Leviticus 15:11

Authorized King James Version

And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹ֨ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יִגַּע
And whomsoever he toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#4
בּוֹ֙
H0
#5
הַזָּ֔ב
that hath the issue
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
#6
וְיָדָ֖יו
his hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
שָׁטַ֣ף
and hath not rinsed
to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer
#9
בַּמַּ֖יִם
himself in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
וְכִבֶּ֧ס
he shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#11
בְּגָדָ֛יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#12
וְרָחַ֥ץ
and bathe
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#13
בַּמַּ֖יִם
himself in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#14
וְטָמֵ֥א
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#15
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources