Definition: The word "Abomination" in Hebrew, from the Hebrew verb "abo-yanar", literally means an abomination or sin (1) - not to be worshiped or esteemed or enjoyed nor to be pleased with or esteemed by a person, especially one who is an idolater. (2) It also implies that something is of bad taste, disgusting, unpleasant, repulsive, or offensive, even if it is not the object of any particular desire or action. (1) The word "abomination" may have its origins in the Levitical Law (Leviticus 17:14-16), which described sin as "an abomination to do with beasts, and fornication among women." (2) However, in the New Testament, the use of this word is limited. For example, the Gospel of John uses "abomination" to refer to a woman who was ritually sacrificed (Jn 1:8-10). So while it is an abominable thing to do with animals and not to be pleased with or esteemed by humans, in Christian usage it does not have any negative connotations. (3) The term "Abomination" is also used figuratively as a description of sin and its consequences. For example, in the Book of Proverbs 2:1-4, Solomon says that if someone would say this to anyone else, they would be abominable (Proverbs 2:4). Similarly, in the Book of Revelation 3:18, "The great dragon is destroyed with a wave of his mighty hand" refers to sin being as bad as a "Abomination," or wickedness.

abominability