal of discipleship. But it should not be the first issue in a transgender person’s life. The primary issue in all human lives is whether a person is “in Christ” or not.