King James Version

What Does Leviticus 18:23 Mean?

Leviticus 18:23 in the King James Version says “Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie d...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 18:23 · KJV

Context

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:

25

And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

Read Leviticus 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבְכָל1 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְהֵמָ֛ה2 of 15

“a beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

לֹֽא3 of 15
H3808

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

תִתֵּ֥ן4 of 15

“Neither shalt thou”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שְׁכָבְתְּךָ֖5 of 15

“lie”

H7903

a (sexual) lying with

לְטָמְאָה6 of 15

“to defile”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

בָ֑הּ7 of 15
H0
וְאִשָּׁ֗ה8 of 15

“thyself therewith neither shall any woman”

H802

a woman

לֹֽא9 of 15
H3808

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

תַעֲמֹ֞ד10 of 15

“stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לִפְנֵ֧י11 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְהֵמָ֛ה12 of 15

“a beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

לְרִבְעָ֖הּ13 of 15

“to lie down”

H7250

to squat or lie out flat, i.e., (specifically) in copulation

תֶּ֥בֶל14 of 15

“thereto it is confusion”

H8397

mixture, i.e., unnatural bestiality

הֽוּא׃15 of 15
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 18:23 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 18:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:19Leviticus 20:15-16Leviticus 20:12Deuteronomy 27:21

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