List of “Abominations”

by MugaSofer

It is commonly said that the term “abomination” (תֹּעֵבַה) used to describe homosexuality in Leviticus is exceptionally strong – so strong that it renders this command binding to Christians, quite unlike the similar commands in Leviticus that concern (for example) dietary restrictions and are unquestionably no longer binding. However, this is rarely backed up with evidence.

This, then, is a list of things that are described as תֹּעֵבַה in the Bible:

Sick sheep and cattle (Deu 17:1)

Magic (Deu 18:9-12)

Cross-dressing (Deu 22:5)

Hiring prostitutes (of either gender) (Deu 23:18)

Re-marrying a woman whom you previously divorced (Deu 24:4)

Scorn or mocking (Pro 24:9)

The sin of Sodom, that is, failing to provide for the poor (Eze 16:49-50)

Punching your husband in the balls (Deu 25:11-2, 16)

To see your relatives naked (Lev 18:6-16, 26-30)

To see two people who are related naked at the same time (Lev 18:17-18, 26-30)

To see a woman naked while she is menstruating (Lev 18:19, 26-30)

To violate an oath sworn on the name of God (Lev 18:21, 26-30)

Using incense in religious ceremonies (Isa 1:13)

Purchasing melted-down idols (Deu 7:25-26)

Helping to manufacture idols (Deu 27:15)

Lying (Pro 6:16-17, Pro 12:22)

The thoughts of the wicked (Pro 6:16-17; Pro 15:26)

Adultery (Lev 18:20, 26-30; Eze 22:11)

Male homosexuality (Lev 18:22; Lev 20:13)

Idolatry (Deu 13:12-14; Deu 7:25-26; Deu 17:2-4; Deu 27:15)

Using inaccurate weighing-scales (Deu 25:13-16; Pro 11:1; Pro 20:10; Pro 20:23)

Sacrificing children to Moloch (Lev 18:21, 26-30; Deu 12:31; Jer 32:35; Deu 18:9-12)

 

This list is approximately complete, minus a few verses that I found too ambiguous to summarise.