Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about a specific act, but about preserving the distinctiveness of God's people from the surrounding nations and their practices. The word used for "abomination" points to something deeply offensive and detestable, not merely a minor infraction.
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus where God lays out detailed laws for the Israelites, drawing a clear distinction between their way of life and the practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations. Immediately before this, the text prohibits various forms of incestuous relationships. Following this, the chapter continues with further prohibitions against sexual immorality and idolatry, all aimed at setting Israel apart as a holy people devoted to God.
Understand the original words
toebah · Hebrew Noun
A term used in the Old Testament to describe something that is morally detestable, repugnant, or contrary to God's nature and created order. It often characterizes practices that are spiritually polluting and incompatible with holiness.
This passage directly links the sin condemned in Leviticus 18:22 to the infamous destruction of Sodom, highlighting its ancient and severe consequences.
Romans 1:27The Apostle Paul echoes this prohibition, describing the same sexual behavior as unnatural and a mark of God's judgment on humanity's unrighteousness.
1 Corinthians 6:9Paul again lists those who practice this 'abomination' among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, underscoring its gravity in the New Testament era.
Leviticus 20:13This verse prescribes the death penalty for the act described in Leviticus 18:22, showing the seriousness with which the Mosaic Law treated this prohibition.
pooleLeviticus 18:22: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
No text from Poole on this verse.
ellicottLeviticus 18:22: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
(22) As with womankind. —This was the sin of Sodom ( Genesis 19:5 ), whence it derived its name, and in spite of the penalty of death enacted by the Law against those who were found guilty of it (see Leviticus 20:13 ), the Israelites did not quite relinquish this abominable vice ( Judges 19:22 ; 1Kings 14:24 ), to which the surrounding nations were addicted and which was so prevalent in the time of the Apo…
This verse isn't just about a specific act, but about preserving the distinctiveness of God's people from the surrounding nations and their practices. The word used for "abomination" points to something deeply offensive and detestable, not merely a minor infraction.
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus where God lays out detailed laws for the Israelites, drawing a clear distinction between their way of life and the practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations. Immediately before this, the text prohibits various forms of incestuous relationships. Following this, the chapter continues with further prohibitions against sexual immorality and idolatry, all aimed at setting Israel apart as a holy people devoted to God.
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus where God lays out detailed laws for the Israelites, drawing a clear distinction between their way of life and the practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations. Immediately before this, the text prohibits various forms of incestuous relationships. Following this, the chapter continues with further prohibitions against sexual immorality and idolatry, all aimed at setting Israel apart as a holy people devoted to God.
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"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." — This verse isn't just about a specific act, but about preserving the distinctiveness of God's people from the surrounding nations and their practices. The word used for "abomination" points to someth…