What is the meaning of Leviticus 18:23? You must not lie carnally with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it “Do not lie carnally with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it” (Leviticus 18:23a). • God’s command is direct: sexual activity is limited to the covenant union of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). • Bestiality is named because it violates that design and brings defilement—moral, spiritual, and even physical (Leviticus 18:24; 1 Corinthians 6:18). • Israel was called to be holy and distinct from the surrounding nations, many of which practiced such acts as part of pagan worship (Leviticus 20:22–24; Deuteronomy 12:29–31). • Similar prohibitions appear elsewhere, underscoring God’s consistency (Exodus 22:19; Leviticus 20:15). In short, the first clause establishes an absolute boundary: sexual relations with animals are forbidden because they corrupt the person and profane God’s creation order. A woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it “Nor shall any woman stand before an animal to mate with it” (Leviticus 18:23b). • The wording makes clear that the command applies equally to women; no loophole exists (Leviticus 20:16). • “Stand before” pictures intentional initiation. Scripture refuses to treat sin lightly; it names it plainly (Ephesians 5:3). • By addressing both genders, God affirms the equal moral responsibility of men and women (Galatians 3:28—in Christ all are accountable). • The prohibition protects women from degrading exploitation and exposes the lie that any consent makes an act acceptable (Romans 1:24–26). That is a perversion “That is a perversion” (Leviticus 18:23c). • “Perversion” labels the act as twisted—turning God’s good gift of sexuality into something disordered (Romans 1:27). • The term marks bestiality as not merely undesirable but intrinsically wrong, regardless of culture or era (Isaiah 5:20). • Because God calls it perversion, His people must neither practice nor normalize it; instead, they expose and avoid such works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). • The penalty under the Mosaic Law was severe (Leviticus 20:15–16), underlining how seriously God views this sin. summary Leviticus 18:23 prohibits bestiality for every person. The verse unfolds in three short clauses that (1) forbid the act, (2) include women equally, and (3) brand it as perversion. By doing so, God protects human dignity, upholds the created order of marriage, and calls His people to holiness distinct from the corrupt practices of the surrounding world. |
    |