The word "abomination" is found in the King James Version of the Bible, seventy nine times and the plural, "abominations" is found 80 times. There are five different words in the original manuscripts which are translated abomination. Three of these words are in Hebrew and do have slightly differing meanings, which is not shown in the translation to abomination.
The primary meaning or definition for abomination is, repulsive, loathsome, sickening as a stench. It is most often used to describe the things which are hated or extremely repulsive before God. We can examine a few scriptures to learn the differences in the meanings of those three different Hebrew words.The Hebrew word which is the strongest in meaning of repugnance in religious activities is "ebhah"
The word most used for this idea by the Hebrews and indicating the highest degree of abomination is to`ebhah, meaning primarily that which offends the religious sense of a people. When it is said, for example, "The Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians," this is the word used; the significance being that the Hebrews were repugnant to the Egyptians as foreigners, as of an inferior caste, and especially as shepherds (Genesis 46:34) The feeling of the Egyptians for the Greeks was likewise one of repugnance. Herodotus (ii.41) says the Egyptians would not kiss a Greek on the mouth, or use his dish, or taste meat cut with the knife of a Greek. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [ISBE])
This is illustrated in the reading in Exodus chapter eight after God had sent the swarm of flies throughout Egypt, the following exchange occurred between Pharaoh and Moses: And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land.(Having reference here to the land in Egypt-jhh) And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?
The Egyptians worshipped cattle and had disdain for the Israelites because they raised and killed cattle for food and sacrifices. This was the word also used concerning the abomination before God of pagan idols, false gods and acts of worship which He could not, and would not tolerate. Ebnah is also used synonym of idol or pagan god is places such as Deuteronomy 32:16 and Isaiah 44:19.
Ebnah concerning sexual perversions as homosexuality, bestiality was also translated abomination. It is also used in conecton with such phrases as: "he that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous" (Proverbs 17:15) All of these type things might be viewed as nauseating or repulsive to Jehovah God.
Another word which is translated as abomination in the King James version is "sheqets" or "shiqquts". This Hebrew word does not carry the extreme disgust or repugnance as that of ebnah, but is in the same general sense. A good example of this slight but observable difference can be seen by the example here. In Deuteronomy 14:3 we have the word "ebnah" used in this phrase "Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing". This phrase is in connection with those "unclean" animals designated by God, not to be eaten. Yet in regard to these same forbidden animals the word sheqets is used and translated "abomination or abominable" in Leviticus 11:10-13, 20, 23, 41, 41, 43 and in Exodus 8:10.
The third Hebrew word translated as an abomination is "piggul". It is only found used in reference to flesh that had been offered as a sacrifice and had become spoiled, tainted or putrid. It can be found in scripture such as Leviticus 7:18 and Isaiah 65:4.
Although it is used concerning different degrees of undesirableness, an abomination is repugnant in the sight of God and therefore should be avoided by those who strive to live in His favor
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