Question
Gramps,
What does Leviticus 18:22 mean? Does this pertain to gay and lesbianism?
Jarel
Answer
Jarel,
Leviticus 18:22 is one of the most discussed verses in the Old Testament. It reads:
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”
Because of today’s conversations about sexual orientation and same-sex relationships, many people naturally wonder whether this verse is talking about homosexuality, and if so, how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should understand it.
The short answer is yes. According to the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Leviticus 18:22 prohibits sexual relations between two men. While the verse specifically mentions men, the Church’s broader teachings on the law of chastity also apply equally to sexual relations between women. However, understanding what this verse means also requires considering God’s larger plan and remembering that every person is a beloved child of Heavenly Parents.
Leviticus 18 is part of the Law of Moses, which the Lord gave to ancient Israel after delivering them from Egypt. The chapter outlines God’s standards for sexual morality, prohibiting incest, adultery, bestiality, and same-sex sexual relations. These commandments were intended to help Israel remain spiritually clean and distinct from the immoral practices of the surrounding nations.
The Hebrew word translated as “abomination” can sound especially harsh to modern ears. In the Old Testament, however, the word often described actions that violated God’s covenant or His holy law. It is important to recognize that the verse condemns behavior, not an individual’s worth. Throughout scripture, God consistently teaches that every person is His child and possesses infinite value.
Latter-day Saints also recognize that while the Law of Moses was fulfilled through Jesus Christ (see Matthew 5:17 and 3 Nephi 15:4-8), not every moral principle found in that law disappeared. Animal sacrifices ended, dietary restrictions were no longer required, and many ceremonial practices ceased. However, God’s moral standards regarding sexual purity continued to be taught by the Savior and His Apostles.
For example, the Apostle Paul reaffirmed the sacred nature of sexual morality in Romans 1:26-27 and reminded the Saints that their bodies are “the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). The restored gospel continues to teach that sexual intimacy is a sacred gift from God, reserved for marriage between a man and a woman.
One question that naturally follows is whether this means a person who experiences same-sex attraction is sinning simply because of those feelings.
The answer, according to the Church, is no.
The Church has consistently taught that experiencing same-sex attraction is not, by itself, a sin. Temptations, feelings, and attractions are not the same as actions. Every person faces different challenges and temptations in mortality. The gospel invites all of us to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and strive to keep His commandments, regardless of the particular trials we experience.
This distinction is one of the most important aspects of current Church teaching. A person’s worth is never determined by his or her temptations or attractions. Our worth comes from being sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents.
That truth changes the conversation. Rather than defining ourselves by our struggles, the restored gospel teaches us to define ourselves by our divine identity and our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Some people wonder why God established this standard in the first place.
LDS doctrine teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is central to Heavenly Father’s eternal plan. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” declares:
“Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and… the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”
This doctrine forms the foundation for the Church’s teachings on sexual morality. It is not based on changing cultural values but on God’s revealed plan of salvation.
Because of that doctrine, the law of chastity applies equally to every member of the Church.
The Lord’s law of chastity is a universal commandment, not one directed at only one group of people. Heterosexual members are expected to remain sexually pure before marriage and faithful to their spouse after marriage, just as members who experience same-sex attraction are expected to live the same law of chastity. In the restored gospel, God’s commandments are given equally to all of His children. Every disciple of Jesus Christ is invited to exercise faith, repent, and strive to follow the Savior, relying on His grace when the path is difficult.
That perspective helps us avoid unfairly singling out one particular sin while overlooking others. Scripture repeatedly teaches that all people “have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Every one of us depends completely upon the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
At the same time, the Savior expects His disciples to love and respect every individual.
Jesus consistently reached out to people who were often rejected by society. He ate with publicans and sinners, spoke kindly with the Samaritan woman, forgave the woman taken in adultery, and ministered to all who came unto Him. His example teaches us that compassion never requires compromising truth, and truth should never be taught without compassion.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to treat everyone—including those who identify as gay or lesbian—with kindness, dignity, friendship, and Christlike love. Disagreement about moral standards should never become an excuse for unkindness or disrespect. Every individual deserves to feel loved as a child of God.
Ultimately, Leviticus 18:22 does refer to same-sex sexual relations between men, and the restored gospel teaches that God’s law of chastity continues to reserve sexual intimacy for marriage between a man and a woman. Although Leviticus specifically mentions men, the same law of chastity applies to lesbian relationships as well.
Perhaps the most important lesson is that God’s commandments and God’s love are never in conflict. The Lord invites every one of His children to come unto Him. Regardless of our individual temptations or challenges, each person has infinite worth, is loved by Heavenly Father, and can receive strength, forgiveness, peace, and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we strive to follow both of the Savior’s great invitations: to “love one another” (John 13:34) and to “keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Holding firmly to revealed truth while extending Christlike love to every person is not a contradiction—it is the very pattern the Savior Himself established. As we follow Him, we can speak the truth in love, minister with compassion, and trust that God’s perfect wisdom and mercy will ultimately bless all of His children.
Gramps
