Leviticus 20:16

If a woman approaches any animal to mate with it, you must kill both the woman and the animal. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

Study Bible

If a woman approaches
The phrase "If a woman approaches" indicates a deliberate action. In the Hebrew text, the word used for "approaches" is "קָרַב" (qarab), which means to draw near or come close. This implies an intentional act rather than an accidental occurrence. The context here is crucial, as it underscores the seriousness of the transgression. In ancient Israel, the community was called to uphold a standard of holiness, reflecting God's nature. The deliberate nature of the act highlights the willful rebellion against God's created order.

any animal
The term "any animal" is inclusive, indicating that no exceptions are made regarding the type of animal. The Hebrew word "בְּהֵמָה" (behemah) is used, which generally refers to beasts or cattle. This broad term underscores the unnaturalness of the act, as it crosses the boundaries set by God between humans and animals. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such acts were seen as abominations, violating the natural order established by God in creation.

to mate with it
The phrase "to mate with it" translates the Hebrew "לִרְבֹּעַ" (lirboa), which means to lie down with or to copulate. This explicit language leaves no ambiguity about the nature of the sin. The act is not merely inappropriate but is a direct affront to the sanctity of human sexuality as ordained by God. In the broader biblical narrative, sexual relations are intended to reflect the covenantal relationship between God and His people, and any deviation from this design is seen as a serious breach of covenant.

you must kill the woman and the animal
The command "you must kill the woman and the animal" is a directive for capital punishment. The Hebrew verb "מוּת" (muth) is used, meaning to put to death. This severe penalty reflects the gravity of the offense. In the theocratic society of ancient Israel, such laws were intended to maintain the purity and holiness of the community. The inclusion of the animal in the punishment underscores the complete eradication of the sin from the community, preventing any association with the act.

They must surely be put to death
The phrase "They must surely be put to death" uses the Hebrew construction "מוֹת יוּמָתוּ" (mot yumat), which is an emphatic form, reinforcing the certainty and necessity of the punishment. This repetition serves to emphasize the seriousness with which God views this transgression. It is a reminder of the holiness code that governed Israelite society, where the community was called to reflect God's holiness in every aspect of life.

their blood is upon them
The expression "their blood is upon them" signifies that the responsibility for the sin and its consequences lies with the perpetrators. In Hebrew, "דָּמָם בָּם" (damam bam) indicates that the guilt and the resulting punishment are self-inflicted. This phrase is a legal idiom used to denote that the individuals have brought the judgment upon themselves through their actions. It serves as a sobering reminder of the personal accountability each person holds before God for their actions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The original audience of the Levitical laws, the Israelites were God's chosen people, set apart to live according to His statutes and commandments.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites, including the laws in Leviticus.

3. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received the Levitical laws, as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land.

4. God
The divine lawgiver who established these laws to maintain holiness and purity among His people.

5. The Animal
Represents the object of the prohibited act, highlighting the severity of the transgression against God's created order.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
God calls His people to be holy and separate from the practices of surrounding nations. This law underscores the importance of maintaining purity in all aspects of life.

Respect for God's Created Order
The prohibition against bestiality highlights the need to respect the boundaries God has set within creation. It serves as a reminder to honor the distinct roles and purposes He has established.

Seriousness of Sin
The severe penalty for this sin reflects the seriousness with which God views violations of His law. It serves as a warning to avoid actions that defile both the individual and the community.

Consequences of Disobedience
The phrase "their blood is upon them" indicates personal responsibility for sin and its consequences. It reminds believers of the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Redemption and Forgiveness
While the Old Testament law prescribed death for certain sins, the New Testament offers redemption through Christ. Believers are called to seek forgiveness and transformation through Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Leviticus 20:16 reflect God's desire for His people to be distinct from other nations?

2. In what ways does this passage emphasize the importance of respecting God's created order, and how can we apply this principle today?

3. How does the severity of the punishment in Leviticus 20:16 inform our understanding of the seriousness of sin in God's eyes?

4. What are some modern-day practices or beliefs that might parallel the transgression described in this verse, and how should Christians respond?

5. How can the concept of redemption through Christ provide hope and transformation for those who have violated God's laws, as seen in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:27-28
This passage establishes the created order and the distinct roles of humans and animals, emphasizing the sanctity of human relationships.

Exodus 22:19
Reinforces the prohibition against bestiality, underscoring the consistency of God's law across different books of the Bible.

Romans 1:24-27
Discusses the consequences of abandoning natural relations, which can be seen as a broader context for understanding the gravity of such sins.