King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:1 Mean?

Leviticus 15:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,”

Leviticus 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

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. running: or, running of the reins

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

This verse falls within the section on Bodily Discharges. Laws concerning various bodily discharges, emphasizing that approaching God's holy presence requires ritual purity.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Laws concerning various bodily discharges, emphasizing that approaching God's holy presence requires ritual purity. 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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 7

“spake”

H1696

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

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 7

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 7

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֖ן6 of 7

“and to Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 15:1 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 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 11:1Leviticus 13:1Psalms 25:14Amos 3:7Hebrews 1:1

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