Topical Encyclopedia Bestiality, the act of engaging in sexual relations between a human and an animal, is explicitly condemned in the Bible as a grave sin and an abomination. This practice is addressed in several passages within the Old Testament, where it is strictly prohibited and associated with severe consequences.Biblical References 1. Leviticus 18:23 · "You must not have sexual relations with any animal, defiling yourself with it. A woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it; that is a perversion." This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus that outlines various sexual prohibitions, emphasizing the sanctity and purity expected of God's people. 2. Leviticus 20:15-16 · "If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he must 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." This passage underscores the severity of the offense by prescribing the death penalty for both the human and the animal involved, highlighting the seriousness with which this sin is regarded. 3. Exodus 22:19 · "Whoever has sexual relations with an animal must surely be put to death." This commandment is part of the legal code given to the Israelites, reinforcing the prohibition against bestiality and the associated capital punishment. Theological Implications Bestiality is viewed as a violation of the natural order established by God. It is considered a distortion of the divine intention for human sexuality, which is designed to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. The act is seen as a rebellion against God's created order and an affront to the dignity of both humans and animals. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, where the Israelites lived, bestiality was not uncommon among pagan cultures. The strict prohibitions found in the Mosaic Law served to set the Israelites apart as a holy people, distinct from the surrounding nations. These laws were intended to maintain the moral and spiritual purity of the community, reflecting God's holiness. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a moral standpoint, bestiality is considered a perversion that degrades human dignity and violates the inherent value of animals as part of God's creation. It is seen as an act that corrupts the moral fabric of society and undermines the sanctity of human relationships. The biblical injunctions against bestiality serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's standards for sexual conduct and the consequences of deviating from them. In summary, bestiality is unequivocally condemned in the Bible as a serious sin with severe consequences. The biblical texts emphasize the importance of maintaining sexual purity and upholding the sanctity of God's created order. Topical Bible Verses Leviticus 18:23Neither shall you lie with any beast to defile yourself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Topicalbible.org Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The state or quality of being bestial.2. (n.) Unnatural connection with a beast. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BESTIALITYbes-ti-al'-i-ti. Strong's Hebrew 8397. tebel -- confusion... Tabor. Apparently from balal; mixture, ie Unnatural bestiality -- confusion. see HEBREW balal. 8396, 8397. tebel. 8398 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/8397.htm - 6k Library Whether the Unnatural vice is a Species of Lust? Whether Cruelty Differs from Savagery or Brutality? Defilers of Themselves with Beasts, Being Also Leprous, who have ... Whether the Unnatural vice is the Greatest Sin among the Species ... Fast-Day Service A Loyal Tribute Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice Christianity Thesaurus Bestiality... being bestial. 2. (n.) Unnatural connection with a beast. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BESTIALITY. bes-ti-al'-i-ti. See CRIMES. ... /b/bestiality.htm - 6k Bestead (1 Occurrence) Bestir (4 Occurrences) Crime (45 Occurrences) Crimes (22 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about bestiality? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the death penalty / capital punishment? | GotQuestions.org Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Bestiality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |