When I came across a local church leaflet, my curiosity was piqued, and I decided to investigate the truth behind it.
The advertisement suggested that a mistranslation in 1946 reshaped Christian belief, leading me to research the subject further.
In recent years, a documentary titled 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture has gained attention for its bold claim that Christian opposition to homosexuality began with a translation error in 1946. The film argues that the English word “homosexual” was wrongly inserted into the Bible that year, altering centuries of interpretation and fueling the modern “anti-gay” movement within the church.
While this claim may sound compelling, historical and linguistic evidence tells a very different story. The truth is that the 1946 translation did not change what Scripture said. It simply used a new English term for an ancient concept that had been present in the text since the beginning.
Let’s get into it.
The Claim Made by the 1946 Documentary
The film follows a small group of researchers who examine the 1946 publication of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible. They argue that when translators chose to render two Greek words, arsenokoitai and malakoi, as “homosexuals” in 1 Corinthians 6:9, they created a new interpretation that did not exist previously.
According to the film, this single decision gave birth to the “anti-gay” stance within Christianity. The documentary even points to letters exchanged among RSV translators to suggest that some were uncertain about the wording, presenting this as evidence of a “grave mistranslation.”
The Historical and Linguistic Reality
Scholars who specialize in Greek, Hebrew, and translation history have studied the 1946 claim carefully. Their findings are consistent and clear:
The Greek Words Did Not Change
The Apostle Paul used the words arsenokoitai and malakoi long before any English Bible existed.
- Arsenokoitai combines two Greek roots: arsēn (male) and koitē (bed). It literally means “male-bedder” or “a man who lies with another man.”
- Malakoi means “soft ones” and was a common Greek term used for men who were effeminate or the passive partners in homosexual acts.
These terms echo Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, where the law prohibits “a man lying with a man as with a woman.” Paul’s use of them connects the New Testament directly to the Old Testament understanding of sexual ethics.
The English Translation Simply Modernized the Language
Before 1946, English Bibles used phrases like “abusers of themselves with mankind” (King James Version) or “sodomites.” The RSV translators used the modern term “homosexuals” to describe the same behaviors. The meaning did not change; only the vocabulary did.
The RSV translators were not introducing a new doctrine but trying to make the language understandable to twentieth-century readers. In later revisions, the RSV replaced “homosexuals” with “sexual perverts,” reflecting ongoing discussion about English phrasing—not about Greek meaning.
The Origin of the 1946 Theory
The 1946 documentary portrays this translation decision as the foundation of modern Christian teaching against homosexuality. However, historical evidence shows that Christian moral teaching on same-sex behavior existed long before 1946. Church fathers, Jewish scholars, and early Christian writings all interpreted both Leviticus and Paul’s letters as prohibiting sexual relations between men.
The Greek and Hebrew manuscripts have remained unchanged for nearly two thousand years. Therefore, the suggestion that one English word in 1946 rewrote Christian morality does not align with the textual record.
Why the Story Sounds Convincing
The film appeals to emotion by framing the issue as justice versus prejudice. It offers comfort to those hurt by unkind treatment from religious communities. Its central idea—that one mistranslation caused centuries of misunderstanding—feels simple and powerful.
However, emotional impact does not equal historical accuracy. The evidence from ancient languages, early church writings, and every major lexicon demonstrates that arsenokoitai refers to male–male sexual acts, not merely exploitation or abuse. No reputable Greek lexicon defines it differently.
What Actually Changed in 1946
| Fact | Reality |
|---|---|
| The word “homosexual” appeared in English Bibles in 1946. | True. The RSV used the modern English word for clarity. |
| The translation changed biblical meaning. | False. The same Greek and Hebrew meanings have always referred to male–male sexual relations. |
| The “anti-gay movement” began with this mistranslation. | False. Moral teaching on same-sex behavior existed in Scripture and church history long before 1946. |
A Balanced Understanding
It is important to distinguish between a person’s identity and their behavior. The Bible never condemns someone for experiencing same-sex attraction, which is a modern concept. However, both the Old and New Testaments consistently describe same-sex sexual activity as contrary to God’s design for marriage between a man and a woman.
The 1946 claim simplifies a complex subject into a sound bite, but the truth is much deeper. Scripture’s message on sexual ethics did not begin in 1946, and it did not change in 1946. The words Paul wrote have carried the same meaning for nearly two millennia.
Final Thoughts
The 1946 “mistranslation” theory is built on a half-truth: the introduction of a modern English word into Bible translation. Yet the underlying Greek and Hebrew text and the message it conveys remains the same.
Language evolves, but truth does not. When we study Scripture with humility and care for its historical context, we find that God’s Word has not shifted with time or culture. The call to holiness and purity has been consistent from Genesis to Revelation.
This topic has reminded me how important it is to study Scripture carefully and to seek truth rather than headlines. If you have additional information, insight, or historical context to contribute, I welcome thoughtful discussion in the comments. Together we can sharpen one another as we pursue understanding.
Above all, the authority of Scripture must remain our foundation. God’s Word does not bend to culture, time, or public opinion. It is living, eternal truth that corrects, instructs, and sustains us.
If an organization does not stand upon the Word of God and uphold biblical truth, then it should not be called a church. The Church belongs to Christ, and only His Word defines its message and mission.
Until next time, my friend.
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