Leviticus 18:23

KJV

Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it [is] confusion.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shalt thou {H5414} lie {H7903} with any beast {H929} to defile {H2930} thyself therewith: neither shall any woman {H802} stand {H5975} before {H6440} a beast {H929} to lie down {H7250} thereto: it is confusion {H8397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are not to have sexual relations with any kind of animal and thus become unclean with it; nor is any woman to present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; it is perversion.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not lie carnally with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it; a woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it; that is a perversion.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt not lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith; neither shall any woman stand before a beast, to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 18:23 delivers a stark and unequivocal prohibition against bestiality for both men and women, classifying such acts as profoundly defiling and a fundamental perversion of divine order. This command is an integral part of God's comprehensive statutes on sexual purity, designed to establish a clear moral distinction between the Israelites and the morally degraded practices prevalent among the surrounding Canaanite nations, thereby safeguarding the holiness of God's covenant people and the sanctity of the land itself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 forms a crucial segment within the broader Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), which outlines God's expectations for His people to live a life set apart unto Him. Following detailed instructions regarding sacrifices and the priesthood, this chapter shifts focus to the practical outworking of holiness in daily life, specifically addressing sexual ethics. The prohibitions listed, including incest, child sacrifice, and bestiality, are presented as "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, _tôʿēḇâ_), acts that are utterly detestable to God and fundamentally incompatible with His character. This chapter serves as a moral foundation for Israel's identity, emphasizing that their conduct, particularly in matters of sexuality, must reflect the holiness of the God who has called them. The progression of sins in the chapter reveals a descent into increasing perversion, culminating in the most egregious violations of natural and divine order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Leviticus 18 are explicitly framed against "the customs of the land of Egypt, in which you lived, and... the customs of the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you" ([Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do Not Follow the Customs of Egypt or Canaan")). Ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly those of Canaan, were deeply steeped in pagan fertility cults and idolatrous practices that often involved ritual prostitution, temple cults with sexual acts, and even bestiality, which was sometimes associated with animal worship or attempts to invoke fertility. These practices blurred the lines between human and animal, sacred and profane, and were seen by God as utterly defiling. The severe warnings in [Leviticus 18:25-28](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25-28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants") about the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants due to such defilement underscore the gravity of these sins, indicating that moral corruption had ecological and national consequences, leading to divine judgment and expulsion from the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defile (Hebrew, _ṭāmē'_)**: The verb "to defile" (טָמֵא, _ṭāmē'_) signifies becoming ritually or morally unclean, impure, or polluted. In the Old Testament, defilement could result from contact with death, certain bodily discharges, or, as here, engaging in forbidden sexual acts. This word emphasizes that bestiality is not merely a social taboo but an act that fundamentally corrupts the individual's spiritual and moral state, rendering them unfit for communion with a holy God and for participation in the sacred community. Such defilement also had implications for the land itself, which could become defiled by the inhabitants' sins.
* **Confusion (Hebrew, _tebhel_)**: The noun "confusion" (תֶּבֶל, _tebhel_) is a rare but potent term, appearing only three times in the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:23; 20:12; and as a verb in Judges 21:16). It denotes a "mixture," "mingling," or "perversion," specifically an unnatural or illicit mixing that violates established boundaries and order. In the context of bestiality, _tebhel_ highlights the profound disruption of God's created order, where distinct categories (human and animal) are unnaturally merged. It signifies an act that is inherently chaotic, perverse, and an affront to the divine design for life, sexuality, and the unique status of humanity as image-bearers of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith:"**: This clause issues a direct and absolute prohibition to men against engaging in sexual intercourse with animals. The phrase "lie with" (שָׁכַב, _šāḵaḇ_) is a common biblical euphemism for sexual relations. The immediate consequence stated, "to defile thyself therewith," emphasizes that this act is not merely a physical transgression but one that carries profound spiritual and moral impurity, polluting the individual in God's sight.
* **"neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto:"**: This parallel clause extends the prohibition to women, using a slightly different construction ("stand before... to lie down thereto") to describe the act of sexual engagement with an animal. The specific posture ("stand before... to lie down") indicates the deliberate and intentional nature of the act, underscoring its perversity. By explicitly forbidding both male and female participation, the law covers all forms of bestiality, reinforcing its universal condemnation.
* **"it [is] confusion."**: This culminating declaration provides the theological justification for the prohibition. The Hebrew word _tebhel_ (confusion/perversion) here signifies that bestiality is not just a sin but an act that fundamentally disorders and corrupts the very fabric of creation. It blurs the divinely established distinctions between humans, made in God's image, and animals, violating the natural order and God's design for human sexuality and dignity. It is an act of profound cosmic and moral chaos.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore the gravity of the prohibition. **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical structure that addresses both male ("Neither shalt thou lie with any beast") and female ("neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto") participation in the forbidden act, emphasizing its comprehensive condemnation. The **Repetition** of the prohibition, albeit with different phrasing, serves to highlight its absolute and non-negotiable nature. The phrase "to defile thyself therewith" functions as a statement of **Consequence**, articulating the immediate spiritual and moral impurity that results from such an act. Finally, the concluding declaration, "it [is] confusion," acts as a powerful **Aetiology**, explaining the inherent nature of the sin and why it is so abhorrent to God – it is a fundamental perversion of the created order, blurring the divinely ordained boundaries between humanity and the animal kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:23 profoundly underscores God's demand for holiness and the sanctity of human sexuality, which is to be expressed within divinely ordained boundaries. This verse reveals that God's moral law is not arbitrary but rooted in His character and the created order. Bestiality, by blurring the distinct lines between human and animal, directly assaults the unique dignity of humanity as image-bearers of God ([Genesis 1:26-28](/genesis/1-26 "Genesis 1:26-28 - Humanity's Dominion and Image of God")). It is an act of profound rebellion against the Creator's design, leading to deep spiritual and moral defilement. The prohibition thus serves as a foundational principle for understanding that sexual purity is an essential aspect of living a life set apart for God, distinguishing His people from the degrading practices of the world.

* [Genesis 1:26-28](/genesis/1-26 "Genesis 1:26-28 - Humanity's Dominion and Image of God")
* [Romans 1:24-27](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24-27 - God's Judgment on Idolatry and Sexual Perversion")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-15 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific prohibition against bestiality may seem self-evident and abhorrent to most, the underlying principles of Leviticus 18:23 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to a deeper appreciation for the sanctity of human sexuality as a sacred gift from God, intended for expression within specific, divinely ordained boundaries. It reminds us that God's laws are not restrictive burdens but protective guidelines designed to preserve human dignity, foster genuine intimacy, and prevent the destructive consequences of sin. The concept of "confusion" (תֶּבֶל, _tebhel_) challenges us to consider how we might, in more subtle ways, blur God-given distinctions in our lives—whether in our understanding of gender, family, moral absolutes, or the sacred and the secular. Our call to holiness extends to honoring God with our bodies and minds, resisting cultural pressures that seek to redefine or dismantle God's established order, and striving for purity in all aspects of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's created order, as highlighted by the prohibition against bestiality, inform our contemporary views on human sexuality and relationships?**
* **Beyond the obvious, in what ways might we be tempted to blur God-given distinctions or embrace "confusion" in our lives, whether morally, ethically, or spiritually?**
* **What does it mean to "defile oneself" in a modern context, and how can we actively cultivate purity in our thoughts, desires, and actions to honor God?**

### FAQ
**Why is bestiality considered "confusion" (תֶּבֶל, _tebhel_)?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _tebhel_ (תֶּבֶל) signifies a profound "mixture," "mingling," or "perversion." In the context of bestiality, it denotes an act that fundamentally violates the divinely established order of creation. God created humanity in His own image ([Genesis 1:26](/genesis/1-26 "Genesis 1:26 - Humanity Created in God's Image")), setting humans apart from and above the animal kingdom, granting them dominion over it. Bestiality blurs this essential distinction, reducing human beings to the level of animals and animals to objects of human sexual gratification, thereby perverting the unique dignity and purpose of both. It is an act of chaos that defies the Creator's design for distinct categories and proper relationships within His creation, making it an abomination in His sight.

**How does this ancient law apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the specific act of bestiality is universally condemned and considered abhorrent, the underlying principles of Leviticus 18:23 remain highly relevant for believers. First, it underscores God's unwavering demand for holiness and purity in all aspects of life, especially sexuality. Believers are called to be set apart from the degrading practices of the world ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")). Second, the concept of "confusion" (תֶּבֶל) highlights the importance of respecting God's created order and natural boundaries, not just in sexual ethics but in all areas where human beings might seek to redefine or transgress divine design. This principle extends to all forms of sexual immorality that deviate from God's design for marriage between a man and a woman, as articulated in the New Testament ([Romans 1](/romans/1 "Romans 1 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness and Unrighteousness")). The law reveals the seriousness of sin and humanity's propensity to pervert God's good gifts, calling us to align our lives with His wisdom and love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 18:23, with its stark prohibition against bestiality and declaration that "it is confusion," powerfully reveals the depth of human sin and the absolute holiness of God's standards. While the law exposes humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's commands and avoid defilement, it simultaneously points to the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. Christ fulfills the law not only by living a life of perfect purity and holiness, never succumbing to any form of "confusion" or perversion, but also by becoming the perfect sacrifice for sin. His atoning death on the cross cleanses us from all defilement and impurity that the Old Testament laws could only identify but not ultimately remove ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Through faith in Him, believers are declared righteous and are made new creations, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in alignment with God's original design for humanity and sexuality, overcoming the "confusion" of sin and reflecting the order and beauty of God's kingdom ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Christ's work restores true humanity and enables us to live lives that honor God with our bodies and spirits, presenting ourselves as a holy and blameless bride to Him ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

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.