Deuteronomy 27:21

Analysis & Commentary

Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast—This curse prohibits bestiality (shokev im behemah, שֹׁכֵב עִם בְּהֵמָה), a practice condemned in Exodus 22:19 and Leviticus 18:23, 20:15-16 with the death penalty for both human and animal. The phrase "any manner of beast" (kol-behemah) emphasizes absolute prohibition regardless of animal type.

Bestiality represents the ultimate degradation of human sexuality, crossing not just moral but creational boundaries established at Genesis 1-2. It violates the image of God in humanity, the ordained complementarity of male and female, and the distinction between humans and animals. Such practices characterized Canaanite depravity (Leviticus 18:24-25) that defiled the land itself, bringing divine judgment.

The progression in these sexual curses moves from household boundary violations (father's wife, sister) to species boundary violations (bestiality), showing how sexual sin escalates when God's creational design is abandoned. Paul's description of moral degradation in Romans 1:24-28 follows similar logic—rejecting God leads to "vile affections" and "against nature" practices.

Historical Context

Archaeological and textual evidence indicates bestiality occurred in ancient Near Eastern contexts, sometimes with ritual or magical associations. Israel's absolute prohibition, backed by capital punishment, stood in stark contrast. The Canaanites' sexual practices—including bestiality, incest, cult prostitution—were so degrading that God declared the land "vomited out" its inhabitants (Leviticus 18:25), justifying Israel's conquest as divine judgment on extreme moral corruption.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the biblical concept of boundary-keeping in sexuality challenge modern notions of sexual autonomy and 'consenting adults'?
• What does the escalation of sexual sins in Deuteronomy 27:20-23 teach about the progressive nature of moral compromise when God's standards are abandoned?