Bestiality – What does the Bible say? Is bestiality sinful?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Bestiality is the grotesque practice of a person having sexual relations with an animal. The Bible mentions bestiality in four specific places, condemning it each time. Under the law of Moses, bestiality was described as a capital offense, with the guilty party and the animal both being put to death (Exodus 22:19; Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:15–16; Deuteronomy 27:21). Bestiality is described as a form of sexual immorality that defiles both the person and God’s created order. While the New Testament does not specifically mention bestiality, it emphasizes avoiding all forms of sexual immorality and honoring God’s design for human relationships (Matthew 19:3–12). Overall, the Bible views bestiality as a perversion and a violation of purity and the sanctity of life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Exodus 22:19 states, "Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death." Under the Law of Moses, the death penalty was given to any person guilty of bestiality.
• Leviticus 18:23 commands, "And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion." Here, a reason is given for the command, calling bestiality a perversion. The command is also explicitly stated to include both men and women in this passage.
• Leviticus 20:15–16, found in a list of punishments for various forms of sexual immorality in the Law of Moses, records, "If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." The only addition in this passage is that the animal was also to be put to death in such situations.
• Deuteronomy 27:21, considered a "second telling" of the Law of Moses, notes, "'Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.'" The addition of a curse is the one piece of new information added in this passage. A look at the Law of Moses on this issue shows that it viewed bestiality as a perversion, those involved were to be put to death, the animal was to be put to death, and the person committing the offense was considered cursed.
• Proverbs 12:10 tells us to care for animals, "Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel." Bestiality is both a sexual sin and a form of mistreatment toward animal life. God's desire is for people to worship Him, to avoid all forms of sexual immorality, as well as to treat animals with compassion.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament does not specifically mention bestiality, but this silence certainly does not indicate that Jesus or early Christians condoned the practice. In contrast, New Testament teachings often speak about avoiding sexual immorality, which includes any sexual relationships outside of the context of marriage between a man and a woman (Matthew 19:3–12).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Understanding that the Bible condemns bestiality helps us recognize God’s call to purity and respect for both human dignity and the created order. Scripture clearly identifies this act as a grave sin, describing it as a perversion that leads to death under the Law of Moses (Exodus 22:19; Leviticus 18:23). While our context today is different, the truths are the same, and these commands highlight God’s concern for holiness and proper conduct. In today’s world, we are reminded to uphold the sanctity of human relationships and to treat all of creation with the respect God intended. This call to purity challenges us to guard our thoughts, actions, and relationships, striving to honor God in how we engage with others and the world around us.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible condemns bestiality as a sinful perversion and a capital offense under the Law of Moses.
• Bestiality is considered a form of sexual immorality.
• The New Testament emphasizes avoiding all sexual immorality, including bestiality.

REFLECT

• How does honoring God’s created order influence the way you view and treat it?
• How can you cultivate a lifestyle that aligns with God’s standards of purity?
• How does understanding God’s design for relationships shape your interactions with others?

ENGAGE

• What does the Bible’s condemnation of bestiality reveal about God’s view of purity and the created order?
• How does the emphasis on sexual immorality in the New Testament highlight the importance of living in accordance with God’s design?
• What can we learn from the Bible’s teachings on purity that applies to modern ethical issues?