Leviticus 18:22
Leviticus 18:22 in Multiple Translations
You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
You may not have sex relations with men, as you do with women: it is a disgusting thing.
Don't have sex with a man as with a woman. That is something disgusting.
Thou shalt not lie with ye male as one lieth with a woman: for it is abomination.
'And with a male thou dost not lie as one lieth with a woman; abomination it [is].
“‘You shall not lie with a man as with a woman. That is detestable.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind, because it is an abomination.
“No man should have sex with another man; that is detestable.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 18:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 18:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶ֨ת
זָכָ֔ר
לֹ֥א
תִשְׁכַּ֖ב
מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י
אִשָּׁ֑ה
תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה
הִֽוא
וְ/אֶ֨ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep
זָכָ֔ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשְׁכַּ֖ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י
mishkâb
H4904
bed
N-mp
אִשָּׁ֑ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 18:22
וְ/אֶ֨ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
זָכָ֔ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשְׁכַּ֖ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
N-mp
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
אִשָּׁ֑ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Leviticus 18:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 18:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
- Sermons on Leviticus 18:22
Context — Unlawful Sexual Relations
20You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.
21You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
22You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.
23You 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. 24Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:13 | If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. |
| 2 | Romans 1:26–27 | For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 6:9 | Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 1:10 | for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching |
| 5 | 1 Kings 14:24 | There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land. They imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 6 | Jude 1:7 | In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 23:18 | You must not bring the wages of a prostitute, whether female or male, into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 8 | Judges 19:22 | While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they said to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house, so we can have relations with him!” |
| 9 | Genesis 19:5 | They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!” |
Leviticus 18:22 Summary
Leviticus 18:22 teaches us that God designed human relationships to be between one man and one woman, and that any other kind of sexual relationship is not in line with His plan. This is not just an Old Testament rule, but is also supported by New Testament verses like Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. God loves and values every person, regardless of their struggles or temptations, and desires for them to come to know and follow Him, as seen in John 3:16. By following God's design for human relationships, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that He intends for us, as seen in Psalm 16:11 and 1 John 1:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to lie with a man as with a woman in Leviticus 18:22?
This verse is referring to sexual relations between two men, which is considered an abomination in God's eyes, as it goes against the natural order of creation and the design for human relationships, as seen in Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:4-6.
Is Leviticus 18:22 still relevant today, or was it just for the Israelites?
Although this verse was given to the Israelites, the principle behind it is still relevant today, as it is rooted in God's creation design and is reaffirmed in the New Testament, such as in Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
How should Christians respond to those who struggle with same-sex attraction or identify as LGBTQ+?
Christians should respond with love, compassion, and understanding, while also upholding the biblical standard for human relationships, as seen in verses like Leviticus 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:11, and pointing people to the hope and transformation found in Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Philippians 3:12-14.
Does Leviticus 18:22 condemn people who experience same-sex attraction, or just the act itself?
This verse specifically condemns the act of lying with a man as with a woman, not the experience of same-sex attraction itself, as God loves and values every person, regardless of their struggles or temptations, and desires for them to come to know and follow Him, as seen in John 3:16 and 1 John 4:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can lovingly and respectfully engage with those who may disagree with the biblical view on human relationships?
- How can I balance grace and truth in my interactions with others, especially when discussing sensitive topics like this one?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring or rejecting God's design for human relationships, as seen in Leviticus 18:22 and other verses?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's creation design, and how can I apply that to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 18:22
Thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind,.... By carnal knowledge of them, and carnal copulation with them, and mixing bodies in like manner: this is the sin commonly called sodomy, from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 18:22
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Thou shalt not lie with mankind ... - (cf.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.Ver. 22. Thou shalt not lie with mankind.] The Sodomites’ sin. This, say the Hebrews, was Ishmael’ s sporting with Isaac: and this, say others, was the sin of Joseph’ s brethren, the evil report whereof he brought to his father. A sad report it was surely to our King Henry I, that was brought him concerning his eldest son, William, who, crossing the seas from France to England, was with many other gallants cast away by shipwreck, being Sodomitica labe infecti fere omnes, saith Guliel. Parisiensis, almost all of them infected with this abomination of going after strange flesh.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
(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; 1 Kings 14:24), to which the surrounding nations were addicted and which was so prevalent in the time of the Apostles (Romans 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19; 1 Timothy 1:10). By the law of Christ those who are guilty of this sin are excluded from the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10), whilst the laws of civilised Europe rightly inflict the severest penalties upon offenders of this kind.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
Verse 22. With mankind] This abominable crime, frequent among the Greeks and Romans as well as the Canaanites, may be punished with death in this country.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 18:22
22. Lie with mankind, as with womankind — The whole heathen world, according to St.
Sermons on Leviticus 18:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
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Depression - It's Cause and Cure by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of depression and the heavy burden it places on individuals. He describes the symptoms of depression, such as constant confusion, so |
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Homosexuality and Scripture by Peet Botha | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of homosexuality and scripture. He begins by discussing the wrath of God being revealed against the godlessness and wickedness of |
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Shocking Sins of Sodom and the American Church (Clip) by Steve Hill | This sermon addresses the sins of pride, indulgence, neglect of the poor, and abominations committed before God, drawing parallels between the behaviors of Sodom and Gomorrah and t |
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(Through the Bible) Leviticus 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the moral decay and corruption in society, particularly in relation to the portrayal of sinful acts in movies. He emphasizes that God's peopl |
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Pastor Offers 5 Biblical Reasons Why Gay Marriage Is Wrong by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the controversy surrounding homosexuality and gay marriage, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth in love even if it means risking reputation and |
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A Biblical Pastor Part 1 (Tharptown Baptist Church) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of deception in the media and attributes it to a supernatural malignant power. He emphasizes the need for believers to be taught |