Leviticus 15
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Laws concerning uncleanness of men, Lev 15:1-12. Mode of cleansing, Lev 15:13-15. Of uncleanness, accidental and casual, Lev 15:16-18. Laws concerning the uncleanness of women, vv. 10-27. Mode of cleansing, Lev 15:28-30. Recapitulation of the ordinances relative to the preceding cases, Lev 15:31-33.
Open source ↗UNCLEANNESS OF MEN. (Lev. 15:1-18) When any man hath a running issue--This chapter describes other forms of uncleanness, the nature of which is sufficiently intelligible in the text without any explanatory comment. Being the effects of licentiousness, they properly come within the notice of the legislator, and the very stringent rules here prescribed, both for the separation of the person diseased and for avoiding contamination from anything connected with him, were well calculated not only to prevent contagion, but to discourage the excesses of licentious indulgence.
Open source ↗And the Lord spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron,.... Aaron is spoken to as well Moses, because some of these purifications, after mentioned, depended on the priest, as the affair of profluvious men and women, as Gersom observes: saying; as follows.
Open source ↗The Uncleanness of Secretions. - These include (1) a running issue from a man (Lev 15:2-15); (2) involuntary emission of seed (Lev 15:16, Lev 15:17), and the emission of seed in sexual intercourse (Lev 15:18); (3) the monthly period of a woman (Lev 15:19-24); (4) a diseased issue of blood from a woman (Lev 15:25-30). They consist, therefore, of two diseased and two natural secretions from the organs of generation.
Open source ↗We have here the law concerning the ceremonial uncleanness that was contracted by running issues in men. It is called in the margin (Lev 15:2) the running of the reins: a very grievous and loathsome disease, which was, usually the effect and consequent of wantonness and uncleanness, and a dissolute course of life, filling men's bones with the sins of their youth, and leaving them to mourn at the last, when all the pleasures of their wickedness have vanished, and nothing remains but the pain and anguish of a rotten carcase and a wounded conscience. And what fruit has the sinner then of those things whereof he has so much reason to be ashamed? Rom 6:21. As modesty is an ornament of grace to the head and chains about the neck, so chastity is health to the navel and marrow to the bones; but uncleanness is a wound and dishonour, the consumption of the flesh and the body, and a sin which is often its own punishment more than any other. It was also sometimes inflicted by the righteous hand of God for other sins, as appears by David's imprecation of a curse upon the family of Joab, for the murder of Abner. Sa2 3:29, Let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or is a leper. A vile disease for vile deserts. Now whoever had this disease upon him, 1. He was himself unclean, Lev 15:2. He must not dare to come near the sanctuary, it was at his peril if he did, nor might he eat of the holy things. This signified the filthiness of sin, and of all the productions of our corrupt nature, which render us odious to God's holiness, and utterly unfit for communion with him. Out of a pure heart well kept are the issues of life (Pro 4:23), but out of an unclean heart comes that which is defiling, Mat 12:34, Mat 12:35. 2. He made every person and thing unclean that he touc…
Open source ↗15:1-33 The principle of normal and abnormal and the created order again aids the interpretation of these regulations (see “Clean, Unclean, and Holy” Theme Note). Bodily discharges, such as infections (see study note on 13:1-46), were not “normal” because they weakened the vitality of the person, so the person was not seen as whole. Whether male (15:1-18) or female (15:19-33), such a person became unclean.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the… זוֹב (zôwb, H2101) — a seminal or menstrual flux טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2931) — foul in a religious sense
Open source ↗טֻמְאָה (ṭumʼâh, H2932) — religious impurity זוֹב (zôwb, H2101) — a seminal or menstrual flux בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the… רוּר (rûwr, H7325) — to slaver (with spittle), i.e. (by analogy) to emit afluid (ulcerous or natural) חָתַם (châtham, H2856) — to close up; especially to seal
Open source ↗מִשְׁכָּב (mishkâb, H4904) — a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse שָׁכַב (shâkab, H7901) — to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose) זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to…
Open source ↗אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… נָגַע (nâgaʻ, H5060) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with… מִשְׁכָּב (mishkâb, H4904) — a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk
Open source ↗יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk
Open source ↗נָגַע (nâgaʻ, H5060) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with… בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the… זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk
Open source ↗זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… רָקַק (râqaq, H7556) — to spit טָהוֹר (ṭâhôwr, H2889) — pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense) כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk
Open source ↗מֶרְכָּב (merkâb, H4817) — a chariot; also a seat (in a vehicle) רָכַב (râkab, H7392) — to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or… זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
Open source ↗נָגַע (nâgaʻ, H5060) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with… טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ, H5375) — to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Open source ↗נָגַע (nâgaʻ, H5060) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with… זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… שָׁטַף (shâṭaph, H7857) — to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) טָמֵא (ṭâmêʼ, H2930) — to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk
Open source ↗כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) חֶרֶשׂ (cheres, H2789) — a piece of pottery נָגַע (nâgaʻ, H5060) — properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with… זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7665) — to burst (literally or figuratively) עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks) שָׁטַף (shâṭaph, H7857) — to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Open source ↗זוּב (zûwb, H2100) — to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to… טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,… זוֹב (zôwb, H2101) — a seminal or menstrual flux סָפַר (çâphar, H5608) — properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe,… שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… טׇהֳרָה (ṭohŏrâh, H2893) — ceremonial purification; moral purity כָּבַס (kâbaç, H3526) — to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal… בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage רָחַץ (râchats, H7364) — to lave (the whole or a part of a thing) בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the… חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Open source ↗שְׁמִינִי (shᵉmîynîy, H8066) — eight יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold תּוֹר (tôwr, H8449) — a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יוֹנָה (yôwnâh, H3123) — a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God פֶּתַח (pethach, H6607) — an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way אֹהֶל (ʼôhel, H168) — a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance) מוֹעֵד (môwʻêd, H4150) — properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival;… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.
The LORD spoke again to Moses and Aaron, telling them,
Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.
Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.