Bible Verse Man Shall Not Lay With Man

Leviticus clearly states that man shall not lie with man, establishing a foundational moral principle. The exact Bible verse man shall not lay with man appears in Leviticus 18:22, and it has been a topic of discussion for centuries. This article will help you understand its context, meaning, and relevance today.

You might have heard this verse quoted in debates about morality and religion. But what does it really say? And why is it important to read it carefully?

Let’s start with the basics. The verse comes from the Old Testament, part of the Torah. It is one of many laws given to the Israelites. These laws cover everything from diet to worship.

Many people read this verse without understanding its background. That can lead to confusion. So, we will break it down step by step.

The exact wording in the King James Version is: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Other translations say “man shall not lay with man.” The meaning is the same.

This verse is part of a larger section called the Holiness Code. It appears in Leviticus chapters 17 through 26. These chapters give rules for living a holy life.

Here is the verse in context:

Leviticus 18:22: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”
Leviticus 20:13: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.”

Both verses use strong language. The word “abomination” means something detestable or loathsome. It is a serious term in the Hebrew Bible.

Historical And Cultural Context

To understand this verse, you need to know the world it was written in. Ancient Israel was surrounded by nations with different religious practices. Some of these practices included temple prostitution and fertility rituals.

The Israelites were called to be separate. They were to avoid the customs of other nations. This included sexual practices tied to idol worship.

Scholars note that the Hebrew word for “abomination” (to’evah) often refers to idolatrous acts. It is used for things like child sacrifice and eating unclean animals. So, the verse may be targeting specific pagan rituals.

But the text does not mention ritual context. It simply forbids the act itself. This has led to different interpretations over time.

How Different Translations Handle The Verse

You will see slight variations in wording across Bible translations. Here are a few examples:

New International Version (NIV): “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.”
English Standard Version (ESV): “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
New Living Translation (NLT): “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.”

Notice that the NLT adds the word “homosexuality.” Other translations keep it more literal. This shows how translators interpret the original Hebrew.

The original Hebrew says: “Ve’et zakhar lo tishkav mishkevei ishah.” This literally means “And with a male you shall not lie the lyings of a woman.”

Why This Verse Matters In Religious Discussions

This verse is often cited in debates about same-sex relationships. Some Christians and Jews use it to argue that homosexuality is sinful. Others say it does not apply today.

You should consider the whole Bible, not just one verse. The Old Testament contains many laws that Christians no longer follow. For example, Leviticus also forbids eating shellfish and wearing mixed fabrics.

Here is a list of other laws from the same book:

Do not eat pork (Leviticus 11:7).
Do not wear clothing made of two different materials (Leviticus 19:19).
Do not cut your hair at the sides (Leviticus 19:27).
Do not get tattoos (Leviticus 19:28).

Most Christians do not follow these rules today. So, why do they still follow Leviticus 18:22? This is a key question.

Different Interpretations Among Scholars

Biblical scholars have several views on this verse. Here are the main ones:

Traditional view: The verse forbids all same-sex male sexual activity. It is a universal moral law.
Cultural view: The verse only forbids specific practices like temple prostitution or pederasty. It does not address loving, committed same-sex relationships.
Ceremonial view: The verse is part of the ceremonial law for ancient Israel. It does not apply to Christians under the New Covenant.

Each view has its supporters. You need to study the context to decide which one makes sense.

The traditional view is held by many conservative churches. The cultural view is common among progressive Christians. The ceremonial view is held by some Reformed theologians.

New Testament References To Same-Sex Acts

The New Testament also addresses same-sex behavior. Paul mentions it in Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, and 1 Timothy 1:10. These verses are often used alongside Leviticus.

In Romans, Paul describes same-sex acts as “against nature.” In 1 Corinthians, he lists “men who have sex with men” among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But again, context matters. Paul was writing to specific churches with specific problems. He was also addressing pagan practices, not modern relationships.

Some scholars argue that Paul did not know about loving same-sex partnerships. He was thinking of exploitative or lustful acts. This is a debated point.

How To Read This Verse Responsibly

When you read the Bible, you should follow some basic rules. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Read the verse in its immediate context. Look at the verses before and after.
Understand the historical setting. Who was the original audience?
Check the original language. Hebrew words can have multiple meanings.
Compare with other parts of the Bible. Does the verse fit with the overall message?
Consider the genre. Is it law, poetry, history, or prophecy?
Apply the principles, not just the rules. What is the underlying moral?

Following these steps helps you avoid misreading the text. It also prevents you from cherry-picking verses.

Common Misunderstandings About The Verse

There are several myths about this verse. Let’s clear them up:

Myth 1: The verse only applies to Jews. Actually, the law was given to Israel, but many Christians see it as moral instruction.
Myth 2: The verse condemns all homosexuality. The verse specifically mentions male-male acts. It does not mention female-female acts.
Myth 3: The word “abomination” means the act is unforgivable. In the Bible, abominable acts can be forgiven through repentance.
Myth 4: The verse is clear and needs no interpretation. All Bible reading involves interpretation. You bring your own assumptions to the text.

Understanding these myths helps you have better conversations about the verse.

Practical Application For Today

If you are a Christian, you might wonder how to apply this verse. Here are some practical steps:

Study the Bible as a whole. Do not build your theology on one verse.
Talk to pastors and scholars. Get multiple perspectives.
Pray for wisdom. Ask God to help you understand His will.
Love others. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor.
Be humble. You might not have all the answers.

Remember that the Bible is a complex book. It requires careful study and humility.

Why This Verse Is Still Relevant

Even if you disagree with the traditional interpretation, this verse is important. It shows how ancient cultures viewed sexuality. It also shows how religious texts shape moral debates.

You can learn a lot by studying this verse. It teaches you about the history of the Bible. It also teaches you about the diversity of Christian thought.

Many churches today are having conversations about inclusion. This verse is at the center of those conversations. Understanding it helps you participate in a respectful way.

How To Talk About This Verse With Others

If you discuss this verse with friends or family, keep these tips in mind:

Listen first. Understand where the other person is coming from.
Do not assume bad motives. Most people are trying to be faithful to their beliefs.
Share your perspective without attacking. Use “I” statements.
Focus on Jesus. He is the center of the Christian faith.
Agree to disagree if needed. Not every conversation ends in agreement.

These tips help you have productive discussions. They also show respect for different viewpoints.

The Role Of The Holy Spirit In Interpretation

Christians believe the Holy Spirit helps them understand Scripture. When you read the Bible, you can ask the Spirit for guidance. This does not mean you will get an easy answer. But it does mean you are not alone in your study.

Pray before you read. Ask God to open your eyes to the truth. Be willing to change your mind if the Spirit leads you.

This is a spiritual process, not just an intellectual one. It involves your whole heart and mind.

Different Church Positions On This Verse

Churches have different teachings on this verse. Here is a quick overview:

Conservative churches: They teach that same-sex acts are always sinful. They base this on Leviticus 18:22 and New Testament verses.
Mainline churches: Some mainline denominations have split on this issue. Others have affirmed same-sex relationships.
Progressive churches: They often interpret the verse as culturally bound. They welcome LGBTQ+ people fully.
Affirming churches: They believe same-sex relationships can be holy and blessed by God.

You should find a church that aligns with your convictions. But also be open to learning from traditions different from your own.

How This Verse Affects LGBTQ+ People

This verse has been used to hurt LGBTQ+ people. Many have been told they are an abomination. This has caused deep pain and trauma.

If you are LGBTQ+ and reading this, know that you are loved by God. The Bible also says God is love (1 John 4:8). No verse cancels out that truth.

Many LGBTQ+ Christians have found ways to reconcile their faith and identity. They study the Bible deeply and find hope in God’s grace.

You can too. There are resources and communities that support you.

Scholarly Debates On The Original Meaning

Scholars continue to debate the original meaning of this verse. Some argue it forbids all male-male sex. Others say it only forbids anal sex. Still others say it forbids sex with male temple prostitutes.

The Hebrew phrase “mishkevei ishah” is key. It literally means “the lyings of a woman.” This could refer to the sexual position or the act itself.

Ancient Jewish interpreters also had different views. Some saw it as a general prohibition. Others saw it as a ban on specific practices.

This shows that the verse has always been interpreted in different ways. There is no single “plain meaning” that everyone agrees on.

How To Study This Verse On Your Own

If you want to study this verse deeper, here is a plan:

Read Leviticus 18 and 20 in full. See the context.
Look up the Hebrew word “to’evah” (abomination). See how it is used elsewhere.
Read commentaries from different perspectives. Compare them.
Study the New Testament passages on same-sex behavior.
Talk to people who disagree with you. Learn from them.
Write down your own conclusions. Revise them as you learn more.

This process takes time. But it is worth it. You will come away with a deeper understanding.

Final Thoughts On The Verse

The Bible verse man shall not lay with man is a challenging text. It requires careful study and humility. You cannot just read it and move on.

Remember that the Bible is a library of books. Each book has its own context and purpose. Leviticus is a book of law for ancient Israel. It is not a manual for modern ethics.

But it is still Scripture. It still speaks to us. The challenge is to hear God’s voice through it without misusing it.

As you study, keep your focus on Jesus. He is the Word of God in flesh. He is the ultimate revelation of God’s character.

If you are struggling with this verse, you are not alone. Many Christians have wrestled with it. Keep asking questions. Keep seeking truth. God is big enough to handle your doubts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible verse man shall not lay with man actually say?

The verse says: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” It is found in Leviticus 18:22.

Is this verse still relevant for Christians today?

It depends on your interpretation. Some Christians see it as a universal moral law. Others see it as part of the Old Testament law that no longer applies.

Does the New Testament also forbid same-sex relationships?

Yes, some New Testament verses mention same-sex acts. Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9 are examples. But these verses are also debated.

Why is this verse used so often in debates about homosexuality?

Because it is one of the clearest verses on the topic. It uses strong language like “abomination.” This makes it a key text for those who oppose same-sex relationships.

Can LGBTQ+ people be Christians?

Many Christians believe yes. They argue that the Bible’s message of love and grace includes everyone. Others disagree. This is a deeply personal and theological question.

This article has covered the main points about the Bible verse man shall not lay with man. You now have the tools to study it further. Remember to read with an open mind and a humble heart.