Translations of “Malakoi” and “Arsenokoitai” Through History (I Cor 6:9)

by Jeramy Townsley

The purpose of this page is to show the difficulty in translating the words arsenokoitai and malakos – two words used (incorrectly) to condemn gays.

Throughout the history of English translations, there has been little agreement on the meanings of these two Greek words. Most of the English translations describe malakos as “weak” or “effeminate” – neither of which mean gay.

While effeminate could be applied to a stereotyped gay personna, effeminate could be applied equally to a heterosexual, as the word malakos was often used with this meaning in the original Greek.

While arsenokoitai is typically translated as “abusers of themselves” or “sodomites”, both of which are vague, and at the very least do not seem applicable to a long-term, loving gay relationship. (Even the reference to Sodom refers to an aggressive, impersonal sex-act, not one of mutual care, respect and fidelity). Regardless, there has been a great diversity of ideas on the meanings of these two words, none of which allows the broad imposition of all homosexual behavior to be applied to either or both of these words.

Note from Mary: The information for this page is Used With Permission from its author, Jeramy Townsley.

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