Leviticus 15:4
Leviticus 15:4 in Multiple Translations
Any bed on which the man with the discharge lies will be unclean, and any furniture on which he sits will be unclean.
Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean.
Every bed whereon he that hath the issue lieth shall be unclean; and everything whereon he sitteth shall be unclean.
Every bed on which he has been resting will be unclean, and everything on which he has been seated will be unclean.
Any bed the man with the discharge lies on will be unclean, and anything he sits on will be unclean.
Euery bed whereon he lyeth that hath the issue, shall be vncleane, and euery thing whereon he sitteth, shalbe vncleane.
'All the bed on which he lieth who hath the issue is unclean, and all the vessel on which he sitteth is unclean;
“‘Every bed on which he who has the discharge lies shall be unclean; and everything he sits on shall be unclean.
Every bed on which he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing on which he sitteth, shall be unclean.
Every bed on which he sleepeth, shall be unclean, and every place on which he sitteth.
“And any bed that such a man lies on should not be touched, and anything that he sits on should not be touched.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 15:4
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 15:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֗ב
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יִשְׁכַּ֥ב
עָלָ֛י/ו
הַ/זָּ֖ב
יִטְמָ֑א
וְ/כָֽל
הַ/כְּלִ֛י
אֲשֶׁר
יֵשֵׁ֥ב
עָלָ֖י/ו
יִטְמָֽא
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֗ב
mishkâb
H4904
bed
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִשְׁכַּ֥ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
הַ/זָּ֖ב
zûwb
H2100
to flow
Art | V-Qal
יִטְמָ֑א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/כָֽל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַ/כְּלִ֛י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יֵשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יִטְמָֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 15:4
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.
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֗ב
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
Art | N-ms
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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
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.
יִשְׁכַּ֥ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
עָלָ֛י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
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.
יִטְמָ֑א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
וְ/כָֽל
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/כְּלִ֛י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Art | 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.
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.
יֵשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִטְמָֽא
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 15:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 15:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 15:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 15:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:4
- Sermons on Leviticus 15:4
Context — The Uncleanness of Men
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. 6Whoever 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titus 1:15 | To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. |
| 2 | Ephesians 5:11 | Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” |
Leviticus 15:4 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 15:4, teaches us that anything the man with a discharge comes into contact with becomes unclean, just like how sin can affect our relationships and the world around us, as seen in Romans 3:23. This shows us the importance of separating ourselves from things that are unclean or sinful, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. We can apply this principle to our lives by seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Colossians 1:10, and by taking steps to maintain physical and spiritual purity, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:15-16. By doing so, we can reflect God's holiness and live a life that is set apart for Him, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God declare that any bed or furniture the man with a discharge lies or sits on is unclean?
This was to prevent the spread of uncleanness and disease among the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 15:4, and to teach them about the importance of purity and separation from things that are unclean, as mentioned in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Deuteronomy 23:14.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and uncleanness in the Bible?
This verse shows that sin and uncleanness can have a profound impact on our daily lives and the things we come into contact with, much like how the man's discharge made the bed and furniture unclean, as seen in Leviticus 15:4, and how sin can affect our relationships and the world around us, as mentioned in Romans 3:23 and Isaiah 59:2.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of physical and spiritual cleanliness?
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical and spiritual cleanliness, as God is a holy God who desires His people to be set apart and pure, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
How can we apply the principles of this verse to our lives today?
We can apply the principles of this verse by recognizing the importance of physical and spiritual purity, and by taking steps to separate ourselves from things that are unclean or sinful, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7, and by seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Colossians 1:10 and 1 John 3:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be coming into contact with 'uncleanness' or sin, and how can I separate myself from them?
- How can I balance the need for physical and spiritual purity with the reality of living in a fallen world, as seen in Leviticus 15:4 and Romans 3:23?
- What does it mean to 'be holy, for I am holy', as God says in Leviticus 11:44-45, and how can I apply this principle to my daily life?
- In what ways can I seek to maintain physical and spiritual cleanliness, as mentioned in Leviticus 15:4 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, and what role does repentance and forgiveness play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:4
Every bed whereon he lieth that hath the issue is unclean,.... Which he constantly makes use of; so the Targum of Jonathan, which is peculiar to him, and appointed and appropriated for him to lie upon.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:4
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 15:4
Every thing, Heb. vessel, by which the Hebrews understand all sorts of household stuff.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 15:4
Leviticus 15:4 Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean.Ver. 4. Every bed.] Sin is more catching than any plague, and more defiling than any out house; Paul found it as noisome to his soul as a dead body to his sense, or as the sanies; of a plague sore to a rich robe. Job abhors himself for it in dust and ashes. And Isaiah looks upon himself as an undone man by reason of it. A thin fetid pus mixed with serum or blood, secreted by a wound or ulcer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:4
(4) Every bed, whereon he lieth.—So severely did the canonical law deal with these cases that they interpreted the defilement communicated to the bed, and hence also to his seat and saddle, by the patient in five different ways: by standing, sitting, lying, hanging, or leaning on it. The patient’s polluting power is so great that even if the bed, seat, or saddle is under a stone, he defiles it through the stone by any of these actions. If he stood upon two beds, placing one foot upon each, he defiled both.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:4
4. Every bed — The inconveniences of ceremonial impurity are strikingly set forth in this and the following verses.
Sermons on Leviticus 15:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Garland, Texas - Conscience by J. Edwin Orr | This sermon delves into the historical context of moral decline post-American Revolution, highlighting the societal issues of drunkenness, immorality, and lawlessness. It transitio |
|
America: Reprobate Nation? by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the excessive use of cell phones and the internet in today's society, suggesting that it has led to a disconnection from God's creation. The |
|
Heart Purity by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson emphasizes the necessity of heart purity, explaining that true purity is not merely external but must originate from the heart, which is the seat of true religion. He |
|
The Holy Spirit and Conscience by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of conscience in the believer's life, asserting that it serves as a reflection of God's holiness and a guide towards righteousness. He expla |
|
The Tabernacle by Henry Law | Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'nous,' which refers to the human intellectual perception and moral judgment, representing the God-given faculty of understanding and |
|
Your Hot-Line by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill emphasizes the importance of conscience as our personal 'hot-line' to God, guiding us to His original purpose for our lives. Conscience, a supernatural part of our s |
|
Spiritual Confirmation by A.W. Tozer | Paul, in his letter to Timothy, emphasizes the significance of conscience, describing it as a 'knowing with' oneself, a witness to one's conduct based on the apprehension of God's |