The Bible speaks clearly on the subject of bestiality, condemning the practice as an act against God’s natural order. Scripture calls us to live in a way that honors the dignity and sanctity of life.
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What Does The Bible Say About beastiality
Leviticus 18:23
“Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion.”
This verse directly condemns any form of bestiality, viewing it as a perversion. It emphasizes the sanctity of human sexual relations and the need to refrain from engaging in immoral acts that defile oneself.
Bestiality is seen as a violation of God’s design for human sexuality and the boundaries that He has set for sexual activity. It is a reminder to respect and honor the dignity of both humans and animals, recognizing their distinct roles and purposes in God’s creation.
Exodus 22:19
“Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death.”
This verse signifies the seriousness of engaging in bestiality. In Old Testament times, it was considered a grave offense punishable by death. This severe consequence serves as a deterrent, highlighting the importance of following God’s laws and maintaining the moral order within society.
God’s justice is evident here, demonstrating the severity of such sexual immorality and emphasizing the need for individuals to refrain from engaging in perverse acts that contradict God’s design for human relationships and sexuality.
Deuteronomy 27:21
“Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with any animal.”
This verse reinforces the divine disapproval of bestiality and declares a curse upon those who participate in such acts. It highlights that engaging in sexual relations with animals is not only morally wrong but also carries spiritual consequences.
The curse serves as a warning and a reminder of the importance of upholding God’s moral standards. It encourages people to honor the sanctity of human sexuality and avoid engaging in any form of sexual immorality, including bestiality.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
While this verse does not explicitly mention bestiality, it is part of a broader condemnation of sexual immorality. It includes those who engage in various forms of sexual sin, making it applicable to those involved in bestiality as well.
The passage emphasizes that those who persist in such sinful behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. It calls for repentance and transformation, urging individuals to turn away from their immoral lifestyles and embrace God’s forgiveness and righteousness.
Romans 1:26-27
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
Although not specifically addressing bestiality, this passage highlights the consequences of deviating from God’s intended design for sexuality. It describes the consequences of people rejecting God and engaging in sexual practices that are contrary to the natural order.
It asserts that indulging in unnatural and perverse sexual acts results in negative outcomes and a distancing from God’s plan. While the focus here is primarily on same-sex relationships, it ultimately underscores the importance of adhering to God’s principles in all expressions of sexuality, including refraining from bestiality.
Genesis 9:5
“And for your lifeblood, I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being.”
This verse highlights the value and sacredness of both human life and animals in God’s eyes. It stresses that humans are accountable not only for their actions but also for their treatment of animals.
Engaging in bestiality displays a lack of respect for the dignity and wellbeing of both the human involved and the animal. It goes against the command to honor all of God’s creation and treat it with care and compassion.
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating animals with kindness and compassion. It highlights that those who are righteous display care and concern for the wellbeing of animals, recognizing that they too are part of God’s creation and are deserving of love and respect.
Bestiality directly contradicts this biblical principle, as it involves using animals for selfish and immoral purposes, rather than caring for their needs and treating them with dignity.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God, dedicating themselves to Him and living according to His will. It emphasizes the need for holiness in all aspects of life, including one’s sexuality.
Engaging in bestiality contradicts the call to present one’s body as a holy and pleasing sacrifice to God. It demonstrates a failure to honor God with our bodies and engage in sexual relationships that align with His righteous standards.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
This passage highlights God’s desire for believers to live in holiness and sexual purity. It urges individuals to avoid all forms of sexual immorality and exercise self-control over their bodies.
Bestiality represents a clear violation of this command. It is an act driven by lustful desires and goes against God’s instruction to engage in sexual relationships that are holy and honorable.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse encompasses a range of sinful behaviors, including sexual immorality, which includes bestiality. It emphasizes that those who consistently engage in such acts will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of continuing in a lifestyle contrary to God’s commands. It encourages individuals to turn away from all forms of sexual sin, including bestiality, and instead pursue a life aligned with God’s will.
Ephesians 5:3-5
“But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this, you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
In this passage, believers are urged to live lives free from any form of sexual immorality, including bestiality. It emphasizes the need for purity and holiness within the community of God’s people.
The verse warns against engaging in obscene or inappropriate talk and highlights that those who persist in such behavior are not partakers of the inheritance of Christ. It calls for a transformation of speech and actions, ensuring that they align with God’s standards and reflect a heart of gratitude.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse instructs believers to put an end to sinful behaviors associated with their earthly nature. Specifically, it mentions sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed.
Bestiality falls within the category of sexual immorality and defiles both the body and the soul. It calls for a complete surrender to God, allowing Him to transform one’s desires and granting victory over sinful inclinations.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse affirms the importance of honoring and keeping the marriage bed pure. It emphasizes the sanctity of sexual relations within the context of marriage and the need for fidelity and faithfulness.
Bestiality stands in direct opposition to the principle of keeping the marriage bed pure, as it involves engaging in sexual activity outside the boundaries of a committed marital relationship. It highlights the need for individuals to uphold the sacredness of marriage and refrain from engaging in any form of sexual immorality.
Matthew 15:19
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
This verse recognizes that sinful actions, including sexual immorality such as bestiality, stem from the condition of the heart. It emphasizes that immoral behavior originates from evil thoughts and desires within an individual.
It challenges believers to guard their hearts, purifying their thoughts and desires through the power of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, they can resist the temptation to engage in sinful acts and instead pursue righteousness and holiness.
Mark 7:20-23
“He went on: ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.'”
Jesus’s words in this passage reaffirm that evil actions, including sexual immorality, originate from the heart. They flow out of unchecked desires and corrupt intentions.
Bestiality is one of several examples of sexual immorality mentioned here, illustrating the depth of depravity that can exist within the human heart. It compels believers to focus on the condition of their hearts, seeking transformation and cleansing through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse challenges the notion that sins related to lust and adultery are solely physical actions. Jesus reveals that the condition of one’s heart and the intentions behind one’s thoughts are equally important.
Bestiality, being an immoral act driven by lustful desires, falls into the category of sexual immorality condemned by Jesus in this passage. It serves as a reminder that purity extends to the realm of our thoughts and intentions, urging believers to guard their hearts and embrace a lifestyle of holiness.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
In this verse, believers are reassured that every temptation they face is common to humanity. They are reminded of God’s faithfulness in providing a means of escape from temptation and the strength to resist it.
While the temptation to engage in bestiality may arise, this verse assures believers that God will provide a way out. It encourages individuals to turn to Him, rely on His strength, and make choices that align with His will, rather than succumbing to sinful desires.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages believers to focus their minds on thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. It directs their attention toward things that are honorable and aligned with God’s character.
Engaging in bestiality contradicts the principle set forth in this verse, as it involves dwelling on impure and sinful thoughts. It challenges individuals to shift their focus to that which is pleasing to God, ensuring their thoughts align with His truth and purity.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
The psalmist affirms the importance of internalizing God’s Word, treasuring it in the heart as a safeguard against sin. By keeping God’s teachings close, one gains wisdom and strength to resist temptation and make choices aligned with His will.
Memorizing and meditating on Scripture enables believers to better discern right from wrong and reject behaviors such as bestiality that contradict God’s commands. It serves as a powerful tool for transformation, helping individuals live in obedience to God’s Word.
Psalm 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”
King David declares his determination to avoid approval or participation in anything vile or wicked. He expresses a strong aversion to the unfaithfulness of certain actions and vows to distance himself from such behaviors.
Bestiality is undeniably regarded as vile and faithless in the eyes of God. David’s resolute stance inspires believers to adopt a similar perspective, rejecting and abstaining from any form of sexual immorality, including bestiality, as an act of faithfulness to God’s righteous standards.
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
This verse provides believers with motivation to cleanse themselves from anything that defiles their body and spirit. It calls for purification and the pursuit of holiness, driven by reverence for God.
Bestiality represents one of the impure behaviors from which believers are called to purify themselves. It reminds individuals to strive for moral purity, not just in their actions but also in their thoughts and desires, in order to honor and revere God.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
This verse encourages believers to consciously avoid evil desires and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who also seek to honor God and live with purity of heart.
Bestiality exemplifies one of the evil desires that individuals are called to flee from. It challenges believers to choose righteousness and reject any pursuit that contradicts God’s plan for their lives.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy because I am holy.’
This verse sets forth the expectation for believers to live holy lives, aligning their actions and behaviors with the holiness of God. It echoes the command given to Israel in the Old Testament, emphasizing the call for purity and sanctification.
Bestiality is inherently unholy and defiles the one who engages in it. It opposes God’s call for His people to be set apart and live in accordance with His righteous standards.