King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:21 Mean?

Leviticus 15:21 in the King James Version says “And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.”

Leviticus 15:21 · KJV

Context

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. put: Heb. in her separation

20

And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean.

21

And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

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.

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.

Read Leviticus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with 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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְכָל1 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנֹּגֵ֖עַ2 of 10

“And whosoever toucheth”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בְּמִשְׁכָּבָ֑הּ3 of 10

“her bed”

H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

יְכַבֵּ֧ס4 of 10

“shall wash”

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בְּגָדָ֛יו5 of 10

“his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְרָחַ֥ץ6 of 10

“and bathe”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

בַּמַּ֖יִם7 of 10

“himself in water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְטָמֵ֥א8 of 10

“and be unclean”

H2930

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

עַד9 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃10 of 10

“until the even”

H6153

dusk

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 15:21 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 15:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 22:14Hebrews 9:26Leviticus 15:5-62 Corinthians 7:1Revelation 7:14

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