Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
This verse sits within the "Holiness Code" of Leviticus, a section detailing how Israel was to live differently from surrounding nations. The immediate context lists various sexual prohibitions, including incest, adultery, and bestiality, all framed as practices of Egypt and Canaan. The Hebrew word "toevah" translated "detestable" is used for practices that violate ritual purity or social order — it's not the same word used for moral evil like murder. Ancient Israel understood sexuality primarily in terms of maintaining boundaries and order, not modern categories of orientation or identity. The prohibition reflects a worldview where certain acts disrupted the created order as they understood it. This was part of Israel's calling to be a distinct people, set apart from their neighbors' practices. The verse needs to be read within the larger biblical narrative and Christian understanding of law, grace, and how we apply ancient commands today.
God of mercy, help me hold your word with humility and love. When Scripture challenges me, don't let me use it to harm others. Teach me to wrestle honestly with hard texts while never forgetting that every person is someone you love deeply. Amen.
Let's be honest — this verse has been used like a weapon, wielded to wound real people you probably know and love. But here's something we rarely talk about: Leviticus also calls eating shrimp and wearing mixed fabrics "detestable." The early church had to wrestle with which commands still applied, and they decided Gentiles didn't need to follow all Jewish law. Yet somehow this verse gets pulled out like it's the only one that matters. The deeper question isn't whether ancient Israel prohibited something; it's how we read Scripture when people you care about are caught in the crossfire. This verse sits right next to rules about not harvesting the corners of your field so poor people can eat. How do we hold to biblical truth without becoming selective moral bouncers? Maybe the starting point isn't winning arguments but looking into the eyes of actual humans and asking: how do I love you the way Jesus loved me when he found me?
What was the original context and purpose of these laws in ancient Israel's society?
How do you personally navigate applying ancient commands to modern life, especially when different Christians interpret them differently?
What does it mean to love someone while disagreeing with their choices or identity?
How has the church's selective enforcement of Levitical laws affected your trust in biblical authority?
What would it look like to have honest conversations about difficult texts without dehumanizing anyone?
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1 Corinthians 6:9
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1 Timothy 1:10
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another ; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Romans 1:27
And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
1 Kings 14:24
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 20:13
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Romans 1:26
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Jude 1:7
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Romans 1:24
You shall not lie [intimately] with a male as one lies with a female; it is repulsive.
AMP
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
ESV
'You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.
NASB
“‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.
NIV
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.
NKJV
“Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.
NLT
"Don't have sex with a man as one does with a woman. That is abhorrent.
MSG