Leviticus 15:13

Authorized King James Version

And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
וְטָהֵֽר׃
and shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#3
הַזָּב֙
And when he that hath an issue
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
#4
מִזּוֹב֔וֹ
of his issue
a seminal or menstrual flux
#5
וְסָ֨פַר
then he shall number
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#6
ל֜וֹ
H0
#7
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
to himself seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#8
יָמִ֛ים
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
לְטָֽהֳרָת֖וֹ
for his cleansing
ceremonial purification; moral purity
#10
וְכִבֶּ֣ס
and wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#11
בְּגָדָ֑יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#12
וְרָחַ֧ץ
and bathe
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#13
בְּשָׂר֛וֹ
his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#14
בְּמַ֥יִם
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#15
חַיִּ֖ים
in running
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#16
וְטָהֵֽר׃
and shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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