You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination. You must not lie with a man as with a woman;This phrase is a direct commandment found within the Holiness Code, a section of Leviticus that outlines moral and ceremonial laws for the Israelites. The context of this command is the broader call for Israel to be distinct from the surrounding nations, particularly the Canaanites and Egyptians, whose practices were considered detestable by God. The phrase "lie with" is a euphemism for sexual relations, indicating a prohibition against homosexual acts. This command is part of a larger set of laws intended to maintain the purity and holiness of the Israelite community. The cultural context of the time viewed family and procreation as central to societal stability, and any sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage was seen as a threat to this order. This command is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, where similar prohibitions are reiterated, emphasizing the continuity of this moral standard. that is an abomination.
The term "abomination" is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe actions that are detestable or repugnant to God. In the context of Leviticus, it often refers to practices that are ritually or morally impure. The use of this term underscores the severity with which God views the act described. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the word "abomination" was used to describe practices that were not only religiously offensive but also socially disruptive. Theologically, this term indicates a violation of the created order as established by God. The concept of abomination is linked to the holiness of God and His desire for His people to reflect His character. This phrase serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the importance of adhering to God's standards. The use of "abomination" in this context is consistent with other biblical passages that address sexual immorality, reinforcing the idea that such actions are incompatible with a life dedicated to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, Moses was the leader of the Israelites and the mediator of God's laws to His people. 2. IsraelitesThe recipients of the laws in Leviticus, the Israelites were God's chosen people, set apart to live according to His statutes. 3. CanaanThe land where the Israelites were headed, which was inhabited by people whose practices God deemed abominable, including those mentioned in Leviticus 18. 4. GodThe ultimate lawgiver, who provided these commandments to guide the moral and spiritual conduct of His people. 5. EgyptThe land from which the Israelites had been delivered, known for practices that God warned against, including those related to sexual immorality. Teaching Points Understanding God's DesignGod created male and female with distinct roles and purposes. This verse underscores the importance of adhering to God's design for human relationships. Holiness and SeparationThe Israelites were called to be holy and separate from the practices of surrounding nations. This call to holiness extends to Christians today, urging us to live according to God's standards. Cultural Influence vs. Biblical TruthWhile cultural norms may shift, God's Word remains constant. Believers are encouraged to hold fast to biblical truth despite societal changes. Compassion and TruthWhile upholding biblical standards, Christians are called to approach others with love and compassion, offering grace and truth in discussions about difficult topics. Repentance and RedemptionThe Bible offers hope for all who turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness. Emphasizing repentance and the transformative power of the Gospel is crucial. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of Leviticus 18:22 help us interpret its meaning today? 2. In what ways can Christians uphold biblical teachings on sexuality while showing love and compassion to those who disagree? 3. How do the New Testament passages related to Leviticus 18:22 reinforce the continuity of God's moral law? 4. What are some practical ways believers can maintain holiness in a culture that often contradicts biblical values? 5. How can the church support individuals struggling with issues related to this verse, offering both truth and grace? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where similar behaviors are condemned, illustrating the seriousness of such actions in God's eyes. Romans 1:26-27Paul discusses the consequences of abandoning natural relations, reinforcing the Old Testament's stance on sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10Paul lists behaviors that are unrighteous, including those mentioned in Leviticus, emphasizing the need for repentance and transformation. 1 Timothy 1:9-10Paul reiterates the law's purpose in identifying sinful behaviors, including those related to sexual immorality. People Israelites, Molech, MosesPlaces Canaan, Egypt, TemanTopics Abomination, Detestable, Disgusting, Female, Lie, Lies, Lieth, Male, Mankind, Relations, Sex, Womankind, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 18:22 5729 one flesh
5735 sexuality
6238 homosexuality
6240 rape
8299 love, in relationships
8847 vulgarity Leviticus 18:1-22 5714 men Leviticus 18:1-24 8273 holiness, ethical aspects Leviticus 18:6-23 6206 offence Leviticus 18:6-30 7525 exclusiveness Leviticus 18:22-23 8241 ethics, basis of Leviticus 18:22-25 6237 sexual sin, nature of Library General Character of Christians.
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts." St. Paul is supposed to have been the first herald of gospel grace to the Galatians; and they appear to have rejoiced at the glad tidings, and to have received the bearer with much respect. But after his departure, certain judaizing teachers went among them, and labored but too successfully, to alienate their affections from him, and turn them form the simplicity of the gospel. The malice and errors of those deceitful …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [174] . Here begins the epistle of the blessed Gregory pope of the city of Rome, in exposition of various matters, which he sent into transmarine Saxony to Augustine, whom he had himself sent in his own stead to preach. Preface.--Through my most beloved son Laurentius, the presbyter, and Peter the monk, I received thy Fraternity's letter, in which thou hast been at pains to question me on many points. But, inasmuch as my aforesaid sons found me afflicted with the …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn by the Disciples, and the Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand
IN grouping together the three miracles of healing described in the last chapter, we do not wish to convey that it is certain they had taken place in precisely that order. Nor do we feel sure, that they preceded what is about to be related. In the absence of exact data, the succession of events and their location must be matter of combination. From their position in the Evangelic narratives, and the manner in which all concerned speak and act, we inferred, that they took place at that particular …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 18:22 NIVLeviticus 18:22 NLTLeviticus 18:22 ESVLeviticus 18:22 NASBLeviticus 18:22 KJV
Leviticus 18:22 Commentaries
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