What Does Abomination Mean In The Bible?
The term ‘abomination’ occurs 212 times in 200 verses in the Bible, and is used frequently to describe sin and evil. The word ‘abomination’ comes from the Latin and means ‘a thing that disgusts or causes abhorrence’. Abomination is a transgression against the will of God and has strong and harsh punishments. In the Old Testament of the Bible, the word abomination is used to refer to actions that show extreme disrespect and dishonor to God. Unlawful acts such as idolatry, consensual incest, and homosexual behavior are considered abominations in the Bible.
Although there were many types of sin and transgressions in the Bible, abomination was not used as loosely as words like sin and iniquity. The gravity of these acts meant that more than simple penance and restitution were needed for absolution. In certain cases, such as sacrificing one’s first-born, abomination was so great that destruction and death were the only repercussions.
God used the term abomination to show his extreme displeasure with certain acts. Despite the severity of the word, the Bible also describes many forms of behavior as an “abomination” that modern readers would generally not consider evil, such as eating certain meats or wearing certain clothing. The diversity of the Bible’s teachings help to make clear God’s desire for true morality and holiness. It is also helpful to understand God’s hope that his children will find ways to honor him and keep his commandments.
Definition of Abomination in the Bible
Abomination is a very strong term used in the Bible. It was used to define certain religious, sexual, moral, and ritualistic sins. To understand the meaning of abomination in the Bible, we have to consider the context of each passage where the word is used. For example, in Ezekiel 16:44-45, when God talks about how the people of Judah committed adultery and worse through their idolatry with other nations, their sins were described as abominations. In Leviticus 18:22-23, the passages describe the act of homosexuality as an abomination: “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.”
The Bible also uses some dietary and cultic abominations. In Leviticus 11:10–20, the dietary abominations are defined. These include not eating hares, pigs, or any creature that is both predator and scavenger. When it comes to cultic abominations, these refer to acts that are considered a violation of the Law of Moses. Some examples include sacrificing to false gods and having sex with a woman in her period of menstrual impurity.
Abomination in the New Testament
Generally speaking, the term abomination is less frequently used in the New Testament than it is in the Old Testament. Instead, the author uses the term ‘sin’ to describe evil deeds and transgressions against God. However, there are a few passages in the New Testament where the word ‘abomination’ is used. One example is in Romans 1:26-27, where it is written: “So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies”. This passage provides an example of the fact that unrighteous behavior is an abomination to God.
Abomination in Christianity Today
In Christianity today, the term ‘abomination’ is generally used to refer to grievous, immoral acts such as homosexual behavior and the worship of idols. It is important to note that many modern-day Christians do not believe in strictly adhering to all of the dietary and cultic abominations, as outlined in the Old Testament. Instead, modern-day Christians tend to focus more on the spirit of the Law and on their own relationships with God. In this regard, any behaviour that does not express love for God and for others is considered an abomination.
Despite this difference in perspective, the term abomination still has great weight in modern Christianity, as it is an expression of the displeasure of God. As such, believers must strive to adhere to all of the biblical principles in order to attain a righteous state and to honor God in all things.
Relevance and Significance of Abomination in the Bible
The relevance and significance of the concept of abomination in the Bible lies in the fact that God, as the ultimate sovereign, holds the right to declare certain acts and behaviors as transgressions against his will. Abomination is a term that conveys this displeasure and emphasizes the severity of such acts and transgressions. As such, it serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the laws and principles of God, as outlined in the Bible.
Although the concept of abomination is referenced in the Bible, it is important to remember that this does not mean that God does not forgive, nor does it mean that He does not provide a way for those who are in violation of His laws to receive absolution. It is only through the grace of God that we can repent and seek His forgiveness, no matter how severe the transgression may be.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of abomination in the Bible is an important one, as it conveys God’s displeasure with certain acts and behaviors and illustrates His desire for holiness and morality in His children. However, it is also important to remember that God’s mercy is greater than His judgement, and that He will always provide a way for those who repent and seek forgiveness to be absolved. Although abomination is a transgression against the will of God, it is also an important reminder of His ultimate sovereignty and of His desire for righteousness and holiness in His children.
