Leviticus 18:22

Context

Chapters 17–26 of Leviticus are commonly called the "Holiness Code" and are unified by the theme "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). Chapter 18 opens by commanding Israel not to follow the practices of the Egyptians and the Canaanites (18:3). It then prohibits sexual relations between close relatives, relations during menstruation, adultery, the offering of children to Molech, same-sex intercourse, and bestiality. Leviticus 20:13 prescribes the death penalty for the same act.

The Hebrew word to'evah, translated "abomination," denotes something God detests. It is also used of idolatry, dishonest weights, and lying, among other things.

Interpretation

• Traditional interpretation: This view holds that the verse is a moral regulation prohibiting all forms of same-sex intercourse and that the New Testament maintains the same judgment (Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:10). The Reformed tradition, which divides the Law into moral, ceremonial, and civil law, places this regulation within the moral law, which was not abolished in Christ. The Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the major Protestant denominations in Korea hold this interpretation as their official position.
• Revisionist interpretation: Some scholars and denominations argue that the prohibition arose against the background of sexual acts associated with idolatrous rites, acts that degraded a man's status, or ancient notions of purity connected with procreation. On this basis they contend that it cannot be applied directly to consensual same-sex relationships today. Some mainline denominations in the United States and Europe have adopted this interpretation and permit the marriage of same-sex couples or the ordination of persons in same-sex relationships.

Debates and Issues

Revisionists argue that it is inconsistent to apply this verse while disregarding other regulations in the same book, such as the prohibition in 19:19 of garments woven from two kinds of thread or the dietary laws of chapter 11. Proponents of the traditional interpretation respond that the dietary and purity laws were explicitly set aside in the New Testament (Mark 7:19; Acts 10), whereas the regulations on sexual ethics were reaffirmed. Apart from the question of homosexuality itself, the various positions broadly agree that hatred of and violence toward sexual minorities are unbiblical. For further detail, see Homosexuality and the Church.

In the Korean Church

The major Korean denominations have cited this verse in declaring homosexuality a sin, and it is frequently invoked in campaigns opposing the enactment of anti-discrimination legislation. At the same time, there is a range of views, both within and outside these denominations, on how the church should treat sexual minorities.

Related Passages

• Leviticus 20:13
• Romans 1:26–27
• 1 Corinthians 6:9–11
• Mark 7:18–19
• Acts 15:28–29