Leviticus 12:2
Leviticus 12:2 in Multiple Translations
“Say to the Israelites, ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be unclean for seven days, as she is during the days of her menstruation.
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman conceive seed, and bear a man-child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of the impurity of her sickness shall she be unclean.
Say to the children of Israel, If a woman is with child and gives birth to a male child, she will be unclean for seven days, as when she is unwell.
Any woman who becomes pregnant and has a boy, she will be unclean for one week, in the same way that she is unclean during her period.
Speake vnto the children of Israel, and say, When a woman hath brought forth seede, and borne a manchilde, shee shalbe vncleane seuen dayes, like as she is vncleane when she is put apart for her disease.
'Speak unto the sons of Israel, saying, A woman when she giveth seed, and hath born a male, then she hath been unclean seven days, according to the days of separation for her sickness she is unclean;
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If a woman conceives, and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her monthly period she shall be unclean.
Speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a woman hath conceived seed, and borne a male-child; then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: If a woman having received seed shall bear a man child, she shall be unclean seven days, according to the days of the separation of her flowers.
“Tell this to the Israeli people: ‘If a woman gives birth to a son, she must be avoided for seven days, like she must be avoided when she is menstruating each month.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 12:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דַּבֵּ֞ר
אֶל
בְּנֵ֤י
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
אִשָּׁה֙
כִּ֣י
תַזְרִ֔יעַ
וְ/יָלְדָ֖ה
זָכָ֑ר
וְ/טָֽמְאָה֙
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
יָמִ֔ים
כִּ/ימֵ֛י
נִדַּ֥ת
דְּוֺתָ֖/הּ
תִּטְמָֽא
דַּבֵּ֞ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אִשָּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תַזְרִ֔יעַ
zâraʻ
H2232
to sow
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
וְ/יָלְדָ֖ה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
זָכָ֑ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
וְ/טָֽמְאָה֙
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
כִּ/ימֵ֛י
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
נִדַּ֥ת
niddâh
H5079
impurity
N-fs
דְּוֺתָ֖/הּ
dâvâh
H1738
be sick
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
תִּטְמָֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 12:2
דַּבֵּ֞ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אִשָּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תַזְרִ֔יעַ
zâraʻ
H2232
"to sow"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To sow or plant seed is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also has figurative uses like spreading ideas or producing spiritual fruit. It appears in various forms, such as conceiving or yielding seed, and is used in biblical passages like Genesis and Psalm 107.
Definition: 1) to sow, scatter seed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sow 1a2) producing, yielding seed 1b)(Niphal) 1b1) to be sown 1b2) to become pregnant, be made pregnant 1c) (Pual) to be sown 1d) (Hiphil) to produce seed, yield seed
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er), yield. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 107:37; Psalms 97:11.
וְ/יָלְדָ֖ה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
זָכָ֑ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
וְ/טָֽמְאָה֙
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
יָמִ֔ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
כִּ/ימֵ֛י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
נִדַּ֥ת
niddâh
H5079
"impurity"
N-fs
Impurity, which can refer to ceremonial uncleanness, such as menstruation, or moral corruption, like idolatry, as discussed in Leviticus.
Definition: 1) impurity, filthiness, menstruous, set apart 1a) impurity 1a1) of ceremonial impurity 1a2) of menstruation 1b) impure thing (fig.) 1b1) of idolatry, immorality
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far, filthiness, [idiom] flowers, menstruous (woman), put apart, [idiom] removed (woman), separation, set apart, unclean(-ness, thing, with filthiness). See also: Leviticus 12:2; Numbers 19:20; Zechariah 13:1.
דְּוֺתָ֖/הּ
dâvâh
H1738
"be sick"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for being sick or unwell, often used to describe a person's physical infirmity. It is used in various Bible passages to describe illness or disease, and is sometimes translated as 'infirmity' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to be ill, be unwell 2) (Twot) infirmity
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: infirmity. See also: Leviticus 12:2.
תִּטְמָֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
Study Notes — Leviticus 12:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 12:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 12:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 12:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 12:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
- Sermons on Leviticus 12:2
Context — Purification after Childbirth
1Then the LORD said to Moses,
2“Say to the Israelites, ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be unclean for seven days, as she is during the days of her menstruation.
3And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised. 4The woman shall continue in purification from her bleeding for thirty-three days. She must not touch anything sacred or go into the sanctuary until the days of her purification are complete.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 2:22 | And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord |
| 2 | Leviticus 15:19 | When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. |
| 3 | Job 25:4 | How then can a man be just before God? How can one born of woman be pure? |
| 4 | Job 15:14 | What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous? |
| 5 | Romans 5:12–19 | Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned. For sin was in the world before the law was given; but sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come. But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many! Again, the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. |
| 6 | Job 14:4 | Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one! |
| 7 | Leviticus 18:19 | You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual period. |
| 8 | Psalms 51:5 | Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. |
| 9 | Genesis 1:28 | God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” |
| 10 | Genesis 3:16 | To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” |
Leviticus 12:2 Summary
In Leviticus 12:2, God says that a woman who gives birth to a son will be unclean for seven days, just like during her monthly period. This law was given to the Israelites to help them remember that childbirth is a sacred and powerful event, and that it's a time when a woman's body is vulnerable and needs rest (as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16). This verse also reminds us that, just like the Israelites, we need to respect and care for our bodies, which are created by God (as seen in Psalm 139:13-14). By following God's laws and commands, we can show our love and respect for Him and for the gift of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a woman considered unclean after giving birth in Leviticus 12:2?
According to Leviticus 12:2, a woman is considered unclean for seven days after giving birth to a son, similar to her menstruation period, as a way to acknowledge the physical and spiritual realities of childbirth, as seen in Leviticus 15:19-24 and Genesis 3:16.
Is this law still applicable to Christians today?
While the specific laws regarding uncleanness after childbirth are not directly applicable to Christians today, the principle of recognizing the sacredness of life and the need for spiritual cleansing is still relevant, as seen in Hebrews 10:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
What is the significance of the seven-day period of uncleanness?
The seven-day period of uncleanness may be symbolic of the completeness and perfection of God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1:1-2:3, and serves as a reminder of the woman's physical and spiritual vulnerability during this time, as mentioned in Leviticus 12:4-5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of ritual purity in the Old Testament?
This verse is part of the larger context of ritual purity in the Old Testament, where certain physical conditions, such as childbirth and menstruation, were considered to render a person temporarily unclean, as seen in Leviticus 11:1-47 and Numbers 19:1-22.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on human life and childbirth?
- How can I apply the principle of recognizing the sacredness of life to my own experiences and relationships?
- What are some ways that I can show reverence and respect for the physical and spiritual realities of childbirth, as mentioned in this verse?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of creation and the fallenness of humanity, as seen in Genesis 3:1-24?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 12:2
Speak unto the children of Israel,.... For this law only concerned them, and not other nations of the world: if a woman have conceived seed; by lying with a man, and so becomes pregnant, and goes on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 12:2
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Mankind are not only liable to defilement from without, but have internal causes of pollution lying deep in their nature.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
From uncleanness contracted by the touching or eating of external things, he now comes to that uncleanness which ariseth from ourselves. She shall be unclean; not for any filthiness which was either in the conception or in bringing forth, but to signify the universal and deep pollution of man’ s nature even from the birth, and from the conception. For seven days, or thereabouts, nature is employed in the purgation of most women. For her infirmity, i.e. for her monthly infirmity. And it may note an agreement therewith not only in the time, , but in the degree of uncleanness, which was such that she defiled every thing she touched, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
Leviticus 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.Ver. 2. If a woman have conceived seed.] Or yielded seed, as Genesis 1:11. Urgendum hoc adversus Anabaptistas; qui, ut suos de humanae Christi naturae origine errores stabiliant, faeminas semen habere praefracte negant. Hebraeorum magistri, ex eodem loco, colligunt marem edi quoties mulier semen mittere prior coeperit; foeminam, ubi vir. Then she shall be unclean.] This signified that corruption of man’ s nature wherein he is conceived, being condemned as soon as conceived, Damnatus antequam natus, and the remedy we have in Christ. Amama, Antibarbar, 575. Gatak. cont. Pfochen. Augustine.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
(2) If a woman have conceived seed.—Rather, if a woman bringeth forth seed, that is, is delivered of a child. (See Genesis 1:11-12; Genesis 1:29.) This general statement is afterwards specified by the phrases “and born a man child,” and “bear a maid child,” in the verse before us, and in Leviticus 12:5. Thus the regulations about impurity naturally begin with the beginning of life. According to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, the regulations here set forth with regard to the deliverance are in force even when it is an untimely birth, or when the child is born dead, provided it has a perfect shape, which it assumes after forty days of its conception. Amongst the Hindoos, too, the mother in case of a miscarriage remains in a state of defilement as many nights as months have elapsed since her conception. And born a man child.—Better, and giveth birth to a male child. The expression rendered here in the Authorised Version by “a man child” is translated in Leviticus 12:7 simply “male.” In so short a paragraph discussing the same enactment it is important that words identical in the original should be translated uniformly in English. She shall be unclean seven days.—Though the issue of blood which succeeds child-birth generally only lasts three or four days, yet the period of uncleanness is extended to seven days to include exceptional cases. According to the days . . . . —Better, as in the days of the uncleanness of her monthly courses, that is, her uncleanness is to be of the same duration, and she is to observe the same rules, and be subjected to the same restraints as during the period of her menstruation. (See Leviticus 15:19.) The fact that reference is here made to the regulations about the periodical impurity of women which have not as yet been laid down shows that, like other laws, this law was already known to and generally practised by the Jews before it was finally fixed in the Levitical code.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
Verse 2. If a woman have conceived] In the extent mentioned here the ordinances of this chapter have little relation to us: and to inquire into their physical reasons, as far as they related to the Jews, could afford but little edification; and to make such a subject sufficiently plain would require such minute examination and circumstantial detail as could scarcely be proper for several readers. All that is necessary to be said the reader will find on Leviticus 12:4.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 12:2
2. Compare Genesis 17:12; Exodus 22:29-30; Luke 1:59; Philippians 3:5. Reference is here made to the regulation of Lev 15:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 12:2
2. She shall be unclean — It is a mystery that marriage, a sacrament of love, prefiguring the oneness of Christ and the Church, should attain its divinely appointed end only by entailing ceremonial impurity.
Sermons on Leviticus 12:2
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Redemption by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of bondage and freedom in the context of the grace of God. He references Galatians chapter 4 and Titus 2 verse 11 to emphasize t |
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God's Joy in Us by John McGregor | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who experienced the joy of serving God. He mentions a dear old saint named Hutchinson who encouraged a young girl by telli |
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Luke 2:21-32. the Song of Simeon. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the significance of Jesus' presentation at the temple, emphasizing how Jesus, as the firstborn Son, was brought to the Lord as a holy and unblemishe |
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Baby Jesus Presented in the Temple Luke 2:21-40 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the humble beginnings of Jesus as a newborn, emphasizing how God's love was displayed through His willingness to humble Himself to save us from our sin |
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Questions/answers About Christ by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman delves into various questions surrounding the life, teachings, and actions of Jesus Christ, providing insightful explanations based on biblical texts. From the |
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Behold, the Child - Set for the Fall and Rise of Many by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the contrast between material wealth and spiritual richness, illustrating how Joseph and Mary, though poor, were spiritually rich and grateful for God's forg |
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Our Lord and the Woman Who Had the Issue of Blood Mark 5:24-34 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores the profound encounter between Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood, emphasizing her desperate need for healing and the faith that drove her to touch Je |