King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:32 Mean?

Leviticus 15:32 in the King James Version says “This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith; — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 15:32 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

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

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


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. 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 does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
זֹ֥את1 of 10
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֖ת2 of 10

This is the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזָּ֑ב3 of 10

of him that hath an issue

H2100

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

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 10
H834

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

תֵּצֵ֥א5 of 10

goeth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמֶּ֛נּוּ6 of 10
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

שִׁכְבַת7 of 10
H7902

a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)

זֶ֖רַע8 of 10

and of him whose seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

לְטָמְאָה9 of 10

from him and is defiled

H2930

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

בָֽהּ׃10 of 10
H0

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 15:32 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 15:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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