In the Bible, ‘abomination’ refers to actions, behaviors, or attitudes deeply offensive to God. These are often associated with idolatry, injustice, and unethical conduct. The Bible lists various acts deemed abominations, reflecting God’s view of extreme moral and spiritual violations. It’s not just about breaking rules; it’s about actions that go against the very character of God and the moral fabric He established.
Dive into the biblical concept of abomination. What actions and behaviors does it cover, and why are they so strongly condemned? Let’s unravel this together.
What Does the Bible Say About Abomination?
The term ‘abomination’ in the Bible carries a strong connotation, referring to practices and behaviors that are deeply offensive and detestable to God. This term appears numerous times throughout the scriptures, both in the Old and New Testament, providing insight into what constitutes abominable acts in God’s eyes.
Abominations in the Bible are not just mere sins or transgressions; they represent actions that are fundamentally opposed to God’s nature and commands. These include a range of practices, from idolatry and pagan rituals to unethical behaviors like dishonesty, injustice, and exploitation.
The Old Testament, particularly the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, provides a detailed list of practices considered abominations. These laws were set in a specific historical and cultural context, serving to distinguish the Israelites from their pagan neighbors and to uphold a certain moral and spiritual standard.
In the New Testament, Jesus expanded on the concept of abomination by focusing on the heart’s attitude. He taught that sin is not just about external actions but also about internal thoughts and attitudes. Jesus’ teachings emphasize that abominations in God’s view are not only about specific actions but also about the heart’s condition.
Abominations are thus seen as a violation of the relationship between God and humanity. They are actions that distort and damage the moral order established by God. The Bible uses strong language to describe these acts to convey their seriousness and the need for people to avoid such behaviors.
In the Bible, the response to abomination is repentance and turning away from these practices. It’s about aligning one’s life with God’s moral and ethical standards, as revealed through His commands and teachings.
The concept of abomination in the Bible is complex, involving both specific actions and the heart’s condition. In the next section, we will explore specific Bible verses that address the topic of abomination, offering deeper insight into its meaning and significance.
Bible Verses About Abomination
- Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” This verse explicitly labels certain sexual practices as abominations, reflecting the moral laws of the Israelite community.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 – “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” This passage in Proverbs expands the concept of abomination beyond specific acts to include attitudes and behaviors like pride, lying, and causing discord.
- Deuteronomy 7:25-26 – “The carved images of their gods you shall burn with fire. You shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it.” Here, idolatry and the coveting of idols are labeled as abominations, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God toward idols.
- Leviticus 11:10-12 – “But whatever does not have fins and scales in the waters is an abomination to you. They shall be an abomination to you; you shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall detest their carcasses.” This verse from Leviticus outlines dietary laws, labeling certain foods as abominations, which reflects the ritual purity laws of the Israelite community.
- Proverbs 11:1 – “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” This proverb addresses ethical conduct in business, condemning dishonesty and fraud. It highlights God’s desire for fairness and integrity in all areas of life, including commerce.
- Proverbs 15:8 – “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” This verse contrasts the actions of the wicked with those of the upright. It suggests that even religious acts, when performed with wicked intent, are detestable to God, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and righteousness.
- Deuteronomy 22:5 – “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.” This verse, rooted in the cultural context of ancient Israel, reflects the distinct roles and identities of men and women at the time, designating the violation of these norms as an abomination.
- Proverbs 17:15 – “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” This proverb speaks to the importance of justice in God’s eyes. It condemns the act of distorting justice by justifying the wrong and condemning the right.
- Ezekiel 16:50 – “And they were haughty and committed abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.” This verse refers to the behavior of Sodom, attributing their downfall to their pride and abominable acts, again highlighting the seriousness of such behaviors in the sight of God.
- Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.” Similar to Leviticus 18:22, this verse explicitly labels certain sexual behaviors as abominations, reflecting the cultural and religious laws of ancient Israel.
These verses provide a varied perspective on what constitutes an abomination in the Bible. From ethical misconduct to idolatry and violations of cultural norms, these abominations are seen as serious offenses in the sight of God. The overarching theme is that abominations are actions, attitudes, or behaviors that deeply contradict God’s moral and ethical standards. The Bible uses the term to signal the severity of these offenses and the need for adherence to God’s laws and principles.