Leviticus 15:16

Authorized King James Version

And if any man's seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֕ישׁ
And if any man's
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
תֵצֵ֥א
go out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
שִׁכְבַת
of copulation
a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)
#6
זָ֑רַע
seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#7
וְרָחַ֥ץ
from him then he shall wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#8
בַּמַּ֛יִם
in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
all his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#12
וְטָמֵ֥א
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#13
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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