Exodus 22:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:19 mean?

Exodus 22:19 states that anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must be put to death. This verse sets out a clear and severe penalty for a specific act that is forbidden in the laws given to ancient Israel.

In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them laws to govern their community after the exodus from Egypt. The verse addresses a particular kind of behavior that was considered both a moral and ritual offense in Israelite society. The law’s directness shows how seriously this act was viewed and the importance placed on maintaining boundaries between humans and animals.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:19

• "lieth" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word means "to lie down," and in this context, it refers specifically to sexual relations. The use of this term makes the meaning unambiguous.
• "beast" (בְּהֵמָה, behemah): This is the general Hebrew word for a domesticated animal or beast. The law applies broadly, not just to certain animals.
• "surely" (מוֹת, mavet): This word is repeated for emphasis in the Hebrew ("put to death, death"), making it clear that the penalty is not optional or symbolic but absolute.
• "death" (מוֹת, mavet): The repetition of this word in the original language underscores the seriousness and finality of the punishment.

Why Exodus 22:19 matters

• Exodus 22:19 clarifies that some boundaries in Israelite law were considered so important that breaking them resulted in the most severe penalty, showing the seriousness with which these laws were enforced.
• The verse fits into a larger section of Exodus where various laws are given to shape the moral and social life of the community, highlighting the distinctiveness of Israelite practices compared to surrounding cultures.
• Understanding the specific words and the context helps prevent misunderstandings about what is being prohibited and why the penalty is so severe, emphasizing the importance of purity and order in the Israelite legal system.