King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:25 Mean?

Leviticus 15:25 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 15:25 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְאִשָּׁ֡ה1 of 24

And if a woman

H802

a woman

כִּֽי2 of 24
H3588

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

תָז֖וּב3 of 24

have

H2100

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

ז֣וֹב4 of 24

an issue

H2101

a seminal or menstrual flux

דָּמָ֜הּ5 of 24

of her blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

כִּימֵ֧י6 of 24

all 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

רַבִּ֗ים7 of 24

many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בְּלֹא֙8 of 24

out

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עֶת9 of 24

of the time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

נִדָּתָ֛הּ10 of 24

of her separation

H5079

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

א֥וֹ11 of 24
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

כִֽי12 of 24
H3588

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

תָז֖וּב13 of 24

have

H2100

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

עַל14 of 24

beyond the time

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

נִדָּתָ֛הּ15 of 24

of her separation

H5079

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

כָּל16 of 24
H3605

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

כִּימֵ֧י17 of 24

all 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

ז֣וֹב18 of 24

an issue

H2101

a seminal or menstrual flux

טֻמְאָתָ֗הּ19 of 24

of her uncleanness

H2932

religious impurity

כִּימֵ֧י20 of 24

all 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

נִדָּתָ֛הּ21 of 24

of her separation

H5079

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

תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה22 of 24
H1961

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

טְמֵאָ֥ה23 of 24

she shall be unclean

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הִֽוא׃24 of 24
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 15:25 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 15:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study