King James Version

What Does Leviticus 12:2 Mean?

Leviticus 12:2 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be uncle... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.

Leviticus 12:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.

3

And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

4

And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.

This verse falls within the section on Purification After Childbirth. Regulations for ritual purification following childbirth, acknowledging both the blessing of life and effects of the fall.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Regulations for ritual purification following childbirth, acknowledging both the blessing of life and effects of the fall. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
דַּבֵּ֞ר1 of 17

Speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֤י3 of 17

unto the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִשָּׁה֙6 of 17

If a woman

H802

a woman

כִּ֣י7 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַזְרִ֔יעַ8 of 17

have conceived seed

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְיָֽלְדָ֖ה9 of 17

and born

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

זָכָ֑ר10 of 17

a man

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

תִּטְמָֽא׃11 of 17

child then she shall be unclean

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

שִׁבְעַ֣ת12 of 17

seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

כִּימֵ֛י13 of 17

according to the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

כִּימֵ֛י14 of 17

according to the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

נִדַּ֥ת15 of 17

of the separation

H5079

properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)

דְּוֹתָ֖הּ16 of 17

for her infirmity

H1738

to be sick (as if in menstruation)

תִּטְמָֽא׃17 of 17

child then she shall be unclean

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 12:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 12:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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