If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

LEVITICUS 20:13KJV
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Leviticus 20:13 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:13 mean?

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.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:13

  • 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.

Why Leviticus 20:13 matters

  • 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.

Where else these words appear

“lieth” Hebrew H4904 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 49:4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
  • Judges 21:12 And they found among the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead four hundred young virgins, that had known no man by lying with any male: and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.
  • Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

“mankind” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
  • Deuteronomy 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

“abomination” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.