What Does Abomination Mean in the Bible
Anyone who has read any significant amount of Scripture is likely already familiar with the phrase "abomination." You might perhaps be familiar with it and have heard it employed in religious discourse. It is hardly surprising that Christians view an abomination with disdain. Nothing in the Bible ever praises something that is called an abomination.
Definition of Abomination
The Marriam-Webster Dictionary gives us two definitions for the word abomination:
- “Something regarded with disgust or hatred: something abominable”
- “Extreme disgust and hatred: loathing”
Abomination in the Bible
The concept of "abomination" in biblical texts often refers to acts or customs considered detestable by a particular group. In Genesis 43:32, the Egyptians viewed sharing food with foreigners as a defilement, reflecting their cultural and religious boundaries. Similarly, Jewish tradition prohibited partaking in food or drink with non-Jews (John 18:28; Acts 10:28; 11:3), reinforcing a sense of separation.
Another example of this cultural divide is found in Genesis 46:34, where Egyptians regarded every shepherd as "an abomination." One explanation for this disdain is that Egypt had been previously ruled by the Hyksos, a nomadic shepherd tribe that had only recently been expelled. Alternatively, the Egyptians may have looked down on the disorganized lifestyle of shepherds, which contrasted sharply with their structured society.
During the fourth plague, Pharaoh, though shaken, still refused to release the Israelites but suggested they worship within Egypt. However, Moses rejected this compromise, warning that their sacrifices would include animals revered by the Egyptians, specifically cows or oxen, which would be seen as an abomination (Exodus 8:26). The Egyptians considered these animals sacred, making their slaughter a potential source of conflict.
The term "abomination" also appears in prophetic and historical contexts. Daniel 11:31 predicts the suffering of the Jewish people under Antiochus Epiphanes, stating, "And they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate." This refers to the altar Antiochus built over the Jewish altar of burnt offerings, where he mandated sacrifices to Jupiter Olympus.
Similar references appear in 1 Maccabees 1:57 and 2. In Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15, the phrase likely refers to the Roman standards, adorned with images, that were erected before the temple’s east gate around 70 AD and worshipped as idols. For the Jewish people, these symbols represented the "abomination of desolation."
Throughout the Bible, "abomination" is used symbolically to describe idolatry (Isaiah 66:3; 44:19), moral corruption (Ezekiel 22:11), and even the practices of the fallen Roman Catholic Church (Revelation 17:4).
Is Abomination Worse Than Sin?
A question that a lot of people have is whether an abomination is worse than a sin. For the most part, all abominations are sins, but not all sins are abominations. "Abomination" is only used for acts that are especially offensive to God. The Bible uses the word "sin" to refer to anything that goes against God's rules.
As an example, lying is a sin, but Proverbs 6:16–19 says that God hates lying and calls it an abomination. This means that some sins are taken more seriously than others, especially those that have greater moral or spiritual effects.
Having said that, the Bible doesn't say that one sin is definitely worse than another. Every kind of sin separates us from God, but an abomination makes us feel very morally wrong.
Abomination vs Sin
So, what's the difference between a sin and an abomination? The word "sin" refers to all wrongdoing, no matter how big or small, planned or not. It includes mistakes we all make, failings as people, and disobeying the rules.
An abomination, on the other hand, is usually used to talk about things that are not only wrong but also really bother God. People who do these things often worship idols, are dishonest, or break very important moral rules. In Leviticus 18:22, for example, certain actions are called abominations, and in Proverbs 11:1, dishonest business practices are also called abominations. This shows that abomination doesn't just mean one kind of wrongdoing; it means anything that greatly offends God's righteousness.
"The abomination of desolation" is one of the most well-known uses of the word "abomination." It can be found in Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15.
Ultimately, both sin and abomination create separation from God. The good news, however, is that through repentance and God’s mercy, both can be forgiven. The Bible reassures us that no matter how severe a sin or abomination may seem, God's grace is always available to those who seek it with a sincere heart. Forgiveness is not about ranking sins but about turning away from them and seeking a renewed relationship with God.
Get Closer to God Today
4.9
Average Rating
|Over 5 Million Downloads
7 Abominations to God in the Bible
There are seven abominations that can be found in the Bible:
A Proud Look
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart — the unplowed field of the wicked — produce sin” — Proverbs 21:4
A healthy dose of self-confidence isn't so bad. We should be proud of our children, our ancestry, our legacy, and the achievements of our friends and relatives.
Even if this is so, the bad qualities include selfishness, pride, and vanity. This kind of person has an inflated sense of self-importance. They think they're better than everyone else and consider themselves more important than God or anyone else.
With this attitude, one starts to disapprove of other people. The Pharisee who entered the Temple to pray is the archetype of someone who flashes a haughty expression. He boasted to God about the nearby publican (tax collector).
God rejected him despite his references to his pretentious actions. The Pharisee's purpose in visiting the Temple was not to commune with God but rather to boast to anyone nearby about how wonderful he was (Luke 18:11).
A Lying Tongue
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” — Proverbs 12:22
The God who is all truth finds absolutely repugnant the handling of truth, the telling of lies, the making of false accusations, and the teaching of incorrect doctrine. People will tell lies about many things, including God, themselves, other people, and the worth of goods.
The veracity of God's Word is contradicted by the most fundamental lies. This includes painting sin as something that is acceptable. The gravest kind of deceit is any teaching that denies God's holiness, human transgression, or the atonement offered by Jesus Christ.
In order to be prepared to hear the good news of God's grace and salvation, we must first acknowledge our sinful condition and confront the reality of the terrible news.
Hands That Shed Innocent Blood
“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.” — Proverbs 6:16-17
Life is sacred, and the shedding of innocent blood is among the gravest offenses in God's eyes. This phrase condemns not only acts of murder but also any form of violence, oppression, or injustice that harms the blameless.
Throughout history, many have taken advantage of the weak, whether through physical violence, wrongful persecution, or decisions that lead to suffering and death. Whether done through direct action or indirect means, the destruction of innocent lives stands in stark opposition to God's command to protect and cherish life.
God’s justice does not overlook such evil. Those who harm the innocent will ultimately face divine judgment, for He is the defender of the weak and the avenger of the oppressed. Instead of bloodshed, His people are called to defend life, seek justice, and show mercy.
A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” — Jeremiah 17:9
The human heart is meant to be a wellspring of love, kindness, and integrity, but when it turns toward deceit and malice, it becomes dangerous. Those who plot wickedness, whether through manipulation, fraud, or outright harm, stand against the righteousness that God desires.
Such individuals craft elaborate schemes for personal gain at the expense of others. Their actions betray a deep-rooted corruption that leads to destruction—not just for their victims, but ultimately for themselves. God detests a heart that thrives on deceit and uses intelligence for evil instead of good.
Feet That Are Swift to Run to Evil
“Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.” — Isaiah 59:7
A person who eagerly seeks wrongdoing displays a reckless disregard for morality. Instead of hesitating before sin, they rush toward it with enthusiasm, showing no remorse for the harm they cause. Their choices reveal a preference for wickedness over righteousness.
This attitude is not just about individual sins but about a lifestyle that embraces wrongdoing. When people constantly seek to indulge in vice, violence, or deception, they make themselves instruments of chaos rather than peace. God warns against such eagerness for evil, as it leads only to destruction.
A False Witness
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” — Proverbs 19:9
Truth is a foundation of justice, and those who bear false witness undermine both truth and fairness. Whether in a court of law, personal relationships, or daily interactions, lying about others distorts reality and causes harm.
False witnesses destroy reputations, fuel conflicts, and create divisions. Their deceit may bring temporary gain, but ultimately, they are accountable for their words. God abhors dishonesty, particularly when it is used to falsely condemn the innocent or manipulate justice for personal advantage.
Someone That Sows Discord in the Community
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” — Proverbs 16:28
Few things are more destructive than those who deliberately stir up division. Whether through gossip, lies, or manipulation, these individuals seek to create conflict rather than harmony. Their words poison relationships, weaken trust and tear apart communities.
Rather than promoting unity and understanding, they spread resentment and hostility. God desires peace among His people, and those who disrupt it for selfish reasons face divine disapproval. True righteousness calls for fostering love and reconciliation rather than discord.
Prayer for Forgiveness of Abominations
An Act of Contrition is a prayer expressing sorrow for sin and a sincere intention to repent. It is often recited during confession in the Catholic Church, but it can also be prayed privately by anyone seeking God's forgiveness.
Here are three versions you can use to seek forgiveness for your sins:
Act of Contrition (traditional)
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Act of Contrition (alternate form)
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
An Act of Contrition inspired by the Gospels
Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: "I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your child."
Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promised Paradise: "Lord, remember me in your kingdom."
Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: "Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light."
Conclusion
An abomination is something that we view with disgust, something that we hate. In the Bible, there are many things that are described as an abomination, and God gives seven major transgressions that he regards as such. However, there is nothing that can’t be forgiven if we take the time to repent. Through acknowledgment of our wrongs and prayer, we can come back to the righteous path.
