Leviticus 20:13
Leviticus 20:13 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
And if a man has sex relations with a man, the two of them have done a disgusting thing: let them be put to death; their blood will be on them.
Men who have sex with other men as with a woman have done something disgusting. They must be executed; they bear the responsibility for their punishment.
The man also that lyeth with the male, as one lyeth with a woman, they haue both committed abomination: they shall dye the death, their blood shalbe vpon them.
'And a man who lieth with a male as one lieth with a woman; abomination both of them have done; they are certainly put to death; their blood [is] on them.
“‘If a man lies with a male, as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon themselves.
If a man also shall 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.
If any one lie with a man as with a woman, both have committed an abomination, let them be put to death: their blood be upon them.
‘If two men have sex together, they have done something detestable. They must both be executed, they will be responsible for their own deaths [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:13
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 20:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יִשְׁכַּ֤ב
אֶת
זָכָר֙
מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י
אִשָּׁ֔ה
תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
עָשׂ֖וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֑ם
מ֥וֹת
יוּמָ֖תוּ
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִשְׁכַּ֤ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
זָכָר֙
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י
mishkâb
H4904
bed
N-mp
אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֑ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp | Suff
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:13
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִשְׁכַּ֤ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
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.
זָכָר֙
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.
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.
אִשָּׁ֔ה
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.
תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה
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.
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֑ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמָ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:13
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
11If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
12If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them.
13If 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.
14If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is depraved. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that there will be no depravity among you. 15If a man lies carnally with an animal, he must be put to death. And you are also to kill the animal.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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, |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:22 | You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 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 | Deuteronomy 23:17 | No daughter or son of Israel is to be a shrine prostitute. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 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!” |
| 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!” |
Leviticus 20:13 Summary
Leviticus 20:13 teaches that certain behaviors are contrary to God's will and are considered morally wrong. This verse specifically addresses same-sex relationships, calling them an 'abomination' and emphasizing the importance of following God's commands (see also Romans 1:26-27). However, it's essential to remember that God loves every person and desires a personal relationship with each of us, regardless of our past or present struggles (John 3:16, 1 John 4:8). As followers of Jesus, we are called to love and care for all people, while also upholding God's standards and seeking to live according to His will (Matthew 22:37-40, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Leviticus 20:13 mean by 'an abomination'?
In this context, 'an abomination' refers to something that is morally reprehensible and contrary to God's will, as seen in other verses like Deuteronomy 22:5 and Proverbs 6:16-19. This specific act is considered a grave sin against God and humanity.
Is Leviticus 20:13 still relevant today?
Although the specific punishments mentioned in Leviticus 20:13 are part of the Old Testament law, the moral principles behind the verse are still applicable today, as supported by verses like Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, which condemn similar behaviors.
How does Leviticus 20:13 relate to God's love?
God's commands, including those in Leviticus 20:13, are given out of love for humanity and a desire to protect us from harm, as seen in verses like Psalm 119:127-128 and John 14:15, which emphasize the importance of obeying God's commands out of love for Him.
What about people who identify as LGBTQ+?
The Bible teaches that every person is created in God's image and deserves love, respect, and dignity, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and Galatians 3:28, but it also clearly teaches that certain behaviors are contrary to God's will, and as followers of Jesus, we are called to love and care for all people while also upholding God's standards, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- How can I balance God's love and mercy with His holiness and justice, as seen in Leviticus 20:13?
- In what ways can I show love and compassion to those who may be struggling with same-sex attraction, while still upholding God's standards?
- What are some ways that I can personally apply the moral principles of Leviticus 20:13 to my own life, and how can I ensure that my actions align with God's will?
- How can I have open and honest conversations with others about the teachings of Leviticus 20:13, while still showing love and respect for those who may disagree?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:13
If a man lie also with mankind, as he lieth with a woman,.... Is guilty of the sin of sodomy, this is a breach of the law in Leviticus 18:22; both of them have committed an abomination; he that lies,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:13
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. Sanctify yourselves ... and be ye holy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
Except the one party was forced by the other. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
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. Ver. 13. See on Leviticus 18:1-30.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
(13) Mankind.—See Leviticus 18:22.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:13
10–21. Directions on the whole similar to those of Lev 18:6-20; Leviticus 18:22-23, but adding penalties for transgression.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:13
13. An abomination — Leviticus 18:22, note.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
The Holy Spirit—let Him Come by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the message of God seriously. He warns that we will all face judgment one day and stand before God to give an accou |
|
Agreeing to Tempt the Spirit of the Lord by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the season of incredible grace described in Acts chapter 4, where prayers are being answered, signs and wonders are happening, and hearts a |
|
Marks of a True Conversion (Become as Little Children to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven) by George Whitefield | In this sermon by George Whitfield, he begins by urging the congregation to examine their own souls and determine if they have truly been converted. He emphasizes the urgency of th |
|
|
I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land and draws parallels to the Christian journey. He emphasizes that the call of G |
|
The Shaping of Godly Character by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of the conference, which is the shaping of godly character. He expresses his burden for the Jewish believers in New York City and pr |