_Dear friends, the LORD reminds us that even the most private bodily functions have a place in worship. When a man has an ongoing discharge, he is called to separate himself so that his presence does not bring impurity to the holy community. Yet this separation is not condemnation; it is a gracious invitation to return to wholeness through water and prayer. Let us remember that God's concern for holiness extends to every part of our lives, guiding us toward the purity He desires._
Leviticus — Chapter 15 — KJV
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,
Simply PutThe LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, issuing a command. This shows the divine authority behind every law—God Himself instructs His people through appointed leaders, reminding us that God's guidance is personal and purposeful.
2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean.
Simply PutSpeak to the children of Israel: when a man has a running issue from his flesh, he is declared 'unclean' (טמא H8476), meaning ritually impure. For someone in pain, this signals a call to pause and recognize the need for physical and spiritual cleansing.
3
And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.
Simply PutWhether his flesh runs with his issue or is stopped, it remains his uncleanness (טמא H8476). This teaches that both ongoing symptoms and the aftermath affect our purity, urging us to seek holistic restoration.
4
Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean.
Simply PutEvery bed he lies on and every vessel (כלי H3065) he sits upon is unclean. Our surroundings become a reminder that impurity spreads, prompting us to create spaces of holiness in our own homes.
5
And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe until evening. The act of washing (טהור H8458) symbolizes the need for daily renewal, even in moments of embarrassment.
6
And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever sits on any thing where the man with the issue has sat must wash his clothes and bathe. Even indirect contact requires cleansing, showing that God's holiness reaches into the ordinary places we occupy.
7
And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever touches the flesh of him who has the issue must wash his clothes and bathe. Physical contact with impurity teaches us that proximity to sin demands personal purification.
8
And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutIf the man who has the issue spits upon someone who is clean, that person must wash and bathe. Even a small act like spitting can spread impurity, reminding us that even minor sins have consequences.
9
And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean.
Simply PutAny saddle the man rides upon is unclean. Everyday tools can become vessels of impurity, urging us to be mindful of the objects we use daily.
10
And whosoever toucheth any thing that was under him shall be unclean until the even: and he that beareth any of those things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever touches anything that was under him must wash his clothes and bathe. The residue left behind signifies how sin leaves a lingering mark that requires active washing.
11
And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever touches the man with the issue without rinsing his hands in water must wash his clothes. The simple act of washing one's hands (H8480) reflects the need for honest repentance in daily life.
12
And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
Simply PutAny earthen vessel touched must be broken, and any wooden vessel rinsed. Different materials require different methods of cleansing—a reminder that God's standards are precise and varied.
13
And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.
Simply PutWhen the man with an issue is cleansed, he must count seven days for his cleansing and bathe in running water. The seven-day period (שבעה H8030) mirrors the completeness of God's restorative process.
14
And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest:
Simply PutOn the eighth day, he shall bring two turtledoves or young pigeons to the LORD at the tabernacle door. These offerings (תור H7307) signify humility and gratitude for restored purity.
15
And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue.
Simply PutThe priest offers one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, making atonement (כפר H3789) for him before the LORD. This shows that God provides a way to reconcile through sacrifice.
16
And if any man’s seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutIf any man's seed of copulation goes out, he must wash all his flesh in water until evening. The Hebrew word for seed (זרע H2221) reminds us that even natural processes can affect our spiritual cleanliness.
17
And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutEvery garment and skin where the seed is present must be washed, remaining unclean until evening. Clothing becomes a symbol of how our outward appearance reflects inner purity.
18
The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutThe woman who lies with the man and receives his seed must also bathe until evening. Both partners share the responsibility of cleansing after intimate moments.
19
And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
Simply PutIf a woman has an issue, and her flesh is blood, she must be set apart for seven days; anyone who touches her becomes unclean. This separation (פרש H6385) reflects a period of mourning and recovery.
20
And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean.
Simply PutEverything she lies on during her separation is unclean, and everything she sits upon as well. Her space becomes a sanctuary of healing, teaching us to respect others' periods of need.
21
And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe until evening. The ritual washing underscores the seriousness of impurity even when it involves a woman.
22
And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever touches anything she sat upon must wash his clothes and bathe. Even indirect contact requires cleansing, showing the pervasive nature of impurity.
23
And if it be on her bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even.
Simply PutIf it is on her bed or any thing she sits upon, whoever touches it shall be unclean until evening. The rule reinforces the need to keep personal spaces holy.
24
And if any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean.
Simply PutIf any man lies with her and his flowers (blood) are upon him, he must be unclean for seven days; the bed where he lies is also unclean. The physical signs of impurity demand a full period of separation.
25
And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she shall be unclean.
Simply PutIf a woman has an issue beyond the time of her separation, all days of her uncleanness are as those of her separation. The continuity (פרש H6385) shows that God's care extends beyond the expected timeframe.
26
Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation.
Simply PutEvery bed she lies on during her issue is as unclean as the bed of her separation, and whatever she sits upon is also unclean. Her environment reflects her state, urging respect for personal boundaries.
27
And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Simply PutWhoever touches these things becomes unclean and must wash his clothes and bathe until evening. The consistent call to washing (טהור H8458) reminds us of the need for continual spiritual hygiene.
28
But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.
Simply PutIf she is cleansed of her issue, she shall count seven days and then be clean. The cycle of separation and restoration offers hope for those waiting through difficult periods.
29
And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Simply PutOn the eighth day, she shall bring two turtledoves or young pigeons to the priest at the tabernacle door. The humble offering signifies her gratitude for divine cleansing.
30
And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the LORD for the issue of her uncleanness.
31
Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.
Simply PutThus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, lest they die in it. The law (חוק H3588) teaches that uncleanliness can have lethal consequences, urging vigilance.
32
This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith;
Simply PutThis is the law for him who has an issue and for the one whose seed goes out, defiling them. The regulations emphasize that both bodily fluids and natural processes affect holiness.
33
And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean.
Simply PutAnd for the woman sick of her flowers, and for the man who lies with her while she is unclean. The comprehensive scope ensures that all aspects of impurity are addressed, protecting the community's sanctity.
Numbers 5:1–4This passage parallels Leviticus 15 by outlining the same regulations for bodily discharges and the required purification rites.
Deuteronomy 23:12–14It reinforces Leviticus 15's emphasis on communal cleanliness, mandating the removal of waste to prevent defilement.
Mark 5:25–34The New Testament account of the woman with a flow of blood reflects Leviticus 15's concern for purity and highlights faith in the cleansing power of touching Christ's garment.
Hebrews 9:13This verse illuminates Leviticus 15's purification rituals by describing the cleansing of the flesh after it has been defiled.
Reflect
After a night of intimacy, what simple practices help you feel emotionally and physically renewed rather than weighed down?
