Leviticus 15:5

Authorized King James Version

And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֕ישׁ
And whosoever
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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יִגַּ֖ע
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
בְּמִשְׁכָּב֑וֹ
his bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#5
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#6
בְּגָדָ֛יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#7
וְרָחַ֥ץ
and bathe
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#8
בַּמַּ֖יִם
himself in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#9
וְטָמֵ֥א
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#10
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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