King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:22 Mean?

Leviticus 18:22 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”

Leviticus 18:22 · KJV

Context

20

Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.

21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Molech: Gr. Moloch

22

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

23

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.

24

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

This verse falls within the section on Unlawful Sexual Relations. Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prohibitions against various sexual sins, distinguishing Israel from Canaanite practices and protecting family sanctity. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאֶ֨ת1 of 8
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

זָכָ֔ר2 of 8

“with mankind”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

לֹ֥א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁכַּ֖ב4 of 8

“Thou shalt not lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י5 of 8

“as with”

H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

אִשָּׁ֑ה6 of 8

“womankind”

H802

a woman

תּֽוֹעֵבָ֖ה7 of 8

“it is abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הִֽוא׃8 of 8
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 18:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 18:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:13Romans 1:26-271 Corinthians 6:91 Timothy 1:10Jude 1:71 Kings 14:24

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 18 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes