Leviticus 15:21
Leviticus 15:21 in Multiple Translations
and anyone who touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
And anyone touching her bed will have to have his clothing washed and his body bathed in water and be unclean till evening.
and anyone who touches her bed must wash their clothes and wash themselves with water, and will be unclean until the evening.
Whosoeuer also toucheth her bedde, shall wash his clothes, and wash himselfe with water, and shalbe vncleane vnto the euen.
and any one who is coming against her bed doth wash his garments, and hath bathed with water, and been unclean till the evening.
Whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
And whoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
And every thing that she sleepeth on, or that she sitteth on in the days of her separation, shall be defiled.
Anyone who touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe, and no one should touch that person until that evening.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 15:21
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 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כָל
הַ/נֹּגֵ֖עַ
בְּ/מִשְׁכָּבָ֑/הּ
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
בְּגָדָ֛י/ו
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
בַּ/מַּ֖יִם
וְ/טָמֵ֥א
עַד
הָ/עָֽרֶב
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַ/נֹּגֵ֖עַ
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
Art | V-Qal
בְּ/מִשְׁכָּבָ֑/הּ
mishkâb
H4904
bed
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
kâbaç
H3526
to wash
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
בְּגָדָ֛י/ו
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
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 15:21
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.
הַ/נֹּגֵ֖עַ
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
Art | V-Qal
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.
בְּ/מִשְׁכָּבָ֑/הּ
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
kâbaç
H3526
"to wash"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To wash means to clean something, often by trampling or stamping on it with the feet, as seen in the process of washing clothes.
Definition: 1) to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller 1a) (Qal) washer, fuller, treader (participle) 1b) (Piel) to wash (garments, person) 1c) (Pual) to be washed 1d) (Hothpael) to be washed out
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fuller, wash(-ing). See also: Genesis 49:11; Leviticus 15:21; Psalms 51:4.
בְּגָדָ֛י/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
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/מַּ֖יִם
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.
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 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Uncleanness of Women
19When 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.
20Anything on which she lies or sits during her menstruation will be unclean,
21and anyone who touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
22Whoever touches any furniture on which she was sitting must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. 23And whether it is a bed or furniture on which she was sitting, whoever touches it will be unclean until evening.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 7:14 | “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Isaiah 22:14 | The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: “Until your dying day, this sin of yours will never be atoned for,” says the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Leviticus 15:5–6 | Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. Whoever sits on furniture on which the man with the discharge was sitting must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. |
| 5 | Hebrews 9:26 | Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. |
Leviticus 15:21 Summary
This verse is talking about how someone who touches a woman's bed during her time of menstruation needs to wash their clothes and take a bath, and they will be considered unclean until the evening. This is because the woman's discharge is considered unclean, and anyone who comes into contact with it will also be considered unclean. This is a reminder that God is holy and separate from sin, and we need to respect that holiness in our lives, as seen in verses like Isaiah 59:2 and Hebrews 10:31. By recognizing and respecting God's holiness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for Him, and live lives that are more pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of washing clothes and bathing with water in Leviticus 15:21?
The act of washing clothes and bathing with water is a symbolic representation of spiritual cleansing, as seen in other passages like Exodus 19:10 and Leviticus 16:24, where purification is a precursor to approaching a holy God.
Why is the person who touches her bed considered unclean until evening?
The person is considered unclean because they have come into contact with something that has been tainted by the woman's discharge, much like the concept of sin spreading and affecting those around us, as described in Leviticus 13:47-59 and Numbers 19:11-22.
Is this verse still relevant to Christians today?
While the specific rituals and practices outlined in Leviticus 15:21 may not be directly applicable to Christians today, the underlying principles of recognizing and respecting God's holiness, as well as the need for spiritual purification, are timeless and can be seen in New Testament passages like Hebrews 10:22 and 1 John 1:9.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of purity in the Bible?
Leviticus 15:21 is part of a larger discussion on purity and holiness in the book of Leviticus, which emphasizes the importance of separating oneself from things that are unclean or profane, as seen in verses like Leviticus 11:44-45 and Leviticus 20:26, and this theme is echoed in the New Testament in passages like 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'touching the bed' of worldly influences or sinful habits in my own life, and how can I 'wash my clothes and bathe with water' to purify myself?
- How can I balance the need for purity and holiness with the reality of living in a fallen world, where I will inevitably come into contact with things that are unclean or profane?
- What are some practical steps I can take to separate myself from things that are unclean or profane, and to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God's holiness in my daily life?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of spiritual purification and cleansing outlined in Leviticus 15:21 to my own relationships and interactions with others, particularly in situations where I may be influencing or impacting those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:21
And whosoever toucheth her bed,.... The same thing that is said of a profluvious man, and so in Leviticus 15:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:21
And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even. If a woman have an issue.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:21
(21-22) And whosoever toucheth her bed.—The regulations in these three verses are the same as those laid down in Leviticus 15:4-6.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 15:21
As regards women (19–30) 19–24. Normal periodical issues. The uncleanness of these issues is similar to that in the preceding case (cp. Leviticus 15:4-11), but no sacrifice is required at the close of the period. For the belief in early religions that in such cases special precautions were needed against maleficent spiritual agencies, see Rob.-Sm. Rel. Sem.2 447 ff., and Frazer, G.B.3, Pt II. pp. 145 ff.
Sermons on Leviticus 15:21
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Power of the Blood by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine burden for prayer and seeking God's presence. He shares personal experiences of feeling convicted of his l |
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Practical Christian Living by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as a judge. He contrasts the sweet and loving nature of a mother with the seriousness and impartiality of a |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the prophecies of Jeremiah, Matthew, and Revelation, focusing on the return of the Jewish people to Israel, the unique period of tribulation known as Jacob' |
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End Times Prophecies - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries delves into the signs of the end times, discussing the atrocities of history, the concept of the elect or chosen ones, the great tribulation, |
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Few Find the Way to Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of striving and putting total attention into following the words of Jesus. He criticizes the current state of preaching, stat |
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Are Your Garments Spotless by Andrew Strom | This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing a deep hatred of sin as essential to truly experiencing the New Covenant. It highlights the need for repentance, a total change |
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(Through the Bible) Revelation 7-9 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon on the book of Revelation, the speaker begins by recapping the previous chapters. He describes the heavenly scene where John sees the throne of God and the worship o |