Old Testament
Leviticus 20:16
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"If a woman approaches any animal and has sexual relations with it, you must kill both the woman and the animal. They must be put to death. They are responsible for their own deaths.
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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.
What Leviticus 20:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Leviticus 20:16 addresses the serious offense of bestiality, which is viewed as a violation of natural order and morality. The verse states that if a woman engages in sexual relations with an animal, both she and the animal are to be put to death. This punishment reflects the gravity of the act in the context of ancient Israelite law, emphasizing the need for holiness and the protection of community standards. The phrase "their blood shall be upon them" indicates personal responsibility for their actions, suggesting that they are accountable for the consequences of their behavior. This law serves to maintain purity within the community and to deter such actions, which were seen as corrupting and unacceptable. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of adhering to divine commandments and the severe repercussions of deviating from them.
How to apply Leviticus 20:16 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining moral integrity in our lives. While the specific laws may not apply today, the underlying principle of respecting boundaries and understanding the consequences of our actions remains relevant. We should strive to uphold ethical standards in all areas of life.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 20:16 say about bestiality?
Leviticus 20:16 states that if a woman engages in sexual relations with an animal, both she and the animal are to be put to death. This reflects the ancient Israelite view that such acts violate natural order and moral law, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
Why is bestiality punished so severely in Leviticus?
The severe punishment for bestiality in Leviticus underscores the importance of moral purity and community standards in ancient Israel. Such acts were seen as corrupting and unacceptable, and the law aimed to maintain holiness within the community and deter similar behaviors.
What does 'their blood shall be upon them' mean?
The phrase 'their blood shall be upon them' indicates personal responsibility for one's actions. It suggests that both the woman and the animal are accountable for the consequences of their behavior, reinforcing the idea that individuals must face the repercussions of their choices.
How does Leviticus 20:16 apply to modern ethics?
While the specific laws in Leviticus may not apply today, the underlying principle of respecting moral boundaries and understanding the consequences of our actions remains relevant. It encourages individuals to uphold ethical standards in their lives and to consider the impact of their choices on themselves and the community.
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