Leviticus 18:22

KJV

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not lie {H7901} with mankind {H2145}, as with {H4904} womankind {H802}: it is abomination {H8441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are not to go to bed with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:22 serves as a foundational declaration within the Mosaic Law, explicitly prohibiting male homosexual intercourse and unequivocally labeling it as an "abomination." This command is not isolated but is an integral component of a comprehensive code of sexual ethics designed to establish Israel as a holy nation, distinct from the defiling practices of surrounding pagan cultures, and to uphold God's foundational design for human sexuality and societal purity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 is a pivotal chapter within the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), a significant portion of the Pentateuch dedicated to outlining God's expectations for Israel's moral and ritual purity. The chapter commences with a foundational injunction for Israel to "do my judgments and keep my ordinances, to walk therein" ([Leviticus 18:4](/leviticus/18-4 "Leviticus 18:4 - God's Statutes for Israel")). It then systematically enumerates various illicit sexual relationships, commencing with incestuous unions ([Leviticus 18:6-18](/leviticus/18-6-18 "Leviticus 18:6-18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations")), progressing to prohibitions against intercourse during menstruation ([Leviticus 18:19](/leviticus/18-19 "Leviticus 18:19 - Purity Laws Regarding Menstruation")), the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice to Molech ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice to Molech")), and culminating in the explicit prohibition of male homosexual acts ([Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Leviticus 18:22 - Prohibition of Male Homosexual Acts")) and bestiality ([Leviticus 18:23](/leviticus/18-23 "Leviticus 18:23 - Prohibition of Bestiality")). The chapter concludes with a stark warning that such practices defile both the individual and the land, leading to the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants, just as it had the nations before them ([Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24-30 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Consequences of Disobedience and Defilement")). Thus, verse 22 is strategically positioned among a series of severe sexual prohibitions, all presented as profound violations of divine order and holiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The laws presented in Leviticus 18 were delivered to the Israelites as they stood on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, having recently been delivered from bondage in Egypt. Both Egyptian and Canaanite cultures were notoriously characterized by practices that stood in direct opposition to the sexual ethics God was establishing for His covenant people. For example, extensive archaeological and textual evidence suggests that cultic prostitution, ritualized sexual acts, and various forms of sexual deviancy were pervasive in Canaanite worship, often intrinsically linked to their fertility cults. The divine injunction, "After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do" ([Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Distinctiveness of Israel from Pagan Practices")), unequivocally articulates God's intent for Israel to be a distinct, holy nation, morally set apart from the pervasive corruption of their neighbors. The term "abomination" (Hebrew: *to'evah*) frequently carries connotations of practices associated with idolatry or severe moral transgressions that not only defile the individual but also pollute the land and fundamentally break covenant with God. The prohibition in [Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Leviticus 18:22 - Prohibition of Male Homosexual Acts") was, therefore, a direct counter-cultural command, establishing a divine standard of sexual morality that transcended and unequivocally condemned the prevailing norms of the ancient Near East.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 18:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**. God's repeated command, "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" ([Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Call to Holiness")), permeates the Holiness Code, emphasizing that Israel's conduct must reflect the character of their holy God. The sexual prohibitions, including that in verse 22, define what it means for Israel to be set apart from the defiling practices of pagan nations. Another crucial theme is **Covenant Faithfulness**. Adherence to these laws demonstrates Israel's loyalty to their covenant with Yahweh, while their violation constitutes a breach of that covenant, leading to severe consequences, including expulsion from the land ([Leviticus 18:28](/leviticus/18-28 "Leviticus 18:28 - Land Vomiting Out Inhabitants")). The verse also reinforces the theme of **Divine Order and Creation Design**. By prohibiting sexual acts that deviate from the male-female complementary union, the law implicitly upholds the original creation design for human sexuality established in [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Institution of Marriage"). Finally, the concept of **Purity and Defilement** is central, as these sexual transgressions are explicitly stated to defile individuals, the community, and the very land itself, necessitating divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lie (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** From H7901, this primitive root means "to lie down" for various purposes, including rest, sexual connection, or decease. In this context, combined with the preposition "with" (*et*), it functions as a common biblical idiom for sexual intercourse. Its use here clearly denotes the physical act of sexual union, emphasizing the explicit nature of the prohibited behavior.
* **Mankind (Hebrew, _zâkâr'_):** From H2145, this term properly means "remembered," specifically referring to a "male" (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex). In Leviticus 18:22, its inclusion precisely identifies the gender of one of the participants in the prohibited act as male, leaving no ambiguity regarding the nature of the forbidden union.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, this word signifies "something disgusting (morally)," or "an abhorrence." It is one of the strongest expressions of divine disapproval in the Old Testament, denoting something utterly detestable, repugnant, and morally offensive to God. Its application to male homosexual intercourse signifies that this act is not merely a minor transgression but a profound offense against God's nature and established order, meriting severe divine judgment and leading to the defilement of the community and the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not lie with mankind":** This opening clause issues a direct and absolute prohibition against sexual intercourse between males. The phrase "lie with" (שָׁכַב אֶת, *shakab et*) is a standard biblical idiom for sexual cohabitation, and "mankind" (זָכָר, *zakhar*) explicitly identifies the male gender of the partner. This renders the command unambiguous: sexual relations between two men are forbidden.
* **"as with womankind":** This comparative phrase clarifies the *nature* of the prohibited act. It specifies that the sexual act between males is forbidden when it mimics the penetrative sexual act typically performed between a male and a female. It underscores that the *kind* of sexual union being prohibited is one that violates the natural, complementary design of male-female sexual relations, which is the foundational blueprint for sexual intimacy.
* **"it [is] abomination":** This declarative statement pronounces God's absolute and severe judgment on the act. As explored in the key word analysis, "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, *to'evah*) denotes something utterly detestable to God, marking the act as a profound violation of divine order and holiness, carrying significant spiritual, moral, and communal consequences. It signifies an act that is fundamentally repugnant to God's character and design.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:22 primarily employs the literary device of **Apodictic Law**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law. The verse uses a direct, unconditional prohibitory statement ("Thou shalt not..."), which is a hallmark of apodictic law, presenting an absolute command without conditions. This directness emphasizes the universality and immutability of the prohibition within the covenant. Furthermore, there is a clear **Antithesis** or **Contrast** at play, setting the divinely ordained pattern of male-female sexual union (implied by "as with womankind") against the prohibited male-male union. This highlights the deviation from God's created order. The use of the powerful term **"Abomination"** functions as a potent rhetorical device, conveying the extreme gravity and detestability of the act from God's perspective, serving as both a severe moral boundary and a strong deterrent for the community. This term elevates the prohibition from a mere rule to a profound theological statement about God's character and what is utterly offensive to His holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:22 is deeply embedded in the broader biblical theology of God's absolute holiness, His intricate design for creation, and the imperative for His people to reflect His character in every facet of their lives. The explicit prohibition against male homosexual intercourse, alongside other sexual prohibitions detailed in the chapter, powerfully reinforces the divine blueprint for human sexuality as exclusively expressed within the covenantal union of male and female, as profoundly established in the creation narratives of [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Institution of Marriage"). This law underscores that sexual expression is not merely a matter of personal preference or cultural norm but is a divinely ordained aspect of human existence with profound implications for individual and communal holiness. Violation of these sacred standards is consistently portrayed as a defilement that pollutes both the individuals involved and the very land itself, thereby jeopardizing Israel's unique covenant relationship with God.

* [Leviticus 20:13](/leviticus/20-13 "Leviticus 20:13 - Penalty for Male Homosexual Acts")
* [Romans 1:26-27](/romans/1-26-27 "Romans 1:26-27 - Paul's Condemnation of Homosexual Acts")
* [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Those Who Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Leviticus 18:22 continues to stand as a clear, authoritative, and enduring statement regarding God's unchanging moral standards for human sexuality. While the Mosaic Law encompasses various categories of laws (moral, civil, ceremonial), the moral prohibitions, particularly those that are reinforced or reiterated in the New Testament, retain their full ethical force and applicability. This verse profoundly calls us to recognize God's design for sexuality as a sacred gift, intended to be expressed exclusively within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. It challenges us to pursue holiness in all aspects of our lives, including our sexual conduct, understanding that our bodies are not our own but are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased with a divine price ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples")). In a world increasingly departing from biblical sexual ethics, this passage compels Christians to live distinctly, upholding God's truth with unwavering conviction, while simultaneously extending grace, compassion, and the transformative message of the Gospel to all. We are reminded that all humanity, without exception, has fallen short of God's glory and stands in profound need of His redemptive love and forgiveness, freely offered through Christ ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the concept of "abomination" as something utterly detestable to God deepen your appreciation for His holiness and His expectations for His people?**
* **In what specific ways does the biblical call to "live distinctly" from surrounding cultures challenge you in today's society regarding contemporary sexual ethics?**
* **How can believers effectively uphold the truth of this passage with conviction while simultaneously demonstrating Christ-like love, empathy, and compassion to those who struggle with or practice same-sex attraction?**

### FAQ

**Is the prohibition in Leviticus 18:22 only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Leviticus 18:22 is indeed part of the Mosaic Law given specifically to ancient Israel, the overwhelming consensus among orthodox Christian theology is that the moral principles embedded in this verse, particularly concerning sexual ethics, are universally applicable and timeless. This enduring relevance is strongly supported by the fact that the New Testament reiterates and upholds these same moral standards. For instance, [Romans 1:26-27](/romans/1-26-27 "Romans 1:26-27 - Paul's Condemnation of Homosexual Acts") describes homosexual acts as "unnatural" and a direct consequence of humanity's rejection of God. Furthermore, [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Those Who Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God") explicitly lists those who practice such things, including "male prostitutes" and "men who practice homosexuality" (ESV), as individuals who will not inherit the kingdom of God. These New Testament passages clearly demonstrate that the moral prohibition against homosexual acts is not abrogated under the New Covenant but is, in fact, affirmed for all believers.

**What does "abomination" mean in this context, and how does it relate to other "abominations" in the Bible?**

Answer: In Leviticus 18:22, "abomination" (Hebrew: *to'evah*) signifies something that is utterly detestable, repugnant, and morally offensive to God. It is one of the strongest terms used in the Old Testament to describe acts that profoundly violate God's nature, His created order, and His covenant with Israel. While *to'evah* can refer to a wide range of things, including dietary restrictions ([Deuteronomy 14:3](/deuteronomy/14-3 "Deuteronomy 14:3 - Unclean Foods")), idolatrous practices ([Deuteronomy 7:25](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25 - Idolatry is Abomination")), or even dishonest business practices ([Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales")), its use in the context of sexual sins—particularly those that are explicitly unnatural or severely defiling, such as incest, bestiality, and child sacrifice (also mentioned in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations"))—highlights a transgression of the most severe moral and theological gravity. It indicates a fundamental departure from God's intended design for human relationships and holiness, corrupting individuals, the community, and the land itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Leviticus 18:22 provides a clear moral boundary within the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are profoundly realized in Christ. The Law, including this specific prohibition, serves to reveal God's perfect and unyielding standard, thereby exposing humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep it and underscoring our desperate need for a Savior ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). In Christ, the call to holiness transcends mere external adherence to rules; it becomes an internal transformation, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling believers to genuinely live according to God's righteous will. Jesus Himself affirmed the foundational creation design of male and female in marriage ([Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage")), thereby implicitly upholding the divine framework within which all sexual expression is intended to occur. For those who have violated God's sexual standards, the Gospel offers profound grace, the opportunity for genuine repentance, and complete forgiveness through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Furthermore, the New Covenant empowers believers to pursue purity not out of fear of legal condemnation, but out of a deep love for God and an earnest desire to honor Him with their bodies, which are now, by grace, consecrated as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality and Glorify God")). Thus, Christ fulfills the Law not by abolishing it, but by providing the divine means for true holiness and by transforming hearts to both desire and live out God's perfect, redemptive design for human sexuality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 20:13

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Romans 1:26

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Romans 1:27

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Timothy 1:10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

1 Kings 14:24

And there were also sodomites in the land: [and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.