King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:5 Mean?

Leviticus 22:5 in the King James Version says “Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, what... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath;

Leviticus 22:5 · KJV


Context

3

Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD.

4

What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or hath a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoso toucheth any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him; running: Heb. running of the reins

5

Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath;

6

The soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water.

7

And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath;

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. 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. 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 does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אוֹ1 of 16
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אִישׁ֙2 of 16

Or whosoever

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 16
H834

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

יִגַּ֔ע4 of 16

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

בְּכָל5 of 16
H3605

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

שֶׁ֖רֶץ6 of 16

any creeping thing

H8318

a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 16
H834

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

יִטְמָא8 of 16

of whom he may take uncleanness

H2930

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

ל֑וֹ9 of 16
H0
א֤וֹ10 of 16
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בְאָדָם֙11 of 16

or a man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 16
H834

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

יִטְמָא13 of 16

of whom he may take uncleanness

H2930

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

ל֔וֹ14 of 16
H0
לְכֹ֖ל15 of 16
H3605

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

טֻמְאָתֽוֹ׃16 of 16

whatsoever uncleanness

H2932

religious impurity


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 22:5 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 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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