King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:8 Mean?

Leviticus 15:8 in the King James Version says “And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, a...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 15:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And whosoever toucheth any thing that was under him shall be unclean until the even: and he that beareth any of those things 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 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.

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכִֽי1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָרֹ֛ק2 of 11

“spit”

H7556

to spit

הַזָּ֖ב3 of 11

“And if he 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

בַּטָּה֑וֹר4 of 11

“upon him that is clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וְכִבֶּ֧ס5 of 11

“then he shall wash”

H3526

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

בְּגָדָ֛יו6 of 11

“his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וְרָחַ֥ץ7 of 11

“and bathe”

H7364

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

בַּמַּ֖יִם8 of 11

“himself in water”

H4325

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

וְטָמֵ֥א9 of 11

“and be unclean”

H2930

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

עַד10 of 11
H5704

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

הָעָֽרֶב׃11 of 11

“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 15:8 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 15:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:4Titus 1:9-101 Timothy 4:1-32 Peter 2:1-3Isaiah 1:16Galatians 1:8-9

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