King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:33 Mean?

Leviticus 15:33 in the King James Version says “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 lie...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 15:33 · KJV

Context

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
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.

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהַדָּוָה֙1 of 12

“And of her that is sick”

H1739

sick (especially in menstruation)

בְּנִדָּתָ֔הּ2 of 12

“of her flowers”

H5079

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

וְהַזָּב֙3 of 12

“and of him that hath”

H2100

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

אֶת4 of 12
H853

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

זוֹב֔וֹ5 of 12

“an issue”

H2101

a seminal or menstrual flux

לַזָּכָ֖ר6 of 12

“of the man”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

וְלַנְּקֵבָ֑ה7 of 12

“and of the woman”

H5347

female (from the sexual form)

וּלְאִ֕ישׁ8 of 12

“and of him”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 12
H834

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

יִשְׁכַּ֖ב10 of 12

“that lieth”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִם11 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

טְמֵאָֽה׃12 of 12

“with her that is unclean”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

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 15:33 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 15:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 15:19Leviticus 20:18Leviticus 15:24-25

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