King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:2 Mean?

Leviticus 15:2 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 15:2 · 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.

4

Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean. thing: Heb. vessel

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
דַּבְּרוּ֙1 of 15

“Speak”

H1696

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

אֶל2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 15

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם5 of 15

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִ֗ישׁ7 of 15

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִ֗ישׁ8 of 15

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּ֤י9 of 15
H3588

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

יִֽהְיֶה֙10 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זָ֣ב11 of 15

“hath a running issue”

H2100

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

מִבְּשָׂר֔וֹ12 of 15

“out of his flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

זוֹב֖וֹ13 of 15

“because of his issue”

H2101

a seminal or menstrual flux

טָמֵ֥א14 of 15

“he is unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הֽוּא׃15 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 15:2 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 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 22:4Numbers 5:22 Samuel 3:29Matthew 9:20Mark 5:25Luke 8:43

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