Detestable, Things

de-tes'-ta-b'-l, (shiqquts; sheqets, synonymous with to`ebhah, "abomination," "abominable thing"): The translation of shiqqutsim in Jer 16:18; Ezek 5:11; Ezek 7:20; Ezek 11:18; Ezek 11:21; Ezek 37:23; a term always applied to idol-worship or to objects connected with idolatry; often also translated "abomination," as in 1 Kgs 11:5; 1 Kgs 11:7 (bis); Jer 4:1; Ezek 20:7; Ezek 20:8; Ezek 20:30. Sheqets, translated "abomination," is applied in the Scriptures to that which is ceremonially unclean (Lev 7:21), creatures forbidden as food, as water animals without fins or scales in Lev 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 (Lev 11:43; Lev 20:25). Similarly the idolatrous appurtenances are to be held in detestation; nothing of the kind should be appropriated for private use (Deut 7:26). See Abomination.

Max L. Margolis