Abomination Meaning in Bible: Definition, Meaning, Sins, Hebrew Word & KJV Verses 2026

Abomination Bible Definition (KJV)

In the King James Version (KJV), the word “abomination” refers to something that God regards as detestable, disgusting, or morally offensive because it violates His holy character and commands. The term is used for various sins, including idolatry, dishonesty, sexual immorality, pride, and injustice. In some passages, it also describes practices that made people ceremonially unclean under the Old Testament Law.

For example, Proverbs 6:16–19 lists attitudes and actions that God hates, while Deuteronomy frequently uses the word to describe idolatrous worship. The KJV emphasizes that an abomination is not merely something people dislike but something God strongly condemns.

Key Bible Verses:

• Proverbs 6:16–19 (KJV): Lists seven things the Lord hates, including pride, lying, and sowing discord.
• Deuteronomy 7:25–26 (KJV): Warns against bringing idolatrous objects into one’s home.
• Proverbs 11:1 (KJV): “A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.”

What Sins Are an Abomination to God?

The Bible describes several sins as abominations because they oppose God’s holiness and righteousness. These include both sinful actions and sinful attitudes.

Some examples include:

• Idolatry and worship of false gods (Deuteronomy 27:15)
• Dishonest business practices (Proverbs 11:1)
• Pride and arrogance (Proverbs 16:5)
• Lying and false testimony (Proverbs 12:22)
• Murder and shedding innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16–19)
• Sexual sins specifically identified in biblical law (Leviticus 18)
• Witchcraft and occult practices (Deuteronomy 18:9–12)
• Creating division among people (Proverbs 6:19)

The Bible consistently teaches that God desires repentance and forgiveness for those who turn to Him. Scripture also emphasizes that all people have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that forgiveness is available through faith in Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).

Is There a List of 60 Abominations in the Bible (KJV)?

There is no official list of 60 abominations in the Bible or in the King James Version.

The number “60 abominations” comes from modern internet articles, study guides, or compilations that gather every passage containing the word “abomination” or describing abominable practices. The Bible itself never presents a chapter or section titled “60 Abominations.”

Instead, Scripture identifies many different practices that are called abominations, including:

• Idolatry
• Child sacrifice
• Dishonest weights and measures
• Pride
• Lying
• Occult practices
• Sexual immorality identified in biblical law
• Violence and injustice

Readers should evaluate any “60 abomination” list by comparing it carefully with the actual biblical text rather than assuming it is an official biblical classification.

Abomination of Desolation Meaning in the Bible

The “abomination of desolation” is a prophetic phrase found in the Book of Daniel and later mentioned by Jesus in the Gospels.

Key Bible Passages:

• Daniel 9:27
• Daniel 11:31
• Daniel 12:11
• Matthew 24:15
• Mark 13:14

The phrase describes a sacrilegious act that desecrates a holy place and results in devastation or judgment. Historically, many scholars connect Daniel’s prophecy with the desecration of the Jerusalem temple during the second century BC. Others believe Jesus pointed toward a future fulfillment connected with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, while some Christians also understand it as having an additional future prophetic fulfillment.

Although Christian traditions differ on the exact interpretation, they generally agree that the phrase refers to a serious act of rebellion against God involving the desecration of what is holy.

Abomination Meaning in Hebrew

The primary Hebrew word translated “abomination” is toʿevah (תּוֹעֵבָה).

This word describes something that is detestable, abhorrent, or morally offensive to God. It appears more than one hundred times in the Old Testament and is used in several contexts, including:

• Idolatry
• Dishonest business practices
• Certain immoral behaviors
• False worship
• Wicked conduct

Other Hebrew words may occasionally be translated as “abomination,” but toʿevah is by far the most common.

Understanding the Hebrew word helps readers recognize that the emphasis is on actions and practices that God rejects because they contradict His holy standards.

Human Abomination Meaning

The phrase “human abomination” is not a biblical term.

In modern English, it usually refers to a person who is viewed as extremely wicked because of their actions. However, the Bible generally avoids labeling people themselves as “abominations.” Instead, Scripture most often identifies specific behaviors, practices, attitudes, or acts as abominable.

At the same time, the Bible teaches two important truths:

• God hates sin and evil.
• God loves people and calls sinners to repentance and forgiveness.

This distinction is seen throughout Scripture, where judgment against sin is accompanied by God’s invitation to repent and receive mercy.

Abomination in the Bible (New Testament)

The word “abomination” appears less frequently in the New Testament than in the Old Testament, but the concept remains important.

Notable examples include:

• Matthew 24:15 – Jesus refers to the “abomination of desolation” spoken of by Daniel.
• Mark 13:14 – Jesus repeats the prophecy.
• Luke 16:15 – Jesus says, “For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
• Revelation 17:4–5 – The term describes the moral corruption associated with symbolic Babylon.
• Revelation 21:27 – Nothing that practices abomination will enter the New Jerusalem.

The New Testament emphasizes not only outward actions but also the condition of the heart, calling believers to holiness, humility, and faithful obedience to God.

How Many Times Is “Abomination” Used in the Bible?

The exact number depends on the Bible translation.

• In the King James Version (KJV), the word “abomination” appears approximately 76 times.
• Other English translations may use the word more or less frequently because translators sometimes render the underlying Hebrew and Greek words with terms such as detestable, detestable thing, or abhorrent instead of abomination.

The majority of these occurrences are found in the Old Testament, especially in Deuteronomy, Proverbs, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Leviticus, while the New Testament uses the term much less often.

Biblical Definition of Abomination

In simple terms:

An abomination is something that is morally disgusting or highly offensive to God.

It refers to actions, practices, or behaviors that violate God’s holy standards.

Abomination is stronger than simple “sin.”

While all abominations are sins — not all sins are called abominations.

That distinction is important.

Hebrew Meaning of Abomination

The primary Hebrew word for abomination is:

“To’evah” (תּוֹעֵבָה)

It means:

• Something detestable

• Morally disgusting

• Ritually unclean

• Highly offensive

This word appears frequently in the Old Testament.

It is used to describe actions that violate God’s covenant and moral law.

Understanding this Hebrew term deepens the abomination meaning in Bible.

Abomination in the Old Testament

The word abomination appears many times in the Old Testament.

It often describes:

• Idolatry

• Pagan worship practices

• Sexual immorality

• False sacrifices

• Unjust behavior

One key reference appears in the Book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things God hates — including pride, lying, murder, and false witness.

These actions are described as detestable to God.

Abomination and Idolatry

One of the most common uses of abomination is connected to idol worship.

God warned Israel not to adopt pagan religious practices.

In Scripture, idol worship is repeatedly called an abomination because:

• It replaces God with false gods

• It rejects divine authority

• It corrupts true worship

God desires exclusive devotion.

When people worship idols instead of Him — it becomes spiritually offensive.

Abomination in Food Laws

In the Old Testament, certain foods were described as abominable for Israel.

These dietary restrictions were part of the Mosaic Law.

For example:

• Eating certain unclean animals

• Consuming prohibited foods

However, in the New Testament, dietary restrictions were fulfilled through Christ.

The meaning shifted from ritual purity to spiritual purity.

Abomination and Sexual Immorality

The Bible also uses the word abomination to describe sexual sins that violate God’s design for relationships.

Certain practices are labeled as morally corrupt in Scripture.

These references appear in laws given to Israel to protect holiness and social order.

The key point:

Abomination describes behavior that contradicts God’s creation order and covenant standards.

Abomination in Prophetic Warnings

The term appears in prophetic books warning about judgment.

In the Book of Daniel, we read about:

“The abomination of desolation.”

This prophecy refers to a future desecration of sacred worship space.

Jesus also references this prophecy in the New Testament as a sign of future tribulation.

It represents:

• Profaning holy places

• Blaspheming God

• Corrupting sacred worship

This shows that abomination can also involve spiritual rebellion.

Abomination in the New Testament

Although the word appears more often in the Old Testament, it is also present in the New Testament.

Jesus warns about the abomination of desolation in prophetic teaching.

The concept continues to emphasize:

• Rejection of God

• False worship

• Spiritual corruption

The standard of holiness remains consistent throughout Scripture.

Spiritual Meaning of Abomination

Spiritually, the abomination meaning in Bible teaches believers:

• God has moral boundaries

• Some behaviors deeply violate His nature

• Worship must remain pure

It reminds us that God is not indifferent to sin.

He responds to injustice and rebellion seriously.

Psychological Perspective on Abomination

From a psychological standpoint, labeling something as “abomination” shows strong moral opposition.

It reflects:

• Deep moral conviction

• Cultural boundary protection

• Spiritual identity preservation

For believers, understanding abomination strengthens moral awareness and spiritual discipline.

It creates clarity about right and wrong.

Case Study: Israel and Idolatry

In biblical history, Israel repeatedly turned to idol worship despite warnings.

When they adopted pagan practices:

• They built altars to false gods

• They mixed worship styles

• They ignored covenant laws

Prophets condemned this behavior as abominable.

Eventually, consequences followed — including exile.

This example demonstrates how ignoring divine warnings leads to judgment.

It highlights the seriousness behind the abomination meaning in Bible.

Difference Between Sin and Abomination

Not every sin is labeled an abomination.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Abomination describes behavior that strongly opposes God’s holiness.

Modern Application: What Does It Mean Today?

Today, Christians interpret abomination carefully through Scripture.

It teaches:

✅ Avoid idolatry — anything that replaces God
✅ Guard against moral compromise
✅ Protect worship purity
✅ Follow biblical standards

The principle remains:

God calls His people to holiness.

Why Understanding Abomination Matters

Understanding the abomination meaning in Bible helps believers:

• Recognize moral boundaries

• Respect divine authority

• Avoid spiritual deception

• Live according to biblical truth

It strengthens discernment in a culture where moral standards often shift.