What Does Abomination Mean in the Bible — In Biblical Context
An abomination is something utterly detestable to God — a sin so grievous it provokes His wrath and demands judgment.
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 Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Proverbs 6:16-17, sits inside Proverbs 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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:)"
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