In the Bible, “abominable” refers to actions, practices, or things that are considered detestable or loathsome in the eyes of God, often associated with idolatry, immorality, or violating divine commands (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:25-26). It signifies something that invokes God’s strong disapproval and punishment.
Scripture
22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
23 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.
24 “Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these things, for by all these the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean,
25 And the land became unclean, so that I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out its inhabitants.
26 But you shall keep my statutes and my rules and do none of these abominations, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you.
27 (for the people of the land, who were before you, did all of these abominations, so that the land became unclean),
28 so that the land will not vomit you out when you make it unclean, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.
29 For everyone who does any of these abominations, the persons who do them shall be cut off from among their people.
30 So you shall keep my charge by not doing any of the abominable customs that were done before you, and by not defiling yourselves with them: I am the Lord your God.”
Biblical Meaning of “Abominable”
The term “abominable” in the Bible carries significant weight, referring to practices and behaviors that are deemed utterly detestable by God, marking a clear moral boundary of righteousness versus sinfulness. In Deuteronomy 7:25-26, Israel is warned against idolatry, where the act of worshipping foreign gods is labeled as abominable, thereby emphasizing God’s intolerance toward those who defile the covenant relationship with Him. This notion is echoed in Proverbs 15:9, where the path of the wicked is described as an abomination to the Lord, further establishing that choices contrary to His divine will lead to alienation and judgment.
The use of “abominable” also reveals the nature of sin as not merely individual transgressions, but as actions that fundamentally distort the created order and disrupt the intended relationship between humanity and God. For instance, in Revelation 21:8, abominable practices are listed among sins leading to eternal separation from God, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of engaging in actions that provoke divine wrath. Thus, the broader meaning of being “abominable” encompasses not only detestable actions but also serves as a call to examine one’s life in the light of God’s standards, inviting repentance and a return to a life aligned with His will.
The concept of “abominable” extends beyond specific practices to encompass a holistic understanding of moral and ethical living as outlined in the biblical text. For instance, in the teachings found in the prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Ezekiel, certain social injustices, such as idolatry and the exploitation of the vulnerable, are condemned as abominations. These passages demonstrate that the term indicates not just an offense against religious laws but a profound breach of social and relational ethics, highlighting God’s concern for justice and mercy. This suggests that to be labeled as “abominable” is often tied to actions or systems that violate the inherent dignity and worth of individuals, signaling a comprehensive view of sin that includes societal implications.
Moreover, the New Testament writers reaffirm these themes, particularly in the context of moral purity and community conduct. For instance, certain behaviors associated with moral decay are admonished as abominable, fitting within a broader framework of holiness to which believers are called. The emphasis is placed on cultivating a community that reflects God’s character by rejecting abominable practices, which not only distance individuals from God but also disrupt communal harmony and witness. This calls believers to a transformative lifestyle, highlighting that the rejection of what is deemed abominable is both a personal and corporate responsibility. Thus, the notion of abominable signifies a stark contrast to the divine character, urging adherents to pursue a path of righteousness that fosters a conducive relationship with God and with one another.
Moral Repugnance
In the biblical context, “abominable” often refers to actions, behaviors, or practices that are considered morally repugnant or detestable in the eyes of God. This encompasses a wide range of sins and transgressions that violate divine commandments and ethical standards. The term signifies a strong disapproval and highlights the seriousness of engaging in such behaviors, which are seen as corrupting and harmful to both individuals and the community.
Idolatry and False Worship
Another significant meaning of “abominable” in the Bible relates to idolatry and false worship. The worship of idols or foreign gods is frequently described as abominable, as it directly contradicts the worship of the one true God. This usage underscores the importance of fidelity to God and the rejection of practices that lead people away from true faith. Such abominations are seen as not only offensive to God but also as detrimental to the spiritual health of the people involved.
Social Injustice and Oppression
The term “abominable” can also be applied to social injustices and acts of oppression. In various biblical texts, practices that exploit the vulnerable, such as corruption, deceit, and violence against the marginalized, are labeled as abominable. This highlights the biblical call for justice and righteousness, emphasizing that actions that harm others and perpetuate inequality are deeply offensive to God and contrary to His will for humanity.
How to Foster Compassion and Understanding as a Christian
Fostering compassion and understanding as a Christian begins with a heart open to the teachings of Christ, who exemplified love and empathy in every interaction. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, particularly passages like Matthew 25:40, where Jesus reminds us that serving others is akin to serving Him. Make it a daily practice to listen actively to those around you, seeking to understand their struggles and perspectives without judgment. Engage in acts of kindness, whether through volunteering, offering a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need. Remember, compassion is not just a feeling but an action; it’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes and reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways. As you cultivate these habits, you’ll find that your heart expands, allowing you to connect more deeply with others and embody the grace that God extends to us all.
Bible References to “Abominable” Meaning:
Deuteronomy 7:25-26: 25 The carved images of their gods you shall burn with fire. You shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God.
26 And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction.
Proverbs 6:16-19: 16 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Isaiah 1:13-15: 13 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me.
14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood.
Ezekiel 16:50-52: 50 They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.
51 Samaria has not committed half your sins. You have committed more abominations than they, and have made your sisters appear righteous by all the abominations that you have committed.
52 Bear your disgrace, you also, for you have intervened on behalf of your sisters. Because of your sins in which you acted more abominably than they, they are more in the right than you. So be ashamed, you also, and bear your disgrace, for you have made your sisters appear righteous.
Revelation 21:8-9: 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.