Fragments of Dreams:
Interesting that you asked that question. I think there is some importance to the definiton of the two hebrew terms "man" (#376) and "mankind" (#2145) in Leviticus 20:13.
Lev. 20:13: "If a man (#376) also lie with mankind (#2145), as he lieth with with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." (KJV)
Interesting that you asked that question. I think there is some importance to the definiton of the two hebrew terms. Each word has the meaning of a 'male'. However, each word has a root word that is different. The root word for #376 (man) is #582 which means mortal, mortal man, mankind (humankind) either singly or collectively and is not gender specific. The root for #2145 is #2142 which means to remember, to recall, to call to mind, to be remembered. This is where context plays an important role in bible study. Why the above text does not read "If a man (#376) also lie with a man (#376),...." is beyond me. But, there must be some reason why it does not in the king james. In light of the context of Leviticus, I would think that #2145 is referring to not just any general male (#376). Whomever is being referenced with #2145, he is someone who is worth #376's time to deem worthy of remembering, mentioning, recalling, etc. and therefore worth #376's intent to lie with. Since the term "abominations" is contexually defined as those things associated with idolatry and/or the idol itself, I would think that the #2145 reference is the male temple prostitute who is employed at the temple of the false deity who is a devotee to licentious prostitution. If not the devotte, then the idol itself. In a sense, to lie with the prostitute is equal to lying with the idol, only via the prostitute. God is worth of rememberance and recalling. To an idol worshipper, their god is worthy of rememberance and recalling. Since the term relates to males, maybe the implication of the text is in reference to Molech or the male temple devotees who serviced male worshippers. What do you think?
Leecappella