The Bible discusses various topics considered taboo at the time. It encourages believers to understand the heart of God’s teachings, which sometimes challenge cultural norms or confront controversial issues with truth.
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What Does The Bible Say About Taboo
Leviticus 18:22
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
This verse addresses the taboo of homosexuality and emphasizes that it is considered an abomination in the eyes of God. It affirms the biblical stance on sexual relationships being exclusively between a man and a woman.
While this verse may be controversial in today’s society, it highlights the importance of adhering to God’s commands and recognizing that certain actions or behaviors are considered taboo within the biblical context.
Leviticus 11:7-8
“And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.”
In this verse, the consumption of pork is deemed as taboo in the Israelite dietary laws. The prohibition against eating pork highlights the significance of following God’s instructions regarding what is considered clean and unclean.
This verse reminds us to honor God’s commandments, even in matters as mundane as dietary restrictions, as a way to demonstrate obedience and faithfulness to His teachings.
Deuteronomy 22:5
“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
This verse speaks against cross-dressing and emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinct gender identities. It reinforces the idea that individuals should respect and embrace their God-given gender roles.
While societal norms and perspectives on gender have evolved, this verse reminds us of the biblical teachings on gender identity and the need for believers to uphold God’s design for male and female distinctions.
Leviticus 19:26
“You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.”
This verse addresses the prohibition of consuming blood and engaging in divination practices, which were considered taboo in ancient Israel. It provides guidance on avoiding pagan practices and placing trust in God alone.
While divination may take different forms in today’s world, this verse serves as a reminder to believers to seek God’s will and trust in Him rather than seeking guidance through superstitious or occult practices.
Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”
This verse addresses the prohibition against marking the body through self-mutilation or tattoos, particularly in relation to mourning for the dead. It emphasizes the importance of honoring God’s creation and not disfiguring our bodies.
While tattoos are increasingly prevalent in contemporary culture, this verse encourages believers to be mindful of the significance of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and to exercise wisdom and discernment in personal choices regarding body modification.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this verse, the Apostle Paul provides a list of sinful behaviors, including sexual immorality, adultery, and homosexuality, cautioning believers that those who persist in such behavior will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This verse serves as a reminder to Christians that God calls us to live holy and upright lives, abstaining from practices that are contrary to His will. It emphasizes the need for repentance and transformation, as well as the importance of relying on God’s grace for forgiveness and redemption.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul’s letter to the Galatians outlines various immoral behaviors and sinful acts that are considered taboo in the eyes of God. By highlighting these works of the flesh, the passage underscores the call for believers to live in accordance with the Spirit rather than yielding to their sinful desires.
This verse serves as a reminder to Christians that we are called to walk in the Spirit and manifest the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
1 Timothy 4:1-3
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy of false teachings that prohibit marriage and advocate for abstaining from certain foods. These erroneous teachings are described as originating from deceitful spirits and demons.
This verse serves as a reminder to believers to discern the truth of God’s Word and be wary of teachings that deviate from His established principles. It encourages Christians to hold fast to the truth and remain grounded in the faith they have received.
1 Corinthians 10:14
“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
In this verse, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to abstain from idolatry, emphasizing the worship of false gods and the dangers of placing anything above the one true God.
This verse is a reminder to believers to prioritize their devotion to God and avoid the allure of idolatry in its various forms, whether it be the worship of physical idols or the idolization of worldly possessions, fame, or power.
Matthew 5:28
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
In this verse, Jesus addresses the issue of lust, highlighting the significance of guarding our thoughts and intentions in matters of impurity. He reveals that even entertaining lustful thoughts is tantamount to committing adultery in one’s heart.
This verse challenges believers to recognize the importance of purity in heart, mind, and actions, and to strive for righteousness in all areas of life, including one’s thought life and the way we view and treat others.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Paul encourages the Colossians to rid themselves of earthly desires and sinful behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. He specifically highlights sexual immorality, impurity, passionate lust, evil desires, and covetousness as areas that need to be put to death.
This verse calls Christians to a life of holiness, urging them to nurture and cultivate a heart that is focused on heavenly things and to actively resist and overcome the temptations and sinful desires that may arise in the flesh.
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
In this verse, Paul encourages believers to reject conformity to the values and standards of the world and instead be transformed by the renewing of their minds. By doing so, they can discern and align themselves with the will of God.
This verse speaks to the importance of maintaining a distinct Christian identity and mindset, rooted in the principles and teachings of Christ, rather than being swayed by the prevailing attitudes and norms of the world.
1 Peter 1:16
“Since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’
Peter quotes from Leviticus (Leviticus 11:44) to remind believers of God’s call for holiness. Christians are urged to strive for moral purity and separate themselves from unholy practices and lifestyles.
This verse emphasizes the need for believers to pursue a life of righteousness, reflecting the holiness and character of God, and serves as a reminder that holiness is not just a divine attribute but a commandment for God’s people.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
Proverbs presents a list of seven abominable actions that are detestable to the Lord. These include pride, lying, violence, scheming evil, eagerness to sin, false witness, and causing division among brethren.
This verse highlights the importance of pursuing righteousness in our actions and interactions with others, avoiding behaviors that are contrary to God’s character and principles.
Colossians 3:8-9
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices”
Paul instructs the Colossians to discard sinful behaviors and attitudes that are associated with their former way of life. These include anger, malice, slander, obscene speech, and dishonesty.
This verse serves as a reminder to believers that their new life in Christ calls for a transformation in character and speech, promoting love, kindness, honesty, and edification in all their interactions.
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of confessing and repenting of one’s sins instead of concealing or denying them. It highlights the power of God’s mercy and forgiveness for those who humbly acknowledge and turn away from their transgressions.
This verse encourages believers to embrace a lifestyle of repentance and transparency before God, recognizing that true prosperity and restoration come through genuine confession and surrender.
Lamentations 3:39
“Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?”
This verse questions the legitimacy of complaints in the face of just consequences for one’s sins. It encourages individuals to accept responsibility for their actions and recognize that the consequences they face are a direct result of their own choices.
This verse challenges believers to examine their own lives and take ownership of their wrongdoings, rather than complaining or blaming others, and to seek repentance and reconciliation with God.
Ezekiel 18:20
“The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”
In this verse, God establishes individual accountability for sin, clarifying that each person will bear the consequences of their own actions and that one’s righteousness or wickedness is personal and cannot be attributed to others.
This verse highlights the principle of personal responsibility in matters of sin and spiritual growth. It encourages believers to focus on their own relationship with God and to make choices that align with His righteousness.
1 John 5:21
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
John exhorts believers to guard themselves against idolatry, warning them against the temptation to worship false gods or place anything above their devotion to the one true God.
This verse serves as a reminder to Christians to cultivate a heart that is singularly dedicated to God, free from the distractions and entanglements of worldly idols or false ideologies.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Paul advises the Corinthians to actively avoid sexual immorality, emphasizing that such sins have a unique implication on one’s body, which is intended to be a temple of the Holy Spirit.
This verse calls Christians to flee from sexual sin, recognizing the sacredness of their bodies and the need to honor God through purity and holiness in both thoughts and actions.