What does the Bible say about bestiality?

Biblical Definition and General Overview

Bestiality, the act of a human engaging in sexual activity with an animal, is explicitly prohibited in Scripture and classified among grave moral offenses. The biblical texts present this prohibition alongside other sexual sins to underscore its severity, reflecting God’s design for human relationships. From the earliest books of the Old Testament, bestiality is identified as an act that violates both the natural order and the holiness to which believers are called.

Explicit Old Testament Prohibitions

The Law given through Moses addresses bestiality directly. Several passages emphasize the seriousness of this offense:

• Exodus 22:19: “Whoever lies with an animal must surely be put to death.”

• Leviticus 18:23: “You must not have sexual relations with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it; a woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it; that is a perversion.”

• Leviticus 20:15–16: “If a man lies carnally with an animal, he must surely be put to death. And you are also to kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal to mate with it, you must kill both the woman and the animal. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

• Deuteronomy 27:21: “Cursed is he who lies with any animal. And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’”

These laws place bestiality on par with other capital offenses. The language employed—“must surely be put to death,” “it is perversion,” “cursed”—conveys the severity and finality of God’s judgment toward such actions.

Moral and Theological Foundations

Scripture teaches that humans are uniquely created in the image of God (cf. Genesis 1:26–27). Because of this distinct design, sexual relationships are intended only within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). Bestiality contradicts God’s created order by erasing the divide between humanity, made in God’s image, and animals, which are under humanity’s dominion (Genesis 1:28). This boundary is central to understanding the biblical perspective: the holiness code (particularly in Leviticus) aims to preserve purity in personal conduct, reflecting God’s purity.

From a broader historical standpoint, archaeological and ancient Near Eastern documents often show that bestiality was widely rejected across many ancient cultures. However, the specificity and solemnity with which the Torah condemns the practice highlight the covenant people’s calling to remain set apart from surrounding nations (Leviticus 20:22–24).

Consequences and Rationale

The Old Testament penalty—often capital punishment—demonstrates the covenant seriousness with which ancient Israel was to regard this sin. While some punishments prescribed in the Mosaic Law are contextual to Israel’s theocratic governance, the moral principle remains. Bestiality is not treated as merely a cultural taboo, but as a profound violation with spiritual implications. By linking it to idolatry and other defilements of the land, the biblical text reveals that such transgressions offend both the moral fabric of society and the goodness of the Creator (cf. Leviticus 20:22; Deuteronomy 27:21).

New Testament Perspective on Moral Purity

Though the New Testament does not mention bestiality by name, it passionately reaffirms moral purity and condemns all sexual immorality (Romans 1:24–27; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Galatians 5:19–21). These passages teach that believers should honor God with their bodies, since the body is meant for the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13). Because bestiality blatantly opposes God’s design, it is understood as forbidden under the broader banner of sexual immorality. Early Christian writings (e.g., the Didache and other Church Fathers) also reinforced Old Testament moral standards, reflecting the continuity of this prohibition within Christian communities.

Human Dignity and the Image of God

From a philosophical and behavioral standpoint, human beings have unique worth stemming from being created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). Bestiality demeans that image and confuses the distinction between the human person and animals. A significant aspect of understanding Scripture’s prohibition is grasping how God’s moral law protects both humans and animals from abuses and ensures that sacred boundaries remain intact.

Relevance of Christ’s Redemptive Work

Scripture identifies humanity’s universal problem as sin, and bestiality falls under that category of sin that requires redemption. While the Old Testament law prescribes punishment, the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the only sufficient sacrifice who can cleanse from all sin (Romans 3:22–24). Christ’s resurrection, attested by numerous eyewitness accounts (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) and supported by historical data, affirms the power of salvation. Those who repent and turn to Christ find forgiveness and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers moral living in accordance with God’s will (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

Intelligent Design and the Distinction of Kinds

Looking at creation from an intelligent design perspective underscores the deliberate boundaries within various “kinds” (Genesis 1). Modern scientific discoveries consistently reveal the intricacy and complexity of living organisms, reinforcing the scriptural view that humans differ categorically from animals. Bestiality violates this principle; thus, these biblical prohibitions align well with the observed order in nature.

Practical Implications and Pastoral Concerns

When Scripture forbids a particular practice, it is for the purpose of human flourishing and holiness. These texts address bestiality not to shock, but to protect individuals, animals, and society from deviant behavior that damages spiritual, emotional, and community well-being. Pastoral guidance often counsels that those who have encountered such sin—whether personally or secondhand—seek repentance and, if needed, professional help and accountability. God remains merciful to those who genuinely seek Him, repent, and desire to walk in accordance with His design (Psalm 51:17).

Summary

Bestiality is unequivocally condemned in Scripture for violating God’s created order and the moral boundaries established for human sexual behavior. The Torah is explicit in its prohibition, linking bestiality with other severe offenses that warrant capital punishment under the Old Covenant. While the New Testament does not specify bestiality by name, it reaffirms the ethical standard of chastity, sexual purity, and the inherent distinctiveness of humanity created in God’s image. From both a scriptural and holistic standpoint, bestiality stands opposed to God’s good design, and the biblical response calls for reverence toward the Creator and a recognition of human dignity. The core message remains that Christ offers redemption and transformation from all sin—and in this redeemed life, believers uphold moral purity and honor God in their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).