King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:31 Mean?

Leviticus 15:31 in the King James Version says “Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.”

Leviticus 15:31 · KJV

Context

29

And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

30

And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the LORD for the issue of her uncleanness.

31

Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.

32

This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith;

33

And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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 does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהִזַּרְתֶּ֥ם1 of 13

“Thus shall ye separate”

H5144

to hold aloof, i.e., (intransitivey) abstain (from food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (i.e., apostatize)); specifically, to s

אֶת2 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵֽי3 of 13

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

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

בְּטֻמְאָתָ֔ם5 of 13

“from their uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

וְלֹ֤א6 of 13
H3808

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

יָמֻ֙תוּ֙7 of 13

“that they die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בְּטֻמְאָתָ֔ם8 of 13

“from their uncleanness”

H2932

religious impurity

בְּטַמְּאָ֥ם9 of 13

“when they defile”

H2930

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

אֶת10 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁכָּנִ֖י11 of 13

“my tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּתוֹכָֽם׃13 of 13

“that is among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

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 15:31 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 15:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 19:20Numbers 19:13Ezekiel 5:11Ezekiel 23:38Numbers 5:31 Corinthians 3:17

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