Homosexuality - a textual perspective

This article demonstrates that the ancient versions of the Hebrew Bible provide enlightening theological perspectives. The Septuagint (LXX) after all acted as the bible of the early church. A cursory orientation in the most prominent translations is provided: The LXX (Pentateuch) originated in Alexandria. The Vulgate was prepared by Jerome and is an important textual witness for the Catholic church. The Peshitta acted as scripture in the Syriac communities. The Targumim (Tgg) are Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible and are divided into Babylonian Tgg (Onkelos) and Palestinian Tgg (Pseudo-Jonathan, Neofiti and the Fragmentary Tgg). Genesis 19: 20; Leviticus 18: 22 and 20: 13 are discussed and the following conclusions drawn: 1. The ancient versions are not specifically interested in homosexuality. However, sex between men is condemned. 2. The LXX some times interprets the Hebrew explicitly. 3. The Peshitta and the Vulgate are translated literally. 4. Pseudo-Jonathan and Neofiti contain the most explicit interpretations. 5. The Tgg deem issues such as dishonour and idolatry as more fundamental problems.