Question 1

What does Leviticus 20:13 mean?

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 20:13 states that if a man has sexual relations with another man as he would with a woman, both men have committed an act described as an abomination and are to be put to death, with responsibility for their actions resting on themselves. This verse is part of a list of laws given to the Israelites, describing prohibited behaviors and their consequences. In context, Leviticus records instructions from God to Moses for the people of Israel, focusing here on sexual conduct within the community. The language is direct and legal, setting out boundaries for behavior and the penalties for crossing them. The verse uses strong terms to emphasize the seriousness of the action within the ancient Israelite legal and religious system.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:13

Accepted Answer

The word for "man" is אִישׁ (ish, H376), which refers to an adult male, highlighting that the law addresses grown men rather than boys or children. The word for "mankind" is זָכָר (zakar, H2145), which specifically means "male," emphasizing the same-sex aspect of the act described. The word for "abomination" is תּוֹעֵבָה (toevah, H8441), a term often used in Leviticus for actions considered ritually or morally detestable within Israel’s covenant law, marking this behavior as especially serious in that context. The phrase "their blood shall be upon them" uses דָּם (dam, H1818), which in this setting means that the responsibility or guilt for the penalty lies with those who committed the act, not with the community or its leaders.

Question 3

Why Leviticus 20:13 matters

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 20:13 clarifies the specific actions that were considered forbidden in ancient Israel and the severity with which they were viewed under the law. The verse uses legal and ritual language that connects it to the broader holiness code in Leviticus, which sets Israel apart from surrounding nations. Understanding the original Hebrew terms helps highlight the focus on adult, consensual acts and the strong religious and communal boundaries being drawn in this part of the law.

Leviticus 20:13 (KJV)