Leviticus 15 3

Leviticus 15:3 kjv

And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.

Leviticus 15:3 nkjv

And this shall be his uncleanness in regard to his discharge?whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body is stopped up by his discharge, it is his uncleanness.

Leviticus 15:3 niv

Whether it continues flowing from his body or is blocked, it will make him unclean. This is how his discharge will bring about uncleanness:

Leviticus 15:3 esv

And this is the law of his uncleanness for a discharge: whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body is blocked up by his discharge, it is his uncleanness.

Leviticus 15:3 nlt

This defilement is caused by his discharge, whether the discharge continues or stops. In either case the man is unclean.

Leviticus 15 verses

Leviticus 15 3 Meaning

Leviticus 15:3 defines a man's state of ritual uncleanness when he has an abnormal, chronic bodily discharge from his genitals, referred to as "his discharge." This state of impurity is established under two conditions: if the discharge is actively flowing from his body, or if it has ceased but has left a noticeable residue on his flesh. In either case, the man is considered ritually unclean, which requires him to undergo a prescribed purification process to be restored to ceremonial cleanliness and permitted to participate fully in community and worship activities.

Leviticus 15 3 Context

Leviticus chapter 15 provides detailed regulations concerning ritual impurity caused by various bodily discharges. This verse specifically addresses the zov, a chronic or pathological discharge from a male's genitals. The chapter aims to clarify which conditions constitute ritual uncleanness and the subsequent purification processes required. Historically, these laws were given by God to the newly formed nation of Israel after their Exodus from Egypt, as they encamped around the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The regulations served a crucial purpose: to teach Israel about holiness, to separate them from the surrounding pagan cultures (which often lacked such purity distinctions or engaged in practices deemed abhorrent by God), and most importantly, to enable a holy God to dwell safely among His people without their defiling His sacred presence. Maintaining a pure camp and sanctuary was vital for God's continued presence.

Leviticus 15 3 Word analysis

• And this shall be: (וְזֹאת תִּהְיֶה, wəzoṯ tihyeh) This phrase acts as an introductory clause, signaling a specific divine declaration about the condition that follows. It underscores the authoritative and binding nature of the pronouncement from God regarding ritual purity.
• his uncleanness: (טֻמְאָתוֹ, ṭumʾāṯo) Derived from ṭum'â, which refers to a state of ritual impurity. This is distinct from moral sin; it means ceremonial defilement that prevents one from entering sacred spaces or engaging in holy worship. This concept was central to Israel's covenant relationship with a holy God.
• in his discharge: (בְּזוֹבוֹ, bəzôḇōw) The Hebrew term zov signifies an abnormal, chronic, or unusual flow, specifically from the genitals. While modern scholars debate its precise medical correlation, the Bible's focus is on the nature of the persistent, irregular flow itself as the cause of impurity, not a specific disease diagnosis. It highlights a deviation from normal bodily functions that impacted ritual purity.
• his flesh runs with: (בְּשָׂרוֹ דָּלַף, bəśārōw dālaḥ) The word dālaḥ means to drip, flow, or run. This describes the active state of the discharge, emphasizing its continuous nature. The "flesh" (his body) is identified as the affected medium, indicating that the individual's physical person is intrinsically linked to the state of impurity.
• his discharge: (זוֹבוֹ, zôḇōw) A repetition of the term zov, re-emphasizing that this particular type of abnormal discharge is the cause of uncleanness when actively flowing.
• or his discharge is stopped from his flesh: (אוֹ־קָפָא בְשָׂרוֹ מִזּוֹבוֹ, ʾōw-qāpāʾ bəśārōw mizzōḇōw) This second condition uses qāpāʾ, which means "to congeal" or "to thicken" (as in ice). It indicates that even if the active flow has ceased, the presence of solidified residue or a distinct mark from the discharge still renders the person unclean. This emphasizes that the effects of the impurity are just as significant as the active condition itself, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the state of ritual uncleanness.
• it is his uncleanness: (טֻמְאָתוֹ הִיא, ṭumʾāṯo hîʾ) A definitive statement concluding the description. This redundant phrasing ("his uncleanness it is") provides finality and absolute certainty that under either described condition, the man is unquestionably in a state of ritual impurity, demanding appropriate purification.

Leviticus 15 3 Bonus section

The detailed laws in Leviticus 15, including those for the "zov," had practical benefits related to hygiene and health, as separating individuals with unusual discharges likely reduced the spread of certain infections within the tightly knit camp. However, their primary purpose transcended public health, serving deeply theological functions. The association of impurity with bodily emissions, particularly those connected to the life force or procreation, highlights an understanding that human frailty, imperfections, and the consequences of sin's intrusion into the world can lead to defilement in God's presence. These ceremonial impurities pointed forward to the need for ultimate purification, which would be fully accomplished by the perfect sacrifice of Christ. The ceremonial law functioned as a teacher, constantly reminding Israel of their dependence on God's grace and their need for a purity they could not fully achieve on their own.

Leviticus 15 3 Commentary

Leviticus 15:3 details a very specific source of ritual uncleanness for men: a chronic or abnormal genital discharge. This law underscores the foundational biblical principle that God, who is perfectly holy, requires a people set apart and purified in every aspect of their lives, even their physical being. The uncleanness derived from the "zov" was not a punishment for sin, but a state requiring ritual separation and purification before engaging in the sacred. Both the active flow and any lingering residue made an individual unclean, demonstrating the meticulousness of God's purity standards and His intolerance for anything that diminished the sanctity of His dwelling place among His people. These laws were integral to educating Israel about the true cost and meaning of holiness and ensuring their preparedness to worship and interact with their divine covenant partner without defiling the Tabernacle or bringing judgment upon the community.