some or all homosexual acts, although which precise acts, and in which situations, is a matter of ongoing scholarly debate. Some authors state that verse 22 condemns "homosexuality" or "homosexual relations" and other authors maintaining that it condemns only males penetrating males (anal intercourse). Others believe due to study of the language used in the original Hebrew, that the restriction is only relevant in specific situations (in the context idolatry, religious sacrifice or various forms of rape which were common Canaanite or Egyptian practices), and specifically does not apply to modern homosexual relationships. Some researchers speculate that the contents of the text changed over time, where earlier examples would only admonish homosexual incest, and not homosexuality, more broadly in line with surrounding attitudes at the time. Such readings have also been responded to and countered in research. Lesbianism is not explicitly prohibited in the Torah; however, the rabbi and Jewish scholar Maimonides ruled that lesbianism was prohibited nonetheless as an "Egyptian practice" and deserving of punishment by beating. Weekly Torah portion The whole chapter is part of the weekly Torah portion (parashah) Acharei Mot () which comprises . References Bibliography Further reading Other translations can be viewed at Bible Gateway. Matthew Henry's Commentary on Lev 18 (18th Century) Acharei Mot (Jewish weekly Torah portion that includes Leviticus 18) Hebrew phrasing for Lev 18. The Great Books, for NRSV text. Blue Letter Bible's Bible Lookup Tools were used to derive passage citations. Robert Jamieson's Commentary on Lev 18. (19th Century) (conservative). Pharsea's treatment of Leviticus 18:22. (balanced) ReligiousTolerance.org's treatment of Leviticus 18:22. (liberal) External links Jewish translations: Vayikra - Leviticus - Chapter 18 (Judaica Press). Hebrew text and English translation [with Rashi's commentary] at Chabad.org Christian translations: Online Bible at GospelHall.org (ESV, KJV, Darby, American Standard Version, Bible in Basic English) Leviticus chapter 18. Bible Gateway 18 Bible-related controversies Jewish marital law Judaism-related controversies LGBT and Judaism Sexuality in the Bible