Leviticus 15:3
Leviticus 15:3 in Multiple Translations
This uncleanness is from his discharge, whether his body allows the discharge to flow or blocks it. So his discharge will bring about uncleanness.
And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.
And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.
If the flow goes on or if the part is stopped up, to keep back the flow, he is still unclean.
The uncleanness comes from his discharge, whether his body allows it to flow out or blocks it. It makes him unclean.
And this shalbe his vncleannes in his issue: when his flesh auoydeth his issue, or if his flesh be stopped from his issue, this is his vncleannes.
and this is his uncleanness in his issue — his flesh hath run with his issue, or his flesh hath stopped from his issue; it [is] his uncleanness.
This shall be his uncleanness in his discharge: whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body has stopped from his discharge, it is his uncleanness.
And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh shall run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.
And then shall he be judged subject to this evil, when a filthy humour, at every moment, cleaveth to his flesh, and gathereth there.
Whether that fluid is blocked or continues to drip, it causes him to be someone who should not be touched.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 15:3
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 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/זֹ֛את
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
טֻמְאָת֖/וֹ
בְּ/זוֹב֑/וֹ
רָ֣ר
בְּשָׂר֞/וֹ
אֶת
זוֹב֗/וֹ
אֽוֹ
הֶחְתִּ֤ים
בְּשָׂר/וֹ֙
מִ/זּוֹב֔/וֹ
טֻמְאָת֖/וֹ
הִֽוא
וְ/זֹ֛את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Conj | Pron
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
טֻמְאָת֖/וֹ
ṭumʼâh
H2932
uncleanness
N-fs | Suff
בְּ/זוֹב֑/וֹ
zôwb
H2101
discharge
Prep | N-ms | Suff
רָ֣ר
rûwr
H7325
to run
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּשָׂר֞/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
זוֹב֗/וֹ
zôwb
H2101
discharge
N-ms | Suff
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
הֶחְתִּ֤ים
châtham
H2856
to seal
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
בְּשָׂר/וֹ֙
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
מִ/זּוֹב֔/וֹ
zôwb
H2101
discharge
Prep | N-ms | Suff
טֻמְאָת֖/וֹ
ṭumʼâh
H2932
uncleanness
N-fs | Suff
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 15:3
וְ/זֹ֛את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
טֻמְאָת֖/וֹ
ṭumʼâh
H2932
"uncleanness"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to the state of being unclean or impure, often resulting from sinful actions, as described in Ezekiel. It encompasses various forms of uncleanness, including ritual and ethical impurity.
Definition: 1) uncleanness 1a) sexual 1b) of filthy mass 1c) ethical and religious 1d) ritual 1e) local (of nations)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: filthiness, unclean(-ness). See also: Leviticus 5:3; Numbers 19:13; Zechariah 13:2.
בְּ/זוֹב֑/וֹ
zôwb
H2101
"discharge"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Discharge refers to a bodily flow, including semen or menstrual flux. It is used in the Bible to describe certain medical or physical conditions, often translated as issue.
Definition: 1) a flow, issue, discharge, flux 1a) semen, discharge (venereal disease) (of men) 1b) issue, flux (of woman)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: issue. See also: Leviticus 15:2; Leviticus 15:25; Leviticus 15:33.
רָ֣ר
rûwr
H7325
"to run"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To flow or slaver, often used to describe the flow of saliva or other fluids, as in the description of the sick man in Mark 1:44. This verb can also be used to describe the flow of other substances, such as water or blood.
Definition: (Qal) to flow
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: run. See also: Leviticus 15:3.
בְּשָׂר֞/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.
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.
זוֹב֗/וֹ
zôwb
H2101
"discharge"
N-ms | Suff
Discharge refers to a bodily flow, including semen or menstrual flux. It is used in the Bible to describe certain medical or physical conditions, often translated as issue.
Definition: 1) a flow, issue, discharge, flux 1a) semen, discharge (venereal disease) (of men) 1b) issue, flux (of woman)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: issue. See also: Leviticus 15:2; Leviticus 15:25; Leviticus 15:33.
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
הֶחְתִּ֤ים
châtham
H2856
"to seal"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To seal means to close or lock something, like a document or container. This word is used in the Bible to describe marking or sealing something, often with a signet ring.
Definition: 1) to seal, seal up, affix a seal 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seal, affix one's seal 1a2) to seal up, fasten up by sealing 1b) (Niphal) to seal 1c) (Piel) to lock up 1d) (Hiphil) to be stopped Aramaic equivalent: cha.tam (חֲתַם "to seal" H2857)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: make an end, mark, seal (up), stop. See also: Leviticus 15:3; Job 37:7; Isaiah 8:16.
בְּשָׂר/וֹ֙
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.
מִ/זּוֹב֔/וֹ
zôwb
H2101
"discharge"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Discharge refers to a bodily flow, including semen or menstrual flux. It is used in the Bible to describe certain medical or physical conditions, often translated as issue.
Definition: 1) a flow, issue, discharge, flux 1a) semen, discharge (venereal disease) (of men) 1b) issue, flux (of woman)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: issue. See also: Leviticus 15:2; Leviticus 15:25; Leviticus 15:33.
טֻמְאָת֖/וֹ
ṭumʼâh
H2932
"uncleanness"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to the state of being unclean or impure, often resulting from sinful actions, as described in Ezekiel. It encompasses various forms of uncleanness, including ritual and ethical impurity.
Definition: 1) uncleanness 1a) sexual 1b) of filthy mass 1c) ethical and religious 1d) ritual 1e) local (of nations)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: filthiness, unclean(-ness). See also: Leviticus 5:3; Numbers 19:13; Zechariah 13:2.
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Leviticus 15:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 15:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
Context — The Uncleanness of Men
1And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
2“Say to the Israelites, ‘When any man has a bodily discharge, the discharge is unclean.
3This uncleanness is from his discharge, whether his body allows the discharge to flow or blocks it. So his discharge will bring about uncleanness.
4Any bed on which the man with the discharge lies will be unclean, and any furniture on which he sits will be unclean. 5Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 23:20 | and lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of stallions. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 16:26 | You prostituted yourself with your lustful neighbors, the Egyptians, and increased your promiscuity to provoke Me to anger. |
| 3 | Leviticus 12:3 | And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised. |
Leviticus 15:3 Summary
[Leviticus 15:3 is talking about a man who has a bodily discharge, which makes him unclean. This discharge could be from a skin infection or a bodily fluid, and it would make him unclean whether it flowed out of his body or was blocked. The Israelites had to be careful about uncleanness because it could defile the tabernacle and its furnishings, as mentioned in Exodus 25:8. This concept of uncleanness can also be applied to our spiritual lives, as we are called to be separate from sin and to maintain ritual purity, just as God is holy, as mentioned in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of discharge is being referred to in Leviticus 15:3?
The discharge referred to in Leviticus 15:3 is a bodily discharge, as mentioned in Leviticus 15:2, which made the person unclean. This could include discharges such as those from a skin infection or a bodily fluid.
Why did the Israelites need to be concerned about uncleanness from discharge?
The Israelites needed to be concerned about uncleanness from discharge because it was a way to maintain ritual purity, as commanded by God in Leviticus 15:3, and to avoid defiling the tabernacle and its furnishings, as mentioned in Exodus 25:8.
How long did the uncleanness from discharge last?
The uncleanness from discharge lasted until evening, as mentioned in Leviticus 15:5, after which the person would be considered clean again, similar to the cleansing process described in Leviticus 11:25-28.
What was the purpose of these laws regarding uncleanness in the book of Leviticus?
The purpose of these laws regarding uncleanness in the book of Leviticus was to teach the Israelites about the importance of separation from sin and the need for ritual purity, as mentioned in Leviticus 11:44-45, and to foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately cleanse us from all sin, as described in 1 John 1:7.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of separation from sin in my own life, just as the Israelites were required to separate themselves from uncleanness?
- What are some ways that I can maintain spiritual purity in my daily life, and how can I prioritize my relationship with God?
- How does the concept of uncleanness in Leviticus 15:3 relate to the idea of sin and its effects on our lives, as described in Romans 3:23?
- What does this verse teach me about God's desire for His people to be set apart and holy, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:3
And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue,.... Or the sign of it, by which it may be judged whether he is unclean by it or no: whether his flesh run with his issue; or salivates, or emits a flow
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:3
And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
Or if it have run, and been stopped in great measure, either by the grossness of the humour, or by some obstruction in parts that it cannot run freely, as it did, but only droppeth.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
Leviticus 15:3 And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it [is] his uncleanness.Ver. 3. It is his uncleanness.] Hereby they were taught the turpitude of sin, of original sin especially, that peccatum peccans, as the Schools call it; that sinful sin, as St Paul, for so filthy it is, that he can call it no worse than by its own name, as wanting a fitter epithet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
(3) Whether his flesh run.—This verse defines more minutely the statement in the preceding verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:3
3. Be stopped — Literally, whether he stop his flesh from his issue. The uncleanness continues, though the issue be temporarily obstructed, until its perfect cure.