What Does the Bible Say About Transgender People?
Exploring biblical perspectives on transgender people and Christian inclusion in today's world.
Introduction
The question of what the Bible says about transgender people is complex, deeply nuanced, and increasingly relevant in contemporary faith communities. As awareness and acceptance of transgender identities grow, many Christians find themselves wrestling with questions about gender diversity, scriptural authority, and the call to love their neighbors. This article draws from biblical scholarship, historical context, and modern theological perspectives to provide a thoughtful, informed look at how scripture addresses—and perhaps does not address—transgender experiences.
Does the Bible Mention Transgender People?
The Bible does not use the term “transgender,” a word that entered modern usage only in the 20th century. Therefore, there is no explicit, direct teaching about transgender people as we understand the concept today. However, the Bible does address issues related to gender, identity, and human creation, which are central to contemporary discussions about transgender people.
Genesis and Gender
Genesis 1:27 affirms that “God created humankind in his image… male and female he created them.” This verse is often cited as evidence that God created only two sexes, but some scholars argue this is a limited interpretation. As Austen Hartke writes, “This verse does not discredit other sexes or genders, any more than the verse about the separation of day from night rejects the existence of dawn and dusk”. In other words, the binary language of Genesis does not necessarily exclude the reality of gender diversity, just as the biblical mention of day and night does not deny the existence of twilight.
Eunuchs in Scripture
The most relevant biblical figures to transgender experiences may be eunuchs, individuals who did not fit neatly into the categories of male or female as understood in ancient Israel. Eunuchs were often castrated men or intersex people, and they occupied roles that crossed conventional gender boundaries. Deuteronomy 23:1 and Isaiah 56:1-8 speak about eunuchs, with Isaiah particularly emphasizing God’s inclusion and blessings for those traditionally excluded by religious law.
- Matthew 19:12 records Jesus mentioning “eunuchs who were born that way,” recognizing the existence of people who do not fit typical gender categories from birth.
- Acts 8:26-40 tells the story of Philip baptizing an Ethiopian eunuch, emphasizing the early Christian community’s openness to those marginalized by gender or ethnicity.
Deuteronomy 22:5 and Cross-Dressing
Deuteronomy 22:5 states, “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.” This verse is sometimes cited as opposing transgender people, but its context and interpretation are contested.
- The verse is part of ancient Israel’s purity laws and was likely intended to reinforce social boundaries.
- Modern theologians argue that these laws are not binding on Christians and that the text does not address gender identity as we understand it today.
- Hartke and Markham argue that even if Deuteronomy 22:5 were binding, a transgender man wearing men’s clothing would not violate the law—in fact, it would be the opposite.
Name Changes in the Bible
The Bible contains many examples of individuals whose names were changed, often to reflect a significant spiritual transformation—such as Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, and Jacob to Israel. These stories demonstrate that name changes can be about “proclaiming who one is to become, recognizing and confirming who one has always been, or some combination of the two”.
- Theologians use these examples to argue that it is biblically appropriate for transgender people to change their names to match their identities, seeing this act as following a scriptural tradition.
- In the Christian tradition, changing one’s name can be a sign of God’s affirmation and blessing.
Theological Perspectives on Gender Affirmation
Christian responses to transgender people are diverse, ranging from affirming to non-affirming.
| Affirming Perspective | Non-Affirming Perspective |
|---|---|
| Views gender diversity as part of God’s created order and advocates for full inclusion of transgender Christians in church life. | Views transgender identities as inherently sinful or as a disorder, and does not support gender-affirming actions or transitions. |
| Emphasizes biblical themes of love, compassion, and justice, arguing that Jesus consistently reached out to marginalized groups. | Cites specific verses to argue that God’s design is fixed and binary, and that any deviation is a result of human brokenness. |
| Suggests that the Bible, while not directly addressing transgender identities, provides principles supporting acceptance and affirmation. | Generally uses scriptural interpretations that reinforce traditional gender roles. |
Contemporary Christian Responses
Many Christian denominations and organizations now explicitly affirm the dignity and rights of transgender and nonbinary people, stating that they are “beloved by God and are among the neighbors Jesus commanded his followers to love and treat with worth”. These communities often emphasize the biblical call to justice and compassion over legalistic interpretations of gender roles.
- The United Church of Christ, for example, has issued statements affirming the “fullness of life” for transgender and nonbinary people and decrying discrimination and violence against them.
- Other progressive Christian groups use biblical and theological arguments to support transgender people, including their right to access gender-affirming care and to participate fully in church life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any transgender people in the Bible?
While the Bible doesn’t reference transgender people by that term, it does describe people like eunuchs and those who do not fit typical male or female categories. Many theologians see these figures as biblical precursors to modern transgender and intersex experiences.
Does the Bible forbid someone from changing their gender or name?
No explicit biblical command forbids changing gender or name. In fact, the Bible contains examples of name changes as signs of spiritual transformation. Many theologians argue that the absence of a direct prohibition, combined with the biblical emphasis on love and inclusion, supports transgender people’s right to affirm their identities.
Is cross-dressing a sin according to the Bible?
Deuteronomy 22:5 addresses cross-dressing but is regarded by many scholars as part of ancient Israelite law, not as a universal moral command for Christians today. Even if applied literally, the verse would not apply to transgender individuals living as their affirmed gender.
What is the Christian responsibility toward transgender people?
The central biblical commandment is to love one’s neighbor and to do justice. Many Christians interpret this to mean affirming the dignity, rights, and full inclusion of transgender people in church and society.
Are there churches that accept transgender people?
Yes, numerous denominations and congregations explicitly welcome and affirm transgender people, including the United Church of Christ and many others.
Conclusion
The Bible does not speak explicitly about transgender people as we understand them today, but it does address issues of gender, identity, and inclusion in ways that are relevant to contemporary discussions. Biblical texts about eunuchs, name changes, and justice for the marginalized provide rich resources for Christians seeking to understand and affirm transgender people. While interpretations vary, the overarching scriptural call to love, justice, and inclusion offers a compelling framework for embracing gender diversity within the Christian faith.
References
- https://www.eunoiahomeschool.com/post/trans-truth-for-gender-affirming-christian-families
- https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=religion_beets
- https://www.ucc.org/what-we-do/wider-church-ministries/gsjm/lgbtqia/transgender-and-nonbinary-dignity-and-rights-under-attack/
- https://freethinkingministries.com/gender-identity-the-bible-and-the-christian/
- https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/53/37
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