Understanding a Deep Biblical Concept in Everyday Language
If you’ve ever come across the word “abomination” in the Bible, you might wonder what it really means. In plain terms, an abomination is anything that God finds downright offensive, disgusting, or morally wrong. Think of it as actions, attitudes, or even objects that go completely against what God stands for—a kind of spiritual “red flag.”
What Are Some Examples?
The Bible gives lots of examples of things that are abominations to God. Here are some of them in everyday language:
· Idolatry and False Worship: Worshiping idols (statues or objects) instead of the real God. This was a big deal in ancient times and still matters today. God wants our hearts, not just religious routines or superstitions.
· Moral and Social Sins: Lying, pride, planning evil, hurting innocent people, causing trouble between friends or family—these things all go against God’s character. The Book of Proverbs actually lists seven abominations: being arrogant (“haughty eyes”), lying, hurting innocent people, plotting wicked plans, running toward trouble, giving false testimony, and causing conflict among people.
· Social Injustice: Things like unfair laws, letting guilty people go free, or exploiting the poor and powerless are seen as deeply wrong.
· Sexual Immorality: Certain sexual actions, including adultery and other acts listed in Leviticus, are called abominations because they break God’s design for relationships.
· Unclean Foods: In the Old Testament, some foods were labeled as “unclean” and considered abominations. This was mainly for Israel’s spiritual health and identity—not just physical health.
· Hypocrisy and Self-Righteousness: Acting religious but being fake or refusing to change is also an abomination. God cares about our hearts, not just our outward actions.
· Occult Practices and Child Sacrifice: The Bible strongly condemns magic, sorcery, and especially harming children.
Why Are These Things So Serious?
An abomination is not just something God dislikes—it’s something that is so wrong it actually separates us from Him. It’s like a wall that stands between people and God. The word itself comes from the Hebrew “to’evah,” which means something truly detestable.
When people choose to keep doing things that God calls abominations, they’re choosing to turn away from God’s love and guidance. That’s why the Bible speaks so strongly about them.
Is All Sin an Abomination?
While some sins are specifically called “abominations,” all sin separates us from God. The Bible says everyone has sinned and missed the mark of God’s perfection. In God’s eyes, sin is serious—it’s a break in the relationship, and left alone, it keeps us far from Him.
Does God Hate the People Who Do These Things?
This is important: God hates sin because it harms us and others, but He loves people—even those who have done terrible things. That’s why He offers forgiveness. The message of Jesus is that no matter what our past looks like, we can be made right with God. Jesus took on all our worst sins—even our “abominations”—and offers us a new start.
What’s the Takeaway?
· An abomination is anything deeply offensive to God—actions, attitudes, or even things that totally go against His goodness.
· Examples include worshiping anything but God, lying, pride, injustice, sexual immorality, and hypocrisy.
· Abominations are serious because they create a barrier between us and God.
· God hates abominations, but He loves us and offers forgiveness through Jesus.
In short, the Bible’s idea of “abomination” isn’t just about rules—it’s about protecting what’s good, true, and loving. And the good news is, no matter what, God is always ready to welcome anyone who turns back to Him.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 