CLGS

By Dr. Saul Olyan

Dorot Professor of Judaic Studies, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the program in Judaic Studies at Brown University

Though religious conservatives frequently claim that the Hebrew Bible opposes all forms of homoerotic relations, a critical and contextual analysis of the biblical text in its ancient setting shows that such a position requires significant modification. For Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 are only narrowly restrictive, condemning a single sexual act between men (anal intercourse) and ignoring other potential acts. Furthermore, 2 Sam 1:26, a verse from David's Lament over Saul and Jonathan, may well suggest a homoerotic relationship between the two men, thus presenting a positive biblical perspective on male homoerotic relations.