King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:16 Mean?

Leviticus 17:16 in the King James Version says “But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.”

Leviticus 17:16 · KJV

Context

14

For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

15

And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean. that which died: Heb. a carcase

16

But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.

This verse falls within the section on Sanctity of Blood. Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. 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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאִם֙1 of 8
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א2 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְכַבֵּ֔ס3 of 8

“But if he wash”

H3526

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

וּבְשָׂר֖וֹ4 of 8

“his flesh”

H1320

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

לֹ֣א5 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִרְחָ֑ץ6 of 8

“them not nor bathe”

H7364

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

וְנָשָׂ֖א7 of 8

“then he shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עֲוֹנֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“his iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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 17:16 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 17:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 5:1Leviticus 19:8Leviticus 20:17Isaiah 53:11Leviticus 20:19-201 Peter 2:24

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Leviticus 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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