Leviticus 15:18

Authorized King James Version

The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִשָּׁ֕ה
The woman
a woman
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יִשְׁכַּ֥ב
shall lie
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#4
אִ֛ישׁ
also with whom man
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)
#5
אֹתָ֖הּ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
שִׁכְבַת
of copulation
a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)
#7
זָ֑רַע
with seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#8
וְרָֽחֲצ֣וּ
they shall both bathe
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#9
בַמַּ֔יִם
themselves in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
וְטָֽמְא֖וּ
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#11
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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