The term Canaanites refers to the group of nations who lived in the land into which the Israelites migrated when they left Egypt. Three different times we are specifically told that the rules set forth in chapters 18 and 20 are meant to prevent the Israelites from doing what the Egyptians and Canaanites did. The text itself gives us a big clue as to the intended meaning. Until we understand what prompted these rules in Old Testament times, we will not be able to determine if the rules should be applied to the case of two people in committed, loving relationship. If we wish to understand the true meaning of these verses, we must look at their context, both textual and historical. “If a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination they shall surely be put to death their blood be upon them.” (Leviticus 20:13)īefore delving into these two verses, it would be helpful to read How Language is Interpreted, which is part of the discussion of Romans 1. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22) These two verses in Leviticus read as follows in the King James Version: The entire passages are generally accepted as not applying to modern Christian life. The chapters that contain these verses are clearly identified as speaking against practices involved in cultic idol worship. “What does The Bible say about LGBT people?”
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