Which Bible translation is gay and transgender friendly?

by Interested reader

Study Bibles have notes, maps, explanations

Study Bibles have notes, maps, explanations

For English speaking people, the best translation is the old King James Version, not the New King James Version or any of the allegedly modern translations. The old KJV is not anti-gay and it never uses the word homosexual. That said, I think its probably inaccurate to describe any Bible as gay friendly or transgender friendly.

The idea in the mind of most Bible translators is to translate the Bible from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into the receptor language. Translators should not be interested in making the Bible gay friendly or straight friendly. For English speaking people the receptor language is English. The beauty of the old King James Version is its faithful care to translate the Hebrew and Greek texts without advocating a social agenda or pushing a theological position.

The KJV is as close as possible to a literal word for word translation from the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages. Scholars refer to that as a formal equivalence translation. When the KJV translators added words in English to cause the English text to make sense, they placed the added words in italics so readers would know the italicized words were not present in the Hebrew or Greek language. Most other translations are not that honest.

If you're going to buy a Bible, I recommend getting a good study Bible. The Nelson Study Bible, KJV, is excellent with lots of explanatory notes, charts and maps, to help you understand the Bible. Amazon usually has the best prices. There is a wide variety of Study Bibles available.

What Study Bible
do you recommend?

Study Bibles are
very inexpensive



I also recommend getting
a good one volume Bible commentary.

Here is a bit of additional information
about which translation is the best.

Why and how was
the Bible mistranslated?

What about John 1:1?

Return to
Gay Christian 101 Home Page


Original question:

"What Bible version do you recommend for gay and transgender people? What Bible translation is the most diverse?

I'm looking for a Bible translation that is pro gay/transgender. Thank you!"

This question came via email and my email answer bounced back as undeliverable. For that reason I'm posting it here in hope that the one who asked the question will see this answer.

Comments for Which Bible translation is gay and transgender friendly?

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 05, 2011
 I appreciate this
by: nazia

I really appreciate this and like it very much.
Hope that you will keep it up. -from Pakistan
Jun 23, 2012
 I prefer the NASB and NRSV
by: Ismaila

I prefer the New American Standard Bible or the New Revised Standard Version. The NRSV is also GLBT friendly, loyal to the original, and reasonable to read. I feel they are better translations for many reasons.

Rick's comment: Please check out this link because the NRSV and NASB leave out MANY important words.
Aug 14, 2012
 Translation
by: Terry

I fully agree that the NRSV is in modern English and much easier for a person not versed in Christian tradition to read, and it is quite true to the original languages. I also like a Bible with good maps, a brief concordance in the back and if possible a Thompson Chain Reference that lists topics by number for easier study of topics found interesting.
Aug 28, 2012
 so that's how it is done?
by: Anonymous

if you find a verse you dont like then all you have to do is look for a version that doesn't use the words that offend you.

Rick's comment: No, the issue is that some modern translations use the word, homosexual, when there was no semantic equivalent word in ancient Hebrew or Greek.

Therefore, using the word, homosexual, in a modern translation conveys a false meaning which God never intended. Hope this is helpful.
Nov 01, 2012
 A gay Bible
by: Anonymous

There are no Bibles that are pro gay. God said homosexuality is an abomination. You should try the King James Bible and read about Sodom and Gomorah.

Rick's comment: Thanks for stopping by. I believe, use and recommend the King James Bible as God's infallible word in English. When commenting on a website, it helps if you are honest enough to read the page BEFORE commenting.

I have multiple pages on Sodom and Gomorrah. Click the Sodom link on the NavBar and please start educating yourself. God does not affirm ignorance.
Jan 13, 2013
 Romans 1:26-27
by: Ebony

Hi, I am 19 and a lesbian and today Me and my parents just had a talk about my lifestyle and they pointed scriptures such as Romans 1:27-28 saying it is unnatural for men with men and I was wondering if it meant what my parents meant.

Rick's comment: Hi Ebony. I believe your parents are probably wrong if they're telling you being lesbian is sinful or unnatural or wicked. Please read this page several times and watch the video and also read the read the text links. I have A LOT of information about Romans 1 on my website. The Lord will get you through this as you trust Him and believe what the Bible says in context.

Romans 1:26-27.
May 23, 2013
 Swallowing a camel
by: chasbro

From LXX - hos an koimethe meta arsenos koiten gunaikos= If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. Lev 20:13 Note the close connection of arsenos (male) and koiten (to lie with sexually, have intercourse).

The term "homosexual" in 1 Corinthians 6:9 is made up of those two terms, arsenos and koiten—hence, arsenokoites. As a compound word it is clearly referring to male intercourse.

Rick's comment: Arsenokoites was never used in the first century AD with the meaning we give the word homosexual today.

1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10.26 There is no question that Paul was condemning behavior in these vice-lists, but whether Paul is referring to the abuse of pederasty or the broader category of "men lying with men" is not determined by these lists alone.

The Septuagint in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 where the Law addressed homosexuality in its broadest sense, Philo (13 B.C.-ca. A.D. 45), Paul’s contemporary, discussed Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13

Rick's comment: Yes and Philo clearly believed that arsenokoitai described temple prostitution.

At any rate using linguistic smoke and mirrors may provide a security blanket for awhile but in the end assurance comes only from the Holy Spirit. I will pray for you.

Rick's comment: Accusing me of using linguistic smoke and mirrors is not an argument. It is an appeal to emotion instead of facts. You have presented no historical or linguistic facts to support your views. Instead of praying for me, why not perform due diligence by reading and studying this topic until you know what you're talking about?
Oct 07, 2014
 Celibate gays and transgenders
by: Aaron Saltzer

What is your opinion of someone who is homosexual and who has been celibate for many years. I've heard of someone who is homosexual and has remained celibate for 20 years.

Also, your website says little about the verses traditionally used to condemn transgender people, other than the mention of Matthew 19:11-12.

Rick's comment: Hi Aaron - There are many celibate gays and celibate gay Christians - Google celibate gays or celibate homosexuals or celibate lesbians - for more info. I'm in favor of that for people who are single, until God brings into their life the one He intends them to marry.

Some celibate gay Christians refer to themselves as Side B. They have accepted the false teaching of the anti-gay crowd and view the clobber passages as prohibiting homosexuality. I believe they have embraced false teaching, since the Bible in context, does not support anti-gay views.

On transgender people, I do have an interesting page which explains Deuteronomy 22:5 in cultural doctrinal historical linguistic and religious context.

Deuteronomy 22:5 and transgender people
Oct 11, 2014
 1 Corinthians 11:14-15
by: Aaron Saltzer

What do you believe those verses are talking about?

Rick's comment: Hi Aaron - I believe those verses are talking about women and men who got saved out of a life of shrine prostitution. Female shrine prostitutes had short hair or shaven heads while male shrine prostitutes had long hair like a woman. Paul encourages women to grow their hair longer and men to keep their hair shorter.

This link to Blue Letter Bible has clickable links to online commentaries on 1 Corinthians so you can see what scholars think the verses mean.
Oct 12, 2014
 1 Corinthians 11:14-15
by: Aaron Saltzer

Where in that context would give you or anyone an indication that Paul was only talking to former prostitutes? Why would a female temple prostitute shave their head or keep their hair short or a male prostitute grow his hair long anyway? Wouldn't that have been unattractive to their customers?

Rick's comment: Hi Aaron - did you click on the Blue Letter Bible link in the previous answer? I encourage you to explore the commentaries at Blue Letter Bible to develop an understanding of the first century situation Paul addressed in Corinth and 1 Corinthians 11.

The cultural and historical and religious context of ancient Corinth = Corinth was full of brothels and temples in which pagans used sex to worship their fertility goddesses. Paul spent years of his ministry evangelizing and preaching the gospel to Cybele's followers all over the Roman Empire, including Corinth.
Jun 01, 2016
 confused
by: confused

Honestly i don't understand how you can take everything the bible says about homosexuality being wrong n twist it into what you want to hear but im just wondering where in the bible does it mention its OK? I mean God made a man n woman to create more life. If Adam would've been gay then we would have never existed. Even an animal knows that in order to breed there has to be a male and female!

Rick's comment: Hi Confused - When someone has studied the Bible more than you have studied it, and believes differently than you as the result of study and the leading of the Holy Spirit, that is not twisting the Bible into what I want to hear.

Yes, of course God made man and woman. About 95% of the human race is heterosexual. About 5% of the human race is not heterosexual. There are now 7 billion, 426 million people on earth. The human race is in no danger of dying out. Hope this is helpful.
Jun 19, 2016
 Which Bible is Gay friendly?
by: Lee

The question acknowledges that all Bibles do not say the same thing. Which one is the word of God, is the proper question, not which one supports your desire. If you believe that the Bible is the word of God, inspired and preserved, you need to decide which Bible is the Bible God has preserved, as He said He would in Scripture.

That is not an easy task these days and most of us have not investigated beyond asking someone we trust or like for their recommendation. Seek to please God, not your desires for that is what the devil does.

Rick's comment: Hi Lee - GayChristian101 believes, preaches, recommends, studies and uses the old King James Version (NOT the new King James Version).

The old KJV is absolutely the BEST for English speaking people - God's holy word preserved in English.
Sep 18, 2016
 The truth!
by: Brett

I was an active homosexual until I was 40. I have no doubt that the Holy Scriptures condemn homosexuality as clearly as it condemns heterosexual fornication. I thought it was going to be impossible to flee homosexual fornication, but Jesus gave me power to lay down that practice at His feet!

My heart breaks for the unsuspecting people who you are feeding your error to. The greater condemnation will be yours, for leading them astray! Flee fornication! The body is for the Lord. Not everyone should marry, but those who do are to be of the biologically opposite sex! Period!

Rick's comment: Hi Brett - Thanks for commenting. I am thankful that Jesus led you out of a life of fornication. It may be helpful to remember some things.

1. Not all homosexuals live a life of fornication.

2. Some gays and lesbians live God-blessed lives legally married to their same sex partner.

3. Your personal views about gays are not normative for other gays or for the body of Christ.

4. The bottom line is, the scriptures do not teach what you believe about gays. Until you line up your views with what the Bible says in context, you are the one who is leading people astray from God's truth.
Nov 06, 2016
 Congrats
by: JPR

From reading your bio it is very clear that you have successfully fulfilled Prov.18:1-2. You've wrested the scripture to your own destruction and now you are being used as a blind leader. Way to go.

Can homosexuals be saved? Absolutely. But will their conscience allow them to continue to walk after the flesh? Absolutely NOT.

Rick's comment: Hi JPR - I'm always amused when an Anonymous guy is afraid to put his real name with his accusing comments.

Just for the record, disagreeing with you on what the Bible says does not mean I am wresting the scripture to my own destruction.

"Solution"? Go to the Greek and Hebrew to get a different meaning of English words you don't like, and wrest and privately interpret the scripture to your own liking and voila! a heretic is made! Heretics are a dime a dozen these days, but you do have an extensive website, so at least you're unique in that sense. Of course, why waste all that time and energy you spent researching a loophole for your sin (see Prov.18:1-2) when you can spread the nonsense all over the world and get others to join in your revelry? The more the merrier, right?!?...

Rick's comment: LOL - Again, disagreeing with you on the gay issue does not make me an heretic nor does it make me a guy searching for a loophole for my "sin."

I get so many comments like yours that I must inquire, Don't you guys ever read and study your Bible?

I deleted the personal questions you asked. I'm SMH that a guy afraid to put his real name with his derogatory comments believes I should answer his questions so he can attack my answers.

...You wouldn't even have the "approval" of your own conscience if you had nurtured it instead of searing it.

I believe you are born again.

I believe we'll be in heaven together.

And I believe you'll have "hell to pay" at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Repent.

Until the Day of Christ,

Your brother, JPR
Aug 30, 2017
 Queen James Bible
by: Alejandro

There's a new Bible in town called the Queen James Bible, which you may want to look up on Amazon. It's Bible based on The AKJV text but modifies the 8 clobber verses. Is it a trust worthy bible since it's a gay-friendlier version than the Authorized Version. What is your take?


Rick's comment: Hi Alejandro - I do NOT recommend the Queen James Bible. It is not a new translation (it is the old KJV) with modifications made to the eight clobber passages. Those modifications are not based on translating from the Hebrew and Greek text.

The modifications are simply the opinion of the people who had the Queen James printed. For me, thanks very much but I'm not interested in the opinion of some guys who change the Bible while hiding their identity. Of course, I also am not interested in their changes in the Bible if they reveal their identity.

The familiar old King James Version (NOT the New King James), 1769 revision, is the word of God in English. It is absolutely the best and most accurate translation you can get.

I believe it, read it, love it, memorize it, do my best to obey it and use it in witnessing and soul-winning as well as in my reading and Bible study.
Nov 08, 2017
 Help
by: Skyler

I'm a bisexual 16 year old and lots of my friends are beating themselves up about being gay like I've done so many times. I wish i had found this site sooner. I want to help them and get one of these Old KJV bibles but I can't seem to get one.

I'm wanting one for my phone until I'm comfortable coming out to my parents but all I'm finding at the app store are the New KJV and KJV bibles and the one that is the Old KJV is missing chapters. Can you lead me to the right one?


Rick's comment: Hi Skyler - When I say, the old KJV, I do that to distinguish it from the NEW KJV. The one you want is the KJV - not the New KJV, not the New King James.
Nov 16, 2017
 Bible Translations
by: Rex

* We know that For example, it took Islam 700 years after Jesus Christ to produce the Quran.

This is of course due to the fact that Islam and Muslims did not exist until 700 AD. But Islam Claims that its religion has existed since Abraham.

And Catholicism did not Produce its FIRST Translation of the bible until nearly 500 Years after Jesus Christ.

AND Catholicism did not Produce another TRANSLATION into ANOTHER language *(Other than Latin / Italian) Until nearly 2000 Years after Jesus Christ.

In the late 15Th CENTURY - The Roman Catholic church produced its SECOND - Second hand Translation called the Douay Rheims English Bible Translation

The Catholic Church Had never produced any FIRST HAND Bibles.

In other words the Catholic Church never Produced any FIRST HAND original Bibles into either Latin Nor English.

There was already a Latin and English translation produced before the Catholic Church Translated Their FIRST and SECOND Second Hand Translations.

BOTH were Second Hand Translations.

Why wait nearly 2000 years to produce a Bible Translation into ANOTHER LANGUAGE *(other than Your own Personal Latin /Italian Language)

Why? Does anyone have any Idea why?

I honestly believe that it is because of the Reason that I stated before up above there in my post.

Rick's comment: Hi Rex - That is kind of convoluted but I don't have time to get into it now.
Jun 28, 2020
 life and lust
by: syeda sana

i am confused whether homosexuality and lesbianism is not abominated or sin in bible? if these are sin then why christian community in majority support LBGTQ community?

things that are prohibited,abominated,or sin in holy book,refrain human not to engage in these perverted activities.

Rick's comment: Hi Syeda sana- This website answers your questions. I hope you will spend time exploring it.

We believe that the Bible does not condemn being gay or lesbian.

Thank you for stopping by.
Mar 19, 2021
 Most Gay Friendly
by: AR

I was reading an article about this, they said that four of the six "clobber" passages are mistranslations (Leviticus 20 and such), if you look at older translations in German, and other germanic languages you will find it is not man, but rather boy as well as boy molester not "homosexual". Unfortunately even though I can somewhat communicate in other languages, my comprehension in other languages is not nearly enough to read it especially the older books. :/
Dec 15, 2022
 Spirit of homosexuality
by: Ileana

Is there such a thing as a spirit of homosexuality that oppresses people and can be casted out to free that person from that spirit that is oppressing them and causing them to lust desire feel attracted to and have sexual tendencies towards individuals of the same sex?

Rick's comment: Hi Ileana- Thanks for the good question. Here is my biblical answer.

1. The Bible never says there is a spirit of homosexuality.

2. The Bible never says that gays and lesbians have a spirit of homosexuality.

3. The Bible never tells us that anyone ever had a spirit of homosexuality cast out of them.

Everyone born into this world, except Jesus, was born a fallen sinner in a fallen world.

4. That means, each of us needs to get saved.

How can we get saved?

Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins.

Jesus was buried in a lonely grave.

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day so that we would KNOW that God the Father accepted the payment Jesus made for our sins.

Now, to get saved, we need to believe on the RISEN Lord Jesus Christ.

Please click the link to find out how to pray to God and get saved now.

Thank you Ileana.

What must I do to be saved?
Feb 11, 2023
 the truth
by: Barb

The fact remains the Holy Bible was written via the Holy Spirit. Its scriptures are not open to interpretation. It's all in black & white.

2 Peter 1:20 King James Version - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Now when it's written that a man sleeping with another man is an abomination, there should be no argument. Its cut & dry. And it's the Word of the Living God.

Why do you try to undercut it or sugar coat it? God hates the act of homosexuality! Period!!

Rick's comment: Hi Barb- This website answers your incorrect statements. I hope you will spend time exploring it.

We believe that the Bible, in context, does not condemn being gay or lesbian.

Thank you for stopping by.

What must I do to be saved?
Sep 12, 2023
 Gay Christians
by: Rick B -Not the Founder of this Website

How come nobody on this site references Romans 1?

Pastor Rick's comment: I have on this website a verse by verse commentary on Romans that is over 1400 pages long and chapter 1 has 94 pages of commentary, FREE to read for anyone interested in studying Romans.

I also have about 35 separate web pages on Romans, besides my Bible commentary on Romans, with tons of FREE biblical and historical information to read, for anyone interested in studying Romans.

What must I do to be saved?

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