Leviticus 18:22"'You shall not lie with a man, as with a woman. That is detestable.
The setting
Mount Sinai, ~1450 BC. Among purity laws distinguishing Israel from Canaanite temple prostitution and fertility cults that included same-sex ritual acts. Modern location: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt.
The emotion here: faithfully recording difficult laws knowing future generations would struggle with them
The original word
to'evah (תּוֹעֵבָה) — abomination, something that violates God's created order
Why it matters
Canaanite temples regularly used male and female prostitutes in fertility rituals, making sexual purity a key marker of Hebrew identity
Read with care
What most readers miss in Leviticus 18:22
This comes in a list of sexual boundaries — it's about God's design for sexuality, not hatred of people
Common misconceptionMany think this verse teaches hatred, but it's sandwiched between other sexual boundaries — it's about God's design for intimacy, not condemnation of people.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Leviticus 18:22
Bible Genome reading
Leviticus 18:22 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Leviticus 18:22 comes from the book of Leviticus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include sexual purity, created order, holiness standards. Notable phrases: shall not lie with a man; as with a woman; detestable. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Leviticus 18:22 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "deciding"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.