Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "Man shall not lay with man" is derived from biblical passages that address homosexual behavior, primarily found in the Old Testament. These passages have been the subject of theological discussion and debate throughout the history of Judeo-Christian thought.Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 The primary Old Testament references to homosexual acts are found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 18:22 states, "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." This verse is part of a larger section of Leviticus that outlines various laws and commandments given to the Israelites, often referred to as the Holiness Code. The Holiness Code emphasizes the distinctiveness of the Israelites as God's chosen people and includes various moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. Leviticus 20:13 further reinforces this commandment: "If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." This passage not only reiterates the prohibition but also prescribes a severe penalty for the act, reflecting the gravity with which it was viewed in the context of ancient Israelite society. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Israelites were surrounded by cultures with differing sexual ethics. The prohibitions in Leviticus can be seen as part of a broader effort to maintain the distinct identity and holiness of the Israelite community. The term "abomination" (Hebrew: תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah) used in these passages is often associated with practices that are ritually or morally repugnant within the covenantal framework of Israel. New Testament References While the specific phrase "Man shall not lay with man" is not found in the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses homosexual behavior in his epistles. Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex relations as contrary to nature and a result of humanity's turning away from God: "Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists "men who practice homosexuality" among those who "will not inherit the kingdom of God," emphasizing the moral teachings of the early Christian community. Theological Interpretations Throughout history, these passages have been interpreted in various ways within the Christian tradition. Many conservative theologians and denominations uphold these scriptures as clear prohibitions against homosexual behavior, viewing them as part of the moral law that transcends the cultural and ceremonial laws of the Old Testament. They argue that these teachings are consistent with the biblical understanding of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, as established in Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Contemporary Discussions In contemporary discussions, these passages continue to be a focal point in debates over the role of LGBTQ individuals within the church and society. Some argue for a re-interpretation of these texts in light of modern understandings of sexuality and human rights, while others maintain a traditional reading, emphasizing adherence to biblical authority. The phrase "Man shall not lay with man" thus remains a significant and often contentious topic within biblical scholarship and Christian ethics, reflecting broader discussions about the interpretation and application of scripture in contemporary life. Topical Bible Verses Leviticus 18:22You shall not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Topicalbible.org Leviticus 20:13 Library A Rich Man who was a Thief The Blame of Our Misdeeds not to be Cast Upon God the one Power ... About the Dragon and the Young Man. The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows A Man Reaps More than He Sows. God's Will and Man's Will The Poor Man's Friend The Man Christ Jesus A Pressed Man Yielding to Christ Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It. Resources Is God man-made? Did man create the idea of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can Jesus be God, when Numbers 23:19 says that God is not a man or a son of man? | GotQuestions.org What is the origin of man? | GotQuestions.org Man: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction Man: All the Ways of, Clean in his own Eyes Man: Allowed to Eat Flesh After the Flood Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth Man: Cannot Retain his Spirit from Death Man: Christ is the Head of Every Man: Christ was Found in Fashion As Man: Christ: A Refuge As, to Sinners Man: Christ: Approved of God As Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection Man: Christ: Called the Second, As Covenant Head of the Church Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of Man: Clothed by God With Skins Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves Man: Created by the Holy Spirit Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred) Man: Created in the Image of God Man: Created: A Type of Christ Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity Man: Created: After the Likeness of God Man: Created: On the Sixth Day Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Man: Days of, As the Days of a Hireling Man: Days of, Compared to a Shadow Man: Design of the Creation of Man: Disobeyed God by Eating Part of the Forbidden Fruit Man: Every Herb and Tree Given To, for Food Man: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Man: Filled With Shame After the Fall Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: God: Destroys the Hopes of Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him Man: God: Orders the Goings of Man: God: Prepares the Heart of Man: God: Turns to Destruction Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age Man: Involved Posterity in his Ruin Man: Little Lower than the Angels Man: Made by God in his Successive Generations Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Man: Ordinary Limit of his Life Man: Originally Naked and not Ashamed Man: Placed in the Garden of Eden Man: Possessed of Understanding Man: Punished for Disobedience Man: Quickened by the Breath of God Man: Received Dominion Over Other Creatures Man: Shall be Recompensed According to his Works Man: Sinks Under Trouble of Mind Man: Wiser than Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life Related Terms |
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