Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

LEVITICUS 18:23KJV
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Leviticus 18:23 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 18:23 mean?

Leviticus 18:23 forbids any sexual activity between a person and an animal, calling such acts defiling and describing them as "confusion" (a term for something unnatural or disorderly). The verse addresses both men and women, making clear that this kind of behavior is not permitted among the people of Israel.

In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them specific laws about sexual conduct as they prepare to live in the land of Canaan. The verse is part of a larger section that lists prohibited relationships and actions, aiming to set Israel apart from surrounding nations. The language stresses that these acts are not just wrong but also bring impurity and disorder into the community.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 18:23

  • "defile" (נָטָמֵא, H2930, nitma): This word means to make unclean or impure, especially in a ritual or moral sense. Here, it highlights that such acts are not just private sins but have a wider effect on the spiritual and communal purity of Israel.
  • "confusion" (תֶּבֶל, H8397, tevel): This word is often understood as "perversion" or "unnatural mixing." It signals that the act goes against the created order and proper boundaries set by God.
  • "stand" (עָמַד, H5975, amad): The use of this word for a woman "standing before a beast" to lie with it is unusual, possibly suggesting a deliberate act or presenting oneself for such behavior, not just a passive role.

Why Leviticus 18:23 matters

  • Leviticus 18:23 clarifies that the prohibition applies equally to both men and women, showing that the law is comprehensive and not gender-specific.
  • The verse uses strong language to show that these actions are not just personal choices but have a corrupting influence on the whole community, which is a key theme in Leviticus.
  • By calling the act "confusion," the verse connects this command to the broader biblical idea of keeping order and boundaries in creation, helping readers see why such behavior was considered especially serious.