The term ‘abomination’ appears frequently in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. It is often used to describe actions, behaviors, or practices that are detestable to God. The word carries a strong sense of rejection, impurity, and something that violates God’s holiness.
Understanding the biblical meaning of abomination helps believers recognize what God considers morally and spiritually unacceptable. This topic explores the definition, biblical examples, consequences, and relevance of abominations in modern faith.
The Meaning of Abomination in the Bible
1. The Biblical Definition
The word ‘abomination’ is translated from Hebrew (‘toebah’) and Greek (‘bdelygma’), both of which indicate something detestable, impure, or revolting before God.
In the Bible, an abomination refers to:
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Moral corruption (e.g., idolatry, injustice).
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Religious violations (e.g., false worship, unclean sacrifices).
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Sexual immorality (e.g., unnatural relations, adultery).
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Dishonest practices (e.g., fraud, deception).
God uses this term to describe actions that are deeply offensive to His nature and righteousness.
2. Types of Abominations in the Bible
The Bible classifies abominations into several categories, including:
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Religious abominations – False worship, idolatry, and occult practices.
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Moral abominations – Injustice, oppression, and deceit.
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Sexual abominations – Acts that violate God’s design for purity.
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Social abominations – Unethical business practices and falsehoods.
These categories emphasize that sin is not just about personal choices but also about spiritual faithfulness and social justice.
Abominations in the Old Testament
1. Idolatry and False Worship
One of the most serious abominations in the Old Testament is the worship of false gods.
- Deuteronomy 7:25 – ‘The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God.’
God strongly condemns idolatry because it leads people away from true worship and into spiritual corruption.
- Deuteronomy 12:31 – ‘You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates.’
2. Sexual Immorality
Many forms of sexual immorality are considered abominations in the Bible.
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Leviticus 18:22 – ‘You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.’
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Leviticus 20:13 – ‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.’
God’s laws emphasize the importance of purity and holiness in human relationships.
3. Unjust Business Practices
The Bible also condemns dishonest business dealings as abominations.
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Proverbs 11:1 – ‘A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.’
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Proverbs 20:23 – ‘The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please Him.’
God values integrity and honesty in all aspects of life, including commerce.
4. Shedding Innocent Blood
Murder and injustice are deeply detestable to God.
- Proverbs 6:16-17 – ‘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.’
Taking innocent life is one of the gravest sins in Scripture.
Abominations in the New Testament
1. Hypocrisy in Religion
Jesus rebuked religious leaders who appeared holy but were spiritually corrupt.
- Luke 16:15 – ‘What is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’
Religious hypocrisy is a form of spiritual deception that Jesus detested.
2. The Antichrist and the ‘Abomination of Desolation’
In prophecy, abomination is also linked to end-time events.
- Matthew 24:15 – ‘When you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel-let the reader understand.’
This refers to a future act of great blasphemy against God.
The Consequences of Abomination
1. Separation from God
Abominations create a barrier between people and God.
- Isaiah 59:2 – ‘But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.’
Unrepentant sin leads to spiritual disconnection.
2. Judgment and Destruction
Biblical history shows that nations that practiced abominations faced judgment.
- Leviticus 18:24-25 – ‘Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin.’
God warns that sin leads to destruction.
How to Avoid Abominations
1. Repentance and Holiness
Believers are called to turn away from sinful practices.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 – ‘Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.’
True repentance leads to forgiveness and transformation.
2. Seeking God’s Will
The Bible provides guidance on righteousness.
- Psalm 119:11 – ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.’
Studying God’s Word helps believers recognize and avoid abominations.
3. Living by the Holy Spirit
God empowers believers to live righteously through the Holy Spirit.
- Galatians 5:16 – ‘Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.’
A Spirit-led life helps resist sin.
The Bible defines abomination as anything morally, spiritually, or socially detestable to God. These include idolatry, sexual immorality, injustice, dishonesty, and religious hypocrisy.
The consequences of abomination are separation from God and divine judgment. However, through repentance, obedience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can live according to God’s will.
Understanding what God calls an abomination helps Christians align their lives with His righteousness and avoid actions that lead to spiritual downfall.