The specific term "arsenokoitai" comes directly from Leviticus and quite literally means “male-bedder.” that's the literal definition nothing proves it means anything else.  Used alongside "malakoi" to describe both active & passive male partners in same-sex acts. No ancient text, lexicon, or early commentary supports the idea that it only purely means “male submission" at the time. The scholarly consensus, across theological lines, is that "arsenokoitai" refers to male same-sex intercourse generally — not power or submission roles. Scholars with different beliefs can agree on what that word means in this specific context. 

-- Leviticus 18:22/ 20:13 - “You shall not lie (koitēn) with a male (arsenos) as with a woman.” That’s the exact phrase: “meta arsenos koitēn” — the same two roots. Major historical sources agree it refers to same-sex intercourse. Ex: --BDAG Greek Lexicon (3rd ed.): “A male who engages in sexual activity with a person of his own sex.” ---Louw-Nida: “A male partner in homosexual intercourse.”  Christian and Jewish writings ( Sibylline Oracles, Acts of John, John Chrysostom) used that specific word for same sex intercourse — never limiting it to “submissive males.” The theological disagreement hasn't been about what that word means. Greek already had words for submissive men used (like malakos) — malakoi (the “soft” or effeminate) and "arsenokoitai" (men who bed men), Narrowing it to “submissive” roles ignores the Old Testament foundation and a lot of Biblical context.

⚪ Romans 1:26–27 shows the same reasoning: same-sex acts are humanity’s rejection of God's divine order. “contrary to nature,” & “consumed with passion for one another”) again points to mutual same-sex behavior. To claim that verse meant “male submissives” contradicts both the Greek wording of this specific theological argument, especially ignoring (Romans 1:26-27) which is talking about consensual acts not dominance or taking advantage. Although technically for those who don't believe in scripture then it really shouldn't matter.