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 presents an unequivocal divine prohibition against bestiality for both men and women, identifying such acts as profoundly defiling and a fundamental perversion of the created order. This command is an essential component of God's comprehensive statutes on sexual purity, designed to establish a clear moral and spiritual distinction between the covenant people of Israel and the morally degraded practices prevalent among the surrounding Canaanite nations, thereby safeguarding the holiness of God's people and the sanctity of the land itself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 18 is a pivotal chapter within the Holiness Code ([Leviticus 17-26](/leviticus/17 "Leviticus 17 - The Holiness Code Begins")), which systematically outlines God's expectations for His covenant people to live a life consecrated to Him. Following detailed instructions concerning sacrifices and the priestly service, this chapter transitions to the practical outworking of holiness in daily life, with a specific focus on sexual ethics. The prohibitions enumerated here, including various forms of incest, child sacrifice, and bestiality, are repeatedly labeled as "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, _tôʿēḇâ_), signifying acts that are utterly detestable to God and fundamentally incompatible with His holy character. This chapter thus serves as a moral cornerstone for Israel's distinct identity, emphasizing that their conduct, particularly in matters of sexuality, must reflect the transcendent holiness of the God who has called them out of Egypt and into covenant relationship. The progression of forbidden acts within the chapter reveals a descent into increasing perversion, culminating in the most egregious violations of natural and divine order, setting the stage for the severe consequences outlined later in the code.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Leviticus 18 are explicitly framed as a stark contrast to "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 immersed in pagan fertility cults and idolatrous practices. These often involved ritual prostitution, cultic sexual acts within temples, and even zoomorphism or bestiality, which was sometimes associated with animal worship, attempts to invoke fertility, or imitative magic. Such practices blurred the divinely established lines between human and animal, sacred and profane, and were deemed utterly defiling by God. The severe warnings articulated in [Leviticus 18:25-28](/leviticus/18-25-28 "Leviticus 18:25-28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants") about the land "vomiting out" its inhabitants due to such defilement underscore the immense gravity of these sins, indicating that moral corruption had profound ecological and national consequences, ultimately leading to divine judgment and expulsion from the Promised Land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's people must be "holy, for I am holy" ([Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The prohibition against bestiality highlights the importance of **Purity and Cleanliness**, not merely ritual but moral, as essential for maintaining a right relationship with God. It also reinforces the theme of **Distinction and Separation**, as God calls Israel to be distinct from the surrounding nations in their ethical and moral practices. Crucially, the verse speaks to the **Sanctity of Created Order**, affirming the divinely established boundaries between humanity, made in God's image, and the animal kingdom. Violating these boundaries, as bestiality does, is presented as an act of **Perversion and Disorder** that fundamentally affronts God's design for creation and human sexuality, which is reserved for the sacred covenant of marriage between a man and a woman as established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lie (Hebrew, _shᵉkôbeth'_):** This noun (שְׁכֹבֶת, H7903) is derived from the verb "to lie down" and specifically refers to a "sexual lying with." In this context, it is a euphemism for sexual intercourse. Its use here underscores the direct and explicit nature of the forbidden act, leaving no ambiguity regarding the physical transgression. The term highlights the intimate and personal nature of the defilement that occurs through such a perverse union.
* **Defile (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** The verb "to defile" (טָמֵא, H2930) signifies becoming ritually or morally unclean, impure, or polluted. In the Old Testament, defilement could result from various sources, including contact with death, certain bodily discharges, or, as in this verse, 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, _tebel'_):** The noun "confusion" (תֶּבֶל, H8397) is a rare but exceptionally 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, _tebel_ 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 initial 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 and rendering them ritually unclean.
* **"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 and the active participation of the woman. By explicitly forbidding both male and female participation, the law covers all forms of bestiality, reinforcing its universal condemnation and the comprehensive nature of the defilement.
* **"it [is] confusion."**: This culminating declaration provides the theological justification for the prohibition. The Hebrew word _tebel_ (תֶּבֶל), translated as "confusion" or "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 uniquely 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, an affront to the Creator's wisdom and a distortion of His intended harmony.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 18:23 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the gravity and comprehensive nature 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 universal and absolute condemnation across genders. The subtle **Repetition** of the core prohibition, albeit with varied phrasing, serves to highlight its absolute and non-negotiable nature, impressing upon the reader the severity of the command. The phrase "to defile thyself therewith" functions as a clear statement of **Consequence**, articulating the immediate spiritual and moral impurity that results from such an act, linking the physical transgression directly to a state of ritual and moral uncleanness. Finally, the concluding declaration, "it [is] confusion," acts as a powerful **Aetiology**, providing the fundamental reason and inherent nature of the sin—it is a profound perversion of the created order, blurring the divinely ordained boundaries between humanity and the animal kingdom, and thus an act of cosmic disorder.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 18:23 profoundly underscores God's unwavering demand for holiness and the sanctity of human sexuality, which is to be expressed exclusively within divinely ordained boundaries. This verse reveals that God's moral law is not arbitrary but is deeply rooted in His immutable character and the inherent order He established in creation. 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/1-26-28 "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 indispensable aspect of living a life set apart for God, distinguishing His people from the degrading and chaotic practices of the world. It highlights God's concern for the integrity of His creation and the moral well-being of His people.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific prohibition against bestiality may seem self-evident and universally abhorrent, 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, primarily the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. 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, chaotic consequences of sin. The concept of "confusion" (תֶּבֶל, _tebel_) challenges us to consider how we might, in more subtle ways, blur God-given distinctions in our lives—whether in our understanding of gender roles, family structures, moral absolutes, or the sacred and the secular. Our call to holiness extends to honoring God with our bodies and minds, actively resisting cultural pressures that seek to redefine or dismantle God's established order, and striving for purity in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that true freedom is found in aligning with God's wise and loving design.

#### 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, _tebel_)?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _tebel_ (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/1-15-16 "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, love, and established order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 18:23, with its stark prohibition against bestiality and the declaration that "it is confusion," powerfully reveals the depth of human sin and the absolute holiness of God's standards for creation and human conduct. While the law meticulously exposes humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's commands and avoid defilement, it simultaneously points forward 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, unblemished 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 redemptive 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, set apart from the world's perversions ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "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.

Cross-References

Exodus 22:19

Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.

Leviticus 20:15

And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.

Leviticus 20:16

And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Leviticus 20:12

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Deuteronomy 27:21

Cursed [be] he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.