Bible Dictionary
DETESTABLE, THINGS
Detestable things are objects or practices regarded with abhorrence, especially idols and things connected with idolatry. The term also describes ceremonially unclean creatures forbidden as food under the law.
Definition
Detestable things are objects or practices regarded with abhorrence. In Scripture the term especially concerns idols and things associated with idolatry, as well as creatures and foods classified as ceremonially unclean.
Biblical Usage
The word is repeatedly applied to idol worship and its objects. It also describes forbidden creatures, including certain water animals, birds, winged insects, and creeping things. Eating such animals made a person detestable, and idolatrous objects were not to be appropriated for private use.
Historical Background
The terms translated detestable and abomination overlap in meaning. One group is associated particularly with idolatry; another concerns ceremonial uncleanness under the law’s food regulations.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>de-tes'-ta-b'-l, (shiqquts; sheqets, synonymous with to`ebhah, "abomination," "abominable thing"): The translation of shiqqutsim in Jer 16:18; Eze 5:11; 7:20; 11:18,21; 37:23; a term always applied to idol-worship or to objects connected with idolatry; often also translated "abomination," as in 1Ki 11:5,7 (bis); Jer 4:1; Eze 20:7,8,30. Sheqets, translated "abomination," is applied in the Scriptures to that which is ceremonially unclean (Le 7:21), creatures forbidden as food, as water animals without fins or scales in Le 11:10-12, birds of prey and the like (verse 18), winged creeping things (verses 20,23), creeping vermin (verses 41 f). Compare also Isa 66:17. By partaking of the food of the animals in question one makes himself detestable (Le 11:43; 20:25). Similarly the idolatrous appurtenances are to be held in detestation; nothing of the kind should be appropriated for private use (De 7:26). See ABOMINATION.</p><p>Max L. Margolis</p>