King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:15 Mean?

Leviticus 20:15 in the King James Version says “And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 20:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

17

And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people : he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

Read Leviticus 20 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. 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 point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִ֗ישׁ1 of 10

“And 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 10
H834

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

יִתֵּ֧ן3 of 10

“lie”

H5414

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

שְׁכָבְתּ֛וֹ4 of 10
H7903

a (sexual) lying with

הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה5 of 10

“the beast”

H929

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

יוּמָ֑ת6 of 10

“be put to death”

H4191

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

יוּמָ֑ת7 of 10

“be put to death”

H4191

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

וְאֶת8 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה9 of 10

“the beast”

H929

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

תַּֽהֲרֹֽגוּ׃10 of 10

“and ye shall slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

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 20:15 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 20:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 18:23Deuteronomy 27:21Exodus 22:19

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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