Leviticus 15:16
Leviticus 15:16 in Multiple Translations
When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
And if any man’s seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.
And if any man’s seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall bathe all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.
And if a man's seed goes out from him, then all his body will have to be bathed in water and he will be unclean till evening.
When a man has a release of semen, he must wash his whole body with water, and he will be unclean until the evening.
Also if any mans issue of seede depart from him, he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be vncleane vntill the euen.
'And when a man's seed of copulation goeth out from him, then he hath bathed with water all his flesh, and been unclean till the evening.
“‘If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall bathe all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the evening.
And if any man's seed of copulation shall go from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the evening.
The man from whom the seed of copulation goeth out, shall wash all his body with water: and he shall be unclean until the evening.
“Then semen accidentally flows from a man’s sexual organs [EUP], he must bathe his whole body, and no one should touch him until that evening.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 15:16
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 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
כִּֽי
תֵצֵ֥א
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
שִׁכְבַת
זָ֑רַע
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
בַּ/מַּ֛יִם
אֶת
כָּל
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
וְ/טָמֵ֥א
עַד
הָ/עָֽרֶב
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֵצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
שִׁכְבַת
shᵉkâbâh
H7902
semen
N-fs
זָ֑רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/מַּ֛יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
וְ/טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הָ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 15:16
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כִּֽי
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.
תֵצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
שִׁכְבַת
shᵉkâbâh
H7902
"semen"
N-fs
Semen refers to the seed or layer of something, and can also describe the act of lying down for sexual relations. It is used in the Bible to describe human intimacy.
Definition: 1) act of lying, layer, coating 1a) act of lying (of sexual relations) 1b) layer
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, copulation, [idiom] lay, seed. See also: Exodus 16:13; Leviticus 15:18; Numbers 5:13.
זָ֑רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
בַּ/מַּ֛יִם
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וְ/טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הָ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
Study Notes — Leviticus 15:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 15:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 15:16
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 15:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
- Sermons on Leviticus 15:16
Context — The Cleansing of Men
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.
15The priest is to sacrifice them, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for the man before the LORD because of his discharge.
16When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
17Any clothing or leather on which there is an emission of semen must be washed with water, and it will remain unclean until evening. 18If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 23:10–11 | If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he must leave the camp and stay outside. When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp. |
| 2 | Leviticus 22:4 | If a descendant of Aaron has a skin disease or a discharge, he may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean. Whoever touches anything defiled by a corpse or by a man who has an emission of semen, |
| 3 | Leviticus 15:5 | Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. |
| 4 | 1 John 1:7 | But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 2:11 | Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 7:1 | Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. |
Leviticus 15:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that when a man has an emission of semen, he needs to take a bath to cleanse himself, because it's considered unclean, as stated in Leviticus 15:16, and this practice is also supported by other biblical teachings on purity, such as in Exodus 19:10-11 and Leviticus 11:44-45. This is not just about physical cleanliness, but also about spiritual purity, as emphasized in passages like Psalm 51:7 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7. It reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should strive to honor God with our bodies, as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. By recognizing and responding to our own sin and impurity, we can maintain a pure heart and a right relationship with God, and trust in His grace and mercy to cover our weaknesses and shortcomings.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the man need to bathe his whole body with water after an emission of semen?
The man needed to bathe his whole body with water to cleanse himself from the impurity caused by the emission, as it was considered unclean until evening, as stated in Leviticus 15:16, and this practice is also supported by other biblical teachings on purity, such as in Exodus 19:10-11 and Leviticus 11:44-45.
What does it mean to be 'unclean until evening'?
To be 'unclean until evening' means that the person is temporarily separated from worship and community activities, as they are considered impure, and this status is lifted at sunset, as seen in Leviticus 15:16 and other related verses such as Leviticus 11:24-25 and Numbers 19:7-10.
Is this verse still applicable to believers today?
While the specific practices and rituals mentioned in Leviticus 15:16 are part of the Old Testament law, the underlying principle of recognizing and responding to our own sin and impurity is still relevant, as taught in passages like Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8-9, which emphasize the importance of acknowledging and confessing our sins to maintain a pure heart and a right relationship with God.
How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on purity and holiness?
This verse is part of a larger biblical theme of purity and holiness, which is emphasized throughout the Bible, including in passages like Psalm 51:7 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7, which encourage believers to pursue holiness and purity in all aspects of life, and to recognize the importance of maintaining a pure heart and conscience before God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of recognizing and responding to my own sin and impurity in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God's holiness?
- How does the concept of being 'unclean until evening' relate to my own experiences of feeling separated from God or others, and what can I learn from this about the importance of humility, repentance, and restoration?
- In what ways can I balance the need for purity and holiness with the reality of living in a fallen world, where sin and imperfection are inevitable, and how can I trust in God's grace and mercy to cover my weaknesses and shortcomings?
- What are some practical steps that I can take to maintain a pure heart and conscience, and to stay mindful of my own sin and impurity, and how can I use these practices to deepen my relationship with God and to become more like Christ?
- How does this verse challenge or comfort me in my own spiritual journey, and what are some ways that I can use this verse to encourage and support others who may be struggling with similar issues of sin, guilt, and shame?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:16
And if any man's seed of copulation go out from him,.... Not in lawful cohabitation, nor voluntarily, but involuntarily, as Aben Ezra observes; not through any disorder, which came by an accident, or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:16
And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
Go out from him; not through weakness of the parts, as that ; but in his sleep, which is called nightly pollution, which, though involuntary, might arise from some lustful dream or imagination. But if it was voluntary, and by a man’ s own procurement when awake, it was esteemed abominable, and a degree of murder. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
Leviticus 15:16 And if any man’ s seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.Ver. 16. Go out from him.] By nocturnal pollutions, filthy dreams, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
(16) And if any man’s seed.—The second case, discussed in this and the following verses, is that of an involuntary emission, as in Deuteronomy 23:10. The man who sustained it had simply to immerse his whole body in water the following morning, and remain unclean till sundown. Similar rites were performed by the ancients under the same circumstances. Thus the Egyptian priests when they were defiled by a dream purified themselves by bathing their bodies; and, according to the directions of the Koran, any faithful Mahommedan who meets with such an accident must not perform his prayers till he has gone through the prescribed oblation. (Koran, 4:46.)
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 15:16
16. A similar precept is found in Deuteronomy 23:10.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 15:16
Most of the ancient religions made a similar recognition of impurity and of the need of purfication. Leviticus 15:17 Every garment - Compare Jude 1:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:16
16. Seed of copulation — In the restatement of this law in Deuteronomy 23:10, the impurity is described as involuntary. It is not an infusion, but an effusion. In Luther’s version the words im schlaf, in the sleep, are added.
Sermons on Leviticus 15:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Leviticus by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of offerings in Leviticus, particularly how Christ's sacrifice is a sweet-smelling savor to God, reflecting His complete devotion and obedien |
|
A Pure Heart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping wha |
|
Heart Preparation for Revival by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and having fellowship with one another. He highlights the need for genuine repentance and obedience in |
|
Christ Lord and Master by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the blessings and grace that God has bestowed upon the church and its members. They also mention the success of their |
|
Dr. Orr's Testimony by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of revival and missionary work. They mention a time when they were in college and witnessed many conversions and dedication |
|
Humility vs Pride by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's r |
|
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): The Church in the Rut by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a radio signal fading out as one travels away from the city to illustrate how the passing of time can dull a person's religious fee |