King James Version

What Does Leviticus 15:9 Mean?

Leviticus 15:9 in the King James Version says “And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 15:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he 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 what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be 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 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.

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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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְכָל1 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמֶּרְכָּ֗ב2 of 7

“And what saddle”

H4817

a chariot; also a seat (in a vehicle)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 7
H834

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

יִרְכַּ֥ב4 of 7

“soever he rideth”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עָלָ֛יו5 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַזָּ֖ב6 of 7

“upon 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

יִטְמָֽא׃7 of 7

“shall be unclean”

H2930

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

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 15:9 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 15:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 31:34

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