Deuteronomy 27:21 Meaning: The Community Says Amen
‘Cursed is he who lies with any kind of animal.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
`Cursed is he who is lying with any beast, --and all the people have said, Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast! And all the people shall say, Amen.
Meaning in one sentence
Discover why bestiality is cursed publicly in Deuteronomy 27:21 and what the people's 'Amen' reveals about corporate holiness today.
Context
This verse appears in the final speech of Moses before Israel crosses into the Promised Land. At Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, the Levites were to pronounce twelve curses over sins committed in secret. The people would answer 'Amen' to each one, binding themselves together in agreement before God. Bestiality is listed among other hidden acts like incest and murder. The public ceremony made clear that no sin stays private, every violation touches the whole covenant community. The people's response was not optional; it was a corporate pledge to uphold God's standards and reject what defiles.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words carry the weight here. Arur ('cursed') comes from the root arar, a solemn word used in covenant curses. This is not a casual wish; it places the person under the judgment of God. Shokhev ('lies') is the verb shakhav, which refers to lying down with sexual intent. It is the same word used elsewhere for lawful marriage, but here it describes a forbidden union. Amen comes from a root meaning 'truly' or 'so be it.' The whole congregation speaks this word together, making the curse something they own. They are not passive listeners. They actively confirm that this act is wrong and that God's judgment is right. That 'Amen' binds them to each other and to God.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian traditions agree that this verse condemns an act contrary to the created order. The Geneva Bible notes it is 'shocking and abhorrent to human nature.' Matthew Henry, writing from a Reformed perspective, sees it as a sin that defiles both the person and the land. The Douay-Rheims Catholic translation includes it in the moral law, affirmed by natural reason. Anglican commentators like the Cambridge Bible emphasize the liturgical setting and the community's corporate response. No tradition minimizes the seriousness. All recognize that the 'Amen' means the whole people take responsibility for holiness together.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
This week, consider one area where you have stayed silent when a clear moral standard was at stake. Maybe at work a conversation crosses a line, or among friends a sin is treated as acceptable. Saying 'Amen' to God's Word means aligning yourself with His truth, even when it costs something. You can do that quietly in your own heart, or you can speak up when the moment comes. The community's yes to God matters, and your voice is part of it. Ask God for courage to stand with His people, not just in church but in your daily life.
Main takeaway: God calls His people to publicly affirm His holiness and reject what defiles, as a community together.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God's people said 'Yes' to what is right and 'No' to what is wrong. We can do that too. When we love God, we agree with Him.
For ages 9, 12
In this verse, the whole nation of Israel said 'Amen' to a curse on a serious sin. That meant they all agreed that this sin was wrong and they would not do it. When we follow Jesus, we also stand with His teaching, even when it is hard. We say 'yes' to God's way together as a church.
Questions People Ask
Why is bestiality mentioned in the middle of other curses in Deuteronomy 27?
The twelve curses cover sins committed in secret that harm individuals and the community. Bestiality is included as a serious sexual sin that defiles the person and the land. The list shows that God cares about every hidden act.
What does 'Amen' mean in this context?
In Hebrew, 'amen' means 'truly' or 'so be it.' Here the whole congregation speaks it together, publicly agreeing that the curse is just and binding themselves to God's law.
Is this verse still relevant for Christians today?
Yes, the principle stands. God's people are called to affirm His moral standards and reject what He calls wrong. The corporate 'Amen' reminds us that holiness is not just personal but something the church community stands for together.
Why did God command a public curse ceremony?
The ceremony at Mount Ebal and Gerizim made clear that no sin stays hidden from God or the community. By saying 'Amen,' the people took responsibility for upholding the covenant. It reinforced that Israel was a holy nation.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study