Leviticus 15:12
Leviticus 15:12 in Multiple Translations
Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water.
And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
And the earthen vessel, which he that hath the issue toucheth, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
And any vessel of earth which has been touched by the unclean man will have to be broken and any vessel of wood washed.
Any clay item touched by the man must be broken, and any wooden item must be washed with water.
And the vessel of earth that he toucheth, which hath the issue, shalbe broken: and euery vessel of wood shalbe rinsed in water.
'And the earthen vessel which he who hath the issue cometh against is broken; and every wooden vessel is rinsed with water.
“‘The earthen vessel, which he who has the discharge touches, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
And the vessel of earth that he toucheth who hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
If he touch a vessel of earth, it shall be broken: but if a vessel of wood, if shall be washed with water.
“If such a man touches a clay pot, that pot must be broken into pieces. Anything made from wood that he touches must be rinsed in water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 15:12
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 15:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/כְלִי
חֶ֛רֶשׂ
אֲשֶׁר
יִגַּע
בּ֥/וֹ
הַ/זָּ֖ב
יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר
וְ/כָל
כְּלִי
עֵ֔ץ
יִשָּׁטֵ֖ף
בַּ/מָּֽיִם
וּ/כְלִי
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Conj | N-ms
חֶ֛רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
earthenware
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִגַּע
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הַ/זָּ֖ב
zûwb
H2100
to flow
Art | V-Qal
יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
כְּלִי
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-ms
עֵ֔ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
יִשָּׁטֵ֖ף
shâṭaph
H7857
to overflow
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בַּ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 15:12
וּ/כְלִי
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
חֶ֛רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
"earthenware"
N-ms
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִגַּע
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
בּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/זָּ֖ב
zûwb
H2100
"to flow"
Art | V-Qal
To flow means to have a continuous movement, like water, and can also refer to wasting away or overflowing. It is used in the Bible to describe various physical and emotional states.
Definition: : flowing 1) to flow, gush, issue, discharge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flow, gush 1a2) to die, pine away (fig.) 1a3) to flow (of issue from woman), have an issue, flux 1a4) flowing (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run. See also: Exodus 3:8; Numbers 13:27; Psalms 78:20.
יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּלִי
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
עֵ֔ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
יִשָּׁטֵ֖ף
shâṭaph
H7857
"to overflow"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to overflow or gush, often used to describe a strong flow of water. It can also imply cleansing or conquering, as seen in various Old Testament passages, including Psalm 69. The word is used to describe powerful natural events.
Definition: 1) to wash, rinse, overflow, engulf, rinse or wash off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overflow 1a2) to flow, run 1a3) to rinse or wash off 1b) (Niphal) to be swept away, be rinsed out 1c) (Pual) to be rinsed, be scoured and rinsed
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: drown, (over-) flow(-whelm, rinse, run, rush, (throughly) wash (away). See also: Leviticus 6:21; Isaiah 28:17; Psalms 69:3.
בַּ/מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Leviticus 15:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 15:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:12
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 15:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:12
- Sermons on Leviticus 15:12
Context — The Uncleanness of Men
10Whoever touches anything that was under him will be unclean until evening, and whoever carries such things must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
11If the man with the discharge touches anyone without first rinsing his hands with water, the one who was touched must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
12Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water.
13When the man has been cleansed from his discharge, he must count off seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe himself in fresh water, and he shall be clean. 14On the eighth day he is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, come before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priest.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 6:28 | The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken; if it is boiled in a bronze pot, the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water. |
| 2 | Leviticus 11:32–33 | When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean. If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 5:1 | Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. |
| 4 | Philippians 3:21 | who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. |
| 5 | Psalms 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:23 | If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. |
| 7 | Proverbs 3:21 | My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:21 | in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: |
Leviticus 15:12 Summary
In Leviticus 15:12, we see that the man with the discharge had to be very careful about what he touched, because everything he touched became unclean. This teaches us about the importance of being mindful of the things that we come into contact with, and making sure that we are not bringing impurity into our lives or the lives of those around us, as also taught in 2 Corinthians 6:17. Just like the clay pots had to be broken and the wooden utensils had to be rinsed, we need to take steps to purify ourselves and the things around us, as seen in 1 John 1:9. By being careful about what we touch and what we allow into our lives, we can maintain our spiritual purity and live in a way that is pleasing to God, as encouraged in Psalm 119:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the clay pots have to be broken in Leviticus 15:12?
The clay pots had to be broken because they were considered unclean and could not be purified, as stated in Leviticus 15:12, whereas wooden utensils could be rinsed with water to be cleansed, similar to the instructions for cleansing people in Leviticus 15:11.
What is the significance of the man with the discharge touching things in Leviticus 15:12?
The man with the discharge touching things made them unclean, requiring specific actions for purification, as seen in Leviticus 15:12, highlighting the importance of maintaining ritual purity in the community, as also emphasized in Leviticus 15:10 and Leviticus 15:11.
How does the concept of uncleanness in Leviticus 15:12 relate to our lives today?
While we do not follow the same purification rituals as in Leviticus 15:12, the concept of uncleanness reminds us of the importance of spiritual purity, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:1, and the need to separate ourselves from things that can defile us spiritually, as warned in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
Why were wooden utensils treated differently than clay pots in Leviticus 15:12?
Wooden utensils were treated differently because they could be rinsed with water and purified, unlike clay pots which had to be broken, showing that the material and its ability to be cleansed played a role in the purification process, similar to the distinction made between different materials in other purification rituals, such as in Numbers 31:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of separating myself from unclean things to my own life, as seen in Leviticus 15:12?
- How can I balance the need for spiritual purity with the reality of living in a world that is often unclean, as hinted at in Leviticus 15:12?
- What are some modern-day equivalents of the 'clay pots' and 'wooden utensils' in Leviticus 15:12, and how should I treat them in my own life?
- In what ways can I use the example of the man with the discharge in Leviticus 15:12 to think about my own role in maintaining the spiritual purity of my community?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:12
And the vessel of earth that he toucheth which hath an issue shall be broken,.... That it might not be made use of afterwards; which was ordered, that they might be careful what they touched who were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:12
And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. The vessel of earth ... shall be broken.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:12
(12) And the vessel of earth . . . shall be broken.—For the reason why vessels of a porous clay must be destroyed when contaminated by defilement, see Leviticus 6:28; Leviticus 11:33. This, however, is the only instance where an earthen vessel touched on the outside was defiled, thus again showing the intense loathing with which the guilt of this kind of infirmity was regarded. Every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.—As these kinds of vessels were both more expensive and more difficult to restore, the Law, which so frequently takes into consideration the circumstances of the people, mercifully spares the more costly utensils. These are to undergo the same baptism as human beings. The administrators of the law during the second Temple took the expression “wood” in a more generic sense, as denoting more enduring material than clay; hence they included vessels made of copper, brass, silver, &c. With regard to the manner in which the vessels thus polluted are to be immersed, they ordained that if the utensil is dipped with its mouth downward, or if the vessel, at the time of its immersion, contains any liquor except water, the baptism is illegal. They, moreover, ordained that all new vessels which are purchased, or otherwise acquired, must likewise be immersed, for fear lest the maker, or some of those who have handled them prior to the purchase, might have been in a state of defilement. Hence the orthodox Jews to this day literally baptize cups, plates, knives, forks, or any new utensil which they buy. It is to this law that Christ refers when He says, “And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing [literally, the baptism] of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables,” or, as the Margin has it more correctly, “beds,” or couches (Mark 7:4).
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 15:12
12. The difference between the earthen and wooden vessel is the same as that in Leviticus 6:28, Leviticus 11:32 f. The rabbis inferred from this verse that metal vessels should be washed. The Jew who purchased a brasen pot was bound to wash it, for it might have been handled by one who was ritually unclean. These ‘washings of cups, and pots, and brasen vessels,’ are referred to in Mark 7:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:12
12. The vessel of earth… shall be broken — The reason for this command will be found in the fact that the earthen vessels in use among the Hebrews were unglazed, and from their porous nature, capable
Sermons on Leviticus 15:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the unpredictability of the Holy Ghost and the power of the word of God. He mentions a church that typed out a notice for the Holy Ghost to |
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The Perils of Paul by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the dedication and discipline of a young Chinese girl who practices diving for hours every day for five years. He uses this example to chall |
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Where the Spirit Is by Norman Meeten | In this sermon, the preacher begins by highlighting the harsh realities of life for children in China and Cameroon, emphasizing the bondage and darkness that exists even in sophist |
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Memento Mori by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Memento Mori,' urging listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of considering their eternal destiny. H |
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The Body: Old and New by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of our physical bodies as temporary dwellings, comparing them to tents that wear out. He emphasizes the importance of believing i |
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(John) the Gracious Gaze by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus healing a blind man. Despite being surrounded by a hostile crowd, Jesus takes the time to notice and have sympathy for th |
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The Resurrection Credible by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of the word of God and the difficulty in fully understanding it. He argues that there are no perfect analogies i |