Leviticus - Chapter 15

Leviticus 15.1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying, Leviticus 15.2 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. Leviticus 15.3 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. Leviticus 15.4 Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean. Leviticus 15.5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. Leviticus 15.6 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. Leviticus 15.7 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. Leviticus 15.8 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. Leviticus 15.9 And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean. Leviticus 15.10 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. Leviticus 15.11 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. Leviticus 15.12 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. Leviticus 15.13 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. Leviticus 15.14 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: Leviticus 15.15 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. Leviticus 15.16 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. Leviticus 15.17 And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even. Leviticus 15.18 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. Leviticus 15.19 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. Leviticus 15.20 And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. Leviticus 15.21 And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. Leviticus 15.22 And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. Leviticus 15.23 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. Leviticus 15.24 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. Leviticus 15.25 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. Leviticus 15.26 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. Leviticus 15.27 And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. Leviticus 15.28 But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. Leviticus 15.29 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. Leviticus 15.30 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. Leviticus 15.31 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. Leviticus 15.32 This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith; Leviticus 15.33 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.

Leviticus : Chapter 15

The Laws of Bodily Purity in Leviticus

Chapter 15 of the book of Leviticus addresses fundamental laws regarding bodily impurity. These precepts guide us on how to manage the discharge of the human body. The text carefully outlines the rules that apply to both men and women in different physical conditions, including normal and abnormal discharges.

The Sanctity of the Body

This chapter emphasizes the importance of the sanctity of the human body and the requirement of purity to draw near to God. The laws enunciated not only reflect a profound respect for life and health, but also convey deeper spiritual principles. Thus, bodily purity becomes an essential condition for worship and communion with the divine.

Reflection on Biblical Passages

Let us reflect together on five biblical passages that enrich our understanding of the laws of bodily purity:

Mark 5:25-34

"And a certain woman, who had suffered from an issue of blood for twelve years [...] having heard about Jesus, came behind the crowd and touched his clothes. [...] And immediately the spring of her blood dried up; and she felt in her body that she was already healed of that disease." This passage illustrates the healing of a woman suffering from a condition similar to the one mentioned in Leviticus 15:25-30.

Luke 2:22

"When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord." This verse refers to the period of purification after childbirth, directly linked to the laws of Leviticus 15.

Ezekiel 36:17

"Son of man, when the The Israelites lived in their own land, defiling it with their conduct and actions. Their conduct was like the impurity of a woman during her menstruation." Ezekiel uses the language of impurity from Leviticus 15 to illustrate Israel's sin.

Lamentations 1:9

"Her impurity clung to her skirts; she did not consider her future. Her fall was astonishing; there was no one to comfort her. 'See, O Lord, my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed.'" This passage also uses the language of impurity from Leviticus 15 to metaphorically describe the tragic condition of Jerusalem.

Matthew 9:20-22

"At that moment, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the hem of his cloak [...] Jesus turned and saw her and said, 'Take heart, daughter! Your faith has healed you!' And from that moment on, the woman was healed." This passage, similar to that of Mark 5, demonstrates the power of Jesus healing a condition leading to ritual impurity according to Leviticus 15.

These verses invite us to meditate on the connection between bodily purity and our relationship with God, while reminding us that faith and healing are precious gifts offered to us by our Lord.