King James Version
What Does Leviticus 15:8 Mean?
“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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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.
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. 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
- How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
- What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
- In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוְכִֽי1 of 11
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַזָּ֖ב3 of 11
“And if he that hath the issue”
H2100to 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”
H2889pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
וְכִבֶּ֧ס5 of 11
“then he shall wash”
H3526to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
וְטָמֵ֥א9 of 11
“and be unclean”
H2930to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
עַד10 of 11
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
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