The Bible explicitly condemns the act of bestiality in several passages, outlining it as a sinful and prohibited practice. These references appear in both the Old Testament and reflect the moral and legal codes given to the people of Israel. Here are the biblical references:
1. **Exodus 22:19 (ESV)**
*”Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death.”*
This passage is part of the legal code delivered to the Israelites, outlining severe penalties for engaging in such behavior.
2. **Leviticus 18:23 (ESV)**
*”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.”*
In the context of laws about sexual purity, bestiality is explicitly called out as a perversion.
3. **Leviticus 20:15-16 (ESV)**
*”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.”*
This passage reiterates the severe punishment for both the person and the animal involved.
4. **Deuteronomy 27:21 (ESV)**
*”‘Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”*
This verse is part of a series of curses pronounced on those who violate God’s laws.
These passages collectively show that bestiality was considered a grave sin under the Mosaic Law, viewed as a violation of God’s created order and an act of profound moral impurity.