The term “androgyny” refers to blending male and female characteristics or having an ambiguous gender identity. The Bible does not directly address the modern concept of androgyny, but it does have some things to say about gender and gender roles that may relate to this topic.
God created humans male and female
According to Genesis 1:27, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This affirms that God created two distinct biological sexes. Genesis 2:18-23 further emphasizes that woman was created as a “helper fit for him [man].” This implies complementarity between the sexes. God also commanded humanity to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), which requires both male and female.
These passages suggest that God intentionally created gender distinction between male and female. Complete androgyny would go against this design. However, some individuals do seem to naturally exhibit both masculine and feminine traits, which may be part of the diversity and complexity of human creation.
The importance of living according to biological sex
The Bible emphasizes living according to one’s biological sex in several places. For example:
- Deuteronomy 22:5 condemns cross-dressing, implying clothing should align with one’s biological sex.
- 1 Corinthians 11 discusses the importance of men having short hair and women having long hair, implying adherence to gender norms.
- 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 prohibits women from speaking in church, implying gender-based roles.
While these directives may seem outdated today, in their original context they promoted living according to one’s biological sex and gender identity.
New Testament teaching on gender
The New Testament affirms that gender distinction remains important after Jesus. For example:
- Jesus selected 12 male apostles, implying only men could hold this authoritative teaching office in the church (Matthew 10:1-4).
- Letters in the New Testament repeatedly address and instruct “brothers” in the faith, showing the early church was led by men (1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:12; etc.).
- 1 Timothy 2:11-12 prohibits women from teaching or exercising authority over men in the church.
- In the end times, Revelation 14:4 metaphorically refers to Christian men as those who have not been “defiled with women.” This implies retaining a masculine identity.
Taken together, these passages do not support complete abolition of gender in the church age. Men and women in the Christian community are still called to live faithfully according to their biological sex.
Qualifications for church leadership are directed toward men
The Bible outlines standards for deacons, elders, overseers, and pastors in places like 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The expectations include being “husband of one wife” and managing children and households well. These qualifications presume male leadership and responsibility, which excludes androgyny from holding authority in the church.
Male and female are essential for illustrating Christ and the church
The distinct relationship between husband and wife is used repeatedly in the New Testament to illustrate the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. For example:
- Husbands are called to sacrificially love their wives, mirroring how Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).
- Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, mirroring how the church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24).
- The marital union of male and female becomes a living metaphor for the gospel (Ephesians 5:31-32).
This would lose meaning without clear distinction between male and female identities. Complete androgyny would confuse or diminish this theological picture.
God has planned our gendered identity
A few biblical passages highlight how God knits together and plans our identities, including our sex, from the womb:
- “You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
- “Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?” (Job 31:15)
Although disorders may distort sex development, these passages suggest our fundamental maleness or femaleness reflects God’s intent from conception. Radically reinventing or discarding one’s birth sex would diverge from God’s providential creative plan.
The importance of embracing God’s design
The importance of embracing one’s biological sex as part of God’s design is emphasized in a passage like Romans 1:26-27. This passage condemns homosexual relations that “exchange” and go “against nature.” While it does not directly address transgender identity, it conveys the importance of accepting the sex that aligns with one’s nature at birth.
Enjoying gender distinction without rigid roles
Although the Bible presents maleness and femaleness as God’s intent, it does not mandate every cultural gender role. In Christ, male and female are equal before God (Galatians 3:28). Women like Deborah and Huldah are praised for bold leadership in the Old Testament. Paul acknowledges women as co-laborers in ministry (Philippians 4:2-3; Romans 16:1-7).
The Bible encourages appreciating gender distinction without imposing overly rigid cultural expectations. There is freedom in Christ to thrive as a woman or man according to one’s gifts.
Common objections
Some argue that Bible passages about eunuchs show affirmation of androgyny or transgender identity. However, eunuchs in the Bible were typically castrated males. Jesus’ statement about “eunuchs who made themselves so for the kingdom of heaven” likely referred metaphorically to remaining celibate, not becoming androgynous (Matthew 19:12).
Others claim David and Jonathan’s emotionally close relationship might point to homosexual or gender-bending tendencies. However, the Bible presents no clear evidence for this. Imposing modern assumptions of androgyny or homosexuality onto these ancient friendships takes the text out of context.
It is sometimes argued that Adam being created alone before Eve shows humans are not inherently gendered. However, this solitary state was presented as “not good” prior to the specific creation of Eve as woman (Genesis 2:18). This affirms God’s ultimate intention of gender distinction.
Summary
In summary, while the Bible does not directly address the modern notion of androgyny and transgender identity, its texts convey some consistent principles:
- God intentionally created humans male and female.
- Embracing biological sex is presented as God’s intent.
- Gender distinction is important theologically.
- Freedom exists to thrive as male or female according to gifts.
- Rigid cultural gender roles are not mandated.
Given these themes, complete androgyny or realigning one’s identity contrary to birth sex would diverge from biblical teachings on gender. Thus most Christians seeking to honor Scripture would not endorse or pursue an androgynous identity.
However, the Bible also calls Christians to love all people compassionately. This includes offering sensitive pastoral care for those struggling with gender identity confusion or disorders of sex development. Such pastoral care should combine truth with grace, proposing a biblical understanding of gender while extending Christ’s transforming love to all.
