King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:13 Mean?

Leviticus 20:13 in the King James Version says “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

11

And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

12

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.

13

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.

14

And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

15

And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse falls within the section on Penalties for Disobedience. Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community.

Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community. 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 14

“If a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשְׁכַּ֤ב3 of 14

“also lie”

H7901

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

אֶת4 of 14
H854

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

זָכָר֙5 of 14

“with mankind”

H2145

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

מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י6 of 14

“as he lieth”

H4904

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

אִשָּׁ֔ה7 of 14

“with a woman”

H802

a woman

תּֽוֹעֵבָ֥ה8 of 14

“an abomination”

H8441

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

עָשׂ֖וּ9 of 14

“of them have committed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם10 of 14

“both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

יוּמָ֖תוּ11 of 14

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יוּמָ֖תוּ12 of 14

“be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם13 of 14

“their blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בָּֽם׃14 of 14
H0

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 20:13 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 20:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 6:9Leviticus 18:22Jude 1:71 Timothy 1:10Deuteronomy 23:17Romans 1:26-27

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