King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:16 Mean?

Leviticus 20:16 in the King James Version says “And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surel... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 20:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people. discovered: Heb. made naked


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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

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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה1 of 17

And if a woman

H802

a woman

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 17
H834

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

תִּקְרַ֤ב3 of 17

approach

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל4 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל5 of 17
H3605

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

הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה6 of 17

and the beast

H929

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

לְרִבְעָ֣ה7 of 17

and lie down

H7250

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

אֹתָ֔הּ8 of 17
H854

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

וְהָֽרַגְתָּ֥9 of 17

thereto thou shalt kill

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

אֶת10 of 17
H853

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

הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה11 of 17

And if a woman

H802

a woman

וְאֶת12 of 17
H853

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

הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה13 of 17

and the beast

H929

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

יוּמָ֖תוּ14 of 17

be put to death

H4191

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

יוּמָ֖תוּ15 of 17

be put to death

H4191

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

דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם16 of 17

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׃17 of 17
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 20:16 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 20:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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