Leviticus 20:16
Leviticus 20:16 in Multiple Translations
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.
And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
And if a woman goes near a beast and has sex relations with it, you will put an end to the woman and the beast: their blood will be on them.
A woman who gives herself to an animal to have sex with it must be executed, along with the animal. They must both be killed; they bear the responsibility for their punishment.
And if a woman come to any beast, and lye therewith, then thou shalt kill the woman and the beast: they shall die the death, their blood shalbe vpon them.
'And a woman who draweth near unto any beast to lie with it — thou hast even slain the woman and the beast; they are certainly put to death; their blood [is] on them.
“‘If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
And if a woman shall approach to any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman and the beast; they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
The woman that shall lie under any beast, shall be killed together with the same: their blood be upon them.
‘Similarly, if a woman has sex with an animal, both the woman and that animal must be killed [DOU]; they are responsible for their own deaths [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:16
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 20:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִשָּׁ֗ה
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
תִּקְרַ֤ב
אֶל
כָּל
בְּהֵמָה֙
לְ/רִבְעָ֣ה
אֹתָ֔/הּ
וְ/הָרַגְתָּ֥
אֶת
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
וְ/אֶת
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֑ה
מ֥וֹת
יוּמָ֖תוּ
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/אִשָּׁ֗ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Conj | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּקְרַ֤ב
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בְּהֵמָה֙
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fs
לְ/רִבְעָ֣ה
râbaʻ
H7250
to mate
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֹתָ֔/הּ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/הָרַגְתָּ֥
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/בְּהֵמָ֑ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Art | N-fs
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp | Suff
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:16
וְ/אִשָּׁ֗ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
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.
תִּקְרַ֤ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בְּהֵמָה֙
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
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.
לְ/רִבְעָ֣ה
râbaʻ
H7250
"to mate"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to mate means to lie down or squat, often referring to animals. It's used in the Bible to describe animal breeding or inappropriate behavior with animals.
Definition: 1) to lie stretched out, lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie down 1a1a) for repose 1a1b) for copulation (of woman with beast) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to lay down (of cattle breeding) Also means: re.va (רֶבַע "to lie down" H7252)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: let gender, lie down. See also: Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 19:19; Leviticus 20:16.
אֹתָ֔/הּ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וְ/הָרַגְתָּ֥
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
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.
הָ/אִשָּׁ֖ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
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/בְּהֵמָ֑ה
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.
מ֥וֹת
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.
יוּמָ֖תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
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.
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 20:16
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:16
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:16
Context — Punishments for Sexual Immorality
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. 18If a man lies with a menstruating woman and has sexual relations with her, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has uncovered the source of her blood. Both of them must be cut off from among their people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:32 | If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned. |
| 2 | Exodus 19:13 | No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows—whether man or beast, he must not live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain. ” |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:20 | For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” |
| 4 | Exodus 21:28 | If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible. |
Leviticus 20:16 Summary
This verse is saying that if a woman has a sexual relationship with an animal, both she and the animal must be put to death, as a symbol of the gravity of the offense. This may seem harsh to us, but it's meant to convey the seriousness of such actions in the eyes of God, as also seen in Exodus 22:19 and Deuteronomy 27:21. The Bible is clear that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that we should honor God with our bodies, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. By following God's commands and separating ourselves from sinful practices, we can maintain purity and holiness in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this verse so harsh, requiring the death of both the woman and the animal?
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus that emphasizes the importance of separating oneself from sinful practices, as seen in Leviticus 20:14-18, and is meant to convey the seriousness of such actions in the eyes of God, as also seen in Exodus 22:19 and Deuteronomy 27:21.
Does this verse imply that the woman is solely responsible for the sin, or is the animal also held accountable?
The verse does not imply that the woman is solely responsible, but rather that both the woman and the animal are involved in the sin, and as such, both are to be put to death, as a symbol of the gravity of the offense, much like in Leviticus 20:15 where the man and the animal are also both to be put to death.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of purity and holiness in the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and holiness, as seen in verses like Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, and serves as a reminder of the need to separate oneself from sinful practices in order to maintain a right relationship with God.
Is this verse still applicable today, or was it only relevant for the Israelites in the Old Testament?
While the specific punishment mentioned in this verse may not be directly applicable today, the underlying principle of maintaining purity and holiness is still relevant, as seen in New Testament verses like 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can maintain purity and holiness in my own life, and what practices or habits might be hindering me from doing so?
- How can I balance the need to separate myself from sinful practices with the command to love and reach out to those who are still trapped in sin?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His desire for His people to be set apart for Him?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of separating myself from sinful practices to my daily life and relationships?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to regularly examine my own heart and actions, and to seek God's help in maintaining purity and holiness?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:16
And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto,.... In order that the beast may lie with her, and solicit it to commit such an action with her, see Leviticus 18:23; thou shall kill the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:16
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. Sanctify yourselves ... and be ye holy.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:16
Leviticus 20:16 And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.Ver. 16. And the beast.] Lest the sight of such a beast should bring that loathsome sin to remembrance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:16
(15, 16) with a beast.—See Leviticus 18:23.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 20:16
Verse 16. If a woman approach unto any beast] We have the authority of one of the most eminent historians in the world, Herodotus, to say that this was a crime not unknown in Egypt; yea, that a case of this nature actually took place while he was there. Εγενετοδ' εντῳνομῳτουτῳεπ' εμευτουτοτοτερας, ΓυναικιΤραγοςεμισγετοαναφανδον. Τουτοεςεπιδειξινανθρωπωναπικετο. - Herod. in Euterp., p. 108. Edit. Gale, Lond. 1679. "In this district, within my own recollection, this portentous business took place: a goat coupled so publicly with a woman that every person knew it," c. After this, need we wonder that God should have made laws of this nature, when it appears these abominations were not only practised among the Egyptians, but were parts of a superstitious religious system? This one observation will account for many of those strange prohibitions which we find in the Mosaic law others, the reasons of which are not so plain, we should see the propriety of equally, had we ampler historic records of the customs that existed in that country.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:16
10–21. Directions on the whole similar to those of Lev 18:6-20; Leviticus 18:22-23, but adding penalties for transgression.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea |