Deuteronomy 27:21

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

Cursed {H779} be he that lieth {H7901} with any manner of beast {H929}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

"'A curse on anyone who has sexual relations with any kind of animal.' All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

‘Cursed is he who lies with any animal.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:21 is part of a series of solemn curses pronounced by the Levites on Mount Ebal, which the people of Israel were to affirm with a resounding "Amen." This particular verse addresses the severe sin of bestiality, highlighting God's absolute standard for sexual purity and the sanctity of creation.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger covenant renewal ceremony described in Deuteronomy chapter 27. After crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, Israel was commanded to divide into two groups, one on Mount Gerizim for blessings and the other on Mount Ebal for curses. The Levites were to declare various transgressions, and the entire assembly of Israel was to respond with "Amen," signifying their agreement to the terms of the covenant and the consequences of disobedience. The curses cover a range of hidden sins and public transgressions, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's law and the importance of a holy community. This particular curse, like others in the chapter, pertains to practices considered abominable in God's sight, often associated with pagan worship and defilement of the land.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The verse underscores God's unwavering demand for sexual purity among His people. Bestiality was a perversion that violated the natural order established by God and was explicitly forbidden as an abomination, as seen in Leviticus 18:23.
  • Abomination: The act described was deemed an "abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah), a term used for practices utterly detestable to God, often involving idolatry, sexual perversion, or injustice. Such acts were seen as defiling the individual and the land itself (Leviticus 18:25).
  • Covenant Affirmation: The people's communal declaration of "Amen" (Hebrew: amen, meaning "so be it" or "truly") demonstrates their solemn agreement to uphold God's laws and accept the consequences of breaking them. This collective affirmation bound the community to the covenant.
  • Divine Judgment: The pronouncement of a "curse" signifies God's severe judgment and separation from His blessing for those who engage in such grave transgressions. It highlights the seriousness with which God views these acts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cursed" is אָרוּר (arur), which implies a state of being cut off from divine favor and under divine displeasure. The phrase "lieth with" uses the verb שָׁכַב (shakav), commonly used to describe sexual intercourse. The term "beast" is בְּהֵמָה (behemah), referring to any land animal. The response "Amen" (אָמֵן) is a powerful affirmation, a declaration of truth and agreement, emphasizing the people's responsibility and consent to the terms of the covenant outlined in Deuteronomy 27.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 27:21 reminds us that God's standards for sexual morality are eternal and unchanging. While the specific context is ancient Israel, the underlying principles of purity, holiness, and the sanctity of human sexuality remain relevant. Believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, distinct from the world's corrupting influences. This verse encourages a deep respect for God's created order and a commitment to moral integrity. It also serves as a reminder of the communal responsibility to uphold God's truth and to affirm His righteous judgments, living in obedience to His covenant.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 18:23 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Leviticus 20:15 (3 votes)

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

  • Exodus 22:19 (3 votes)

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