What is the meaning of Leviticus 20:13?

If a man lies with a man as with a woman

• The phrase describes a voluntary sexual act between two males, mirroring the marital intimacy God designed for husband and wife (Genesis 2:24).

• Leviticus 18:22 has already labeled such an act “an abomination,” setting the moral standard before any penalty is given.

• Other passages echo this moral judgment: Romans 1:26-27 speaks of relations “contrary to nature,” and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists “men who have sex with men” among sins from which believers are called to turn and be washed.

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they have both committed an abomination

• “Abomination” points to behavior God deems detestable, not merely socially taboo (Deuteronomy 12:31).

• The term applies equally to both participants, underscoring shared responsibility (Leviticus 18:22).

• Scripture consistently treats sexual sin as serious because it distorts God’s design for relationships and the picture of Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:31-32).

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They must surely be put to death

• In Israel’s theocratic law, certain sins carried capital punishment to preserve holiness in the covenant community (Deuteronomy 22:22; Numbers 15:32-36).

• The civil penalty was specific to ancient Israel under the Mosaic covenant; it is not a directive for the church or modern governments (John 18:36; Romans 13:1-4).

• While the civil aspect has expired with Christ’s fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-18; Hebrews 8:13), the moral principle—that this behavior is sinful—remains.

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their blood is upon them

• The phrase means the offenders bear personal guilt for the consequence; it is not unjust or arbitrary (Ezekiel 18:20).

• It highlights individual accountability before God (Galatians 6:7-8).

• Yet even sins that carry the gravest guilt can be forgiven through repentance and faith in Christ (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9).

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summary

Leviticus 20:13 declares homosexual acts a serious violation of God’s created order, warranting the strictest penalty under Israel’s Old Testament civil law. While that penalty no longer applies in the new covenant, the passage affirms that such behavior is morally sinful. Scripture calls all people—regardless of the sin—to repentance and offers full pardon and transformation through Jesus Christ.