King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:3 Mean?

Leviticus 15:3 in the King James Version says “And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his i...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 15:3 · 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

5

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

Read Leviticus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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.

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. 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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְזֹ֛את1 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה2 of 14
H1961

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

טֻמְאָת֖וֹ3 of 14

“And this shall be his uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

מִזּוֹב֔וֹ4 of 14

“from his issue”

H2101

a seminal or menstrual flux

רָ֣ר5 of 14

“run”

H7325

to slaver (with spittle), i.e., (by analogy) to emit a fluid (ulcerous or natural)

בְּשָׂרוֹ֙6 of 14

“or his flesh”

H1320

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

אֶת7 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִזּוֹב֔וֹ8 of 14

“from his issue”

H2101

a seminal or menstrual flux

אֽוֹ9 of 14
H176

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

הֶחְתִּ֤ים10 of 14

“be stopped”

H2856

to close up; especially to seal

בְּשָׂרוֹ֙11 of 14

“or his flesh”

H1320

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

מִזּוֹב֔וֹ12 of 14

“from his issue”

H2101

a seminal or menstrual flux

טֻמְאָת֖וֹ13 of 14

“And this shall be his uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

הִֽוא׃14 of 14
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 15:3 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 15:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:20Leviticus 12:3Ezekiel 16:26

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 15 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes