King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:7 Mean?

Leviticus 15:7 in the King James Version says “And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unc...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.”

Leviticus 15:7 · KJV

Context

5

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

6

And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

7

And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

8

And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

9

And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean.

Read Leviticus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

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.

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 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 · 10 words
וְהַנֹּגֵ֖עַ1 of 10

“And he that toucheth”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בִּבְשַׂ֣ר2 of 10

“the flesh”

H1320

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

הַזָּ֑ב3 of 10

“of him that hath the issue”

H2100

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

יְכַבֵּ֧ס4 of 10

“shall wash”

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

בְּגָדָ֛יו5 of 10

“his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְרָחַ֥ץ6 of 10

“and bathe”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

בַּמַּ֖יִם7 of 10

“himself in water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְטָמֵ֥א8 of 10

“and be unclean”

H2930

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

עַד9 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעָֽרֶב׃10 of 10

“until the even”

H6153

dusk

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 15:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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