Leviticus 20:18

Authorized King James Version

And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠אִישׁ

H376

And if a 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)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשְׁכַּ֨ב

H7901

shall lie

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אִשָּׁ֜ה

H802

with a woman

a woman

דָּוָ֗ה

H1739

having her sickness

sick (especially in menstruation)

גִּלְּתָ֖ה

H1540

and shall uncover

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֶרְוָתָהּ֙

H6172

her nakedness

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

מְק֣וֹר

H4726

her fountain

properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);

#12

הֶֽעֱרָ֔ה

H6168

he hath discovered

to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish

#13

וְהִ֕וא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#14

גִּלְּתָ֖ה

H1540

and shall uncover

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

מְק֣וֹר

H4726

her fountain

properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);

#17

דָּמֶ֑יהָ

H1818

of her blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#18

וְנִכְרְת֥וּ

H3772

of them shall be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#19

שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם

H8147

and both

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#20

מִקֶּ֥רֶב

H7130

from among

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#21

עַמָּֽם׃

H5971

their people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

Leviticus 20:18

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources