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    Theology & Doctrine

    What Does Abomination Mean in the Bible?

    What Does Abomination Mean in the Bible? An abomination is something utterly detestable to God — a sin so grievous it provokes His wrath and demands judgment.

    Key verse: Proverbs 6:16-17 (KJV)

    An abomination is something utterly detestable to God — a sin so grievous it provokes His wrath and demands judgment.

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    Quick Answer

    An abomination is something utterly detestable to God — a sin so grievous it provokes His wrath and demands judgment.

    "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood." — Proverbs 6:16-17 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    The Bible uses 'abomination' to describe sins God finds especially repulsive. In the Old Testament, it covers idolatry, child sacrifice, witchcraft, dishonest scales, sexual sins, and pride. Proverbs lists seven things the LORD hates as abominations, including a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. The 'abomination of desolation' spoken of by Daniel and Jesus refers to a defiling act in the temple that signals end-time judgment. To call something an abomination is to say it stands in direct opposition to God's holiness. Yet the gospel offers cleansing even for those who have committed abominations — Christ's blood washes away every sin for those who repent.

    Key Scripture References

    "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood."
    "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days."
    "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Does Abomination Mean in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Bible uses 'abomination' to describe sins God finds especially repulsive. In the Old Testament, it covers idolatry, child sacrifice, witchcraft, dishonest scales, sexual sins, and pride. Proverbs lists seven things the LORD hates as abominations, including a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. The 'abomination of desolation' spoken of by Daniel and Jesus refers to a defiling act in the temple that signals end-time judgment. To call something an abomination is to say it stands in direct opposition to God's holiness. Yet the gospel offers cleansing even for those who have committed abominations — Christ's blood washes away every sin for those who repent.

    The abomination of desolation is a defiling act in the holy place foretold by Daniel and referenced by Jesus as a sign of the end times.

    The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.