Leviticus 20:15
Leviticus 20:15 in Multiple Translations
If a man lies carnally with an animal, he must be put to death. And you are also to kill the animal.
And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.
And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.
And if a man has sex relations with a beast, let him be put to death, and let the beast be put to destruction.
A man who has sex with an animal must be executed, and the animal must be killed too.
Also the man that lyeth with a beast, shall dye the death, and ye shall slay the beast.
'And a man who giveth his lying with a beast is certainly put to death, and the beast ye do slay.
“‘If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; and you shall kill the animal.
And if a man shall lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.
He that shall copulate with any beast or cattle, dying let him die, the beast also ye shall kill.
‘If a man has sex with an animal, he must be executed, and you must also kill that animal.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 20:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יִתֵּ֧ן
שְׁכָבְתּ֛/וֹ
בִּ/בְהֵמָ֖ה
מ֣וֹת
יוּמָ֑ת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה
תַּהֲרֹֽגוּ
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִתֵּ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שְׁכָבְתּ֛/וֹ
shᵉkôbeth
H7903
copulation
N-fs | Suff
בִּ/בְהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Prep | N-fs
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Art | N-fs
תַּהֲרֹֽגוּ
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:15
וְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִתֵּ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
שְׁכָבְתּ֛/וֹ
shᵉkôbeth
H7903
"copulation"
N-fs | Suff
Copulation refers to the act of lying with someone, often in a sexual context. It is used in the Bible to describe human relationships and intimacy.
Definition: copulation
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] lie. See also: Leviticus 18:20; Leviticus 20:15; Numbers 5:20.
בִּ/בְהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמָ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
תַּהֲרֹֽגוּ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
13If 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.
14If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is depraved. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that there will be no depravity among you.
15If a man lies carnally with an animal, he must be put to death. And you are also to kill the animal.
16If 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. 17If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:23 | You must not lie carnally with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it; a woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it; that is a perversion. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 27:21 | ‘Cursed is he who lies with any animal.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 3 | Exodus 22:19 | Whoever lies with an animal must surely be put to death. |
Leviticus 20:15 Summary
Leviticus 20:15 teaches us that God has set clear boundaries between humans and animals, and that crossing these boundaries is considered a serious sin. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves, but also for the animals involved. As seen in Genesis 1:25-31, God created humans and animals for different purposes, and we should respect these differences. By following God's commands, such as those found in Exodus 20:17, we can maintain purity and holiness in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Leviticus 20:15 command the death penalty for a man who lies carnally with an animal?
This command is given to maintain the sanctity of human life and to prevent the corruption of God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1:25-31 where God separates humans from animals, and in Exodus 20:17 where God commands against coveting or taking something that is not rightfully ours.
Is this verse still applicable today?
While the specific punishment of death may not be applicable in modern societies, the principle of separating human and animal relationships remains, as supported by Romans 1:26-27, which describes such actions as contrary to nature.
What is the significance of also killing the animal in Leviticus 20:15?
Killing the animal serves as a means of purging the evil from among the people, similar to the principle found in Deuteronomy 13:5, where God commands the removal of evil from their midst to maintain purity and holiness.
How does this verse relate to our modern understanding of animal welfare?
This verse underscores the unique status and dignity of human life, distinct from that of animals, as emphasized in Psalm 8:5-8, where humans are given dominion over animals, highlighting our responsibility to treat animals with respect and care, but not to engage in immoral acts with them.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's design for human relationships and boundaries?
- How can I apply the principle of maintaining purity and holiness in my own life, as taught in this verse?
- In what ways can I demonstrate respect and care for animals, while also upholding the distinction between humans and animals as created by God?
- What does this verse teach about the consequences of crossing boundaries that God has established for our well-being?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:15
If a man lie with a beast,.... A sin quite unnatural, exceeding shocking and detestable, forbid Leviticus 18:23: he shall surely be put to death: by stoning, as the Targum of Jonathan adds; and this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:15
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. Sanctify yourselves ... and be ye holy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
Partly, for the prevention of monstrous births; partly, to blot out the memory of so loathsome a crime; and partly, that by so severe a punishment of that creature which was only a passive instrument to man’ s sin, men might be assured that a more dreadful punishment than corporal death was reserved for them, if they repented not.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
Leviticus 20:15 And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.Ver. 15. Ye shall slay the beast.] Though innocent: this shows the heinousness of the sin. See Leviticus 18:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
(15, 16) with a beast.—See Leviticus 18:23.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:15
10–21. Directions on the whole similar to those of Lev 18:6-20; Leviticus 18:22-23, but adding penalties for transgression.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 20:15
15. Lie with a beast — See Leviticus 18:23. Slay the beast — The innocent instrument of the abominable act of a moral agent is put to death as a mark of Jehovah’s abhorrence.