King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that [is] among them.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"'In this way you will separate the people of Isra'el from their uncleanness, so that they will not die in a state of uncleanness for defiling my tabernacle which is there with them.
Berean Standard Bible:
You must keep the children of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle, which is among them.
American Standard Version:
Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is in the midst of them.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Thus shall ye separate{H5144} the children{H1121} of Israel{H3478} from their uncleanness{H2932}; that they die{H4191} not in their uncleanness{H2932}, when they defile{H2930} my tabernacle{H4908} that is among{H8432} them.
Cross-References (KJV):
Numbers 19:20
- But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he [is] unclean.
Numbers 19:13
- Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness [is] yet upon him.
Ezekiel 5:11
- Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.
Numbers 5:3
- Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.
Ezekiel 23:38
- Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.
Ezekiel 44:23
- And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Hebrews 12:14
- Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
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Commentary for Leviticus 15:31
1. **Themes:**
- **Purity and Holiness:** The verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual purity within the Israelite community. The theme of separation from impurity is central to the holiness code in Leviticus, which seeks to distinguish the Israelites as a holy people set apart for God.
- **Protection from Defilement:** The instructions are intended to prevent the defilement of the sanctuary and the community, ensuring that God's presence remains among them without being tainted by impurity.
- **Obedience to Divine Command:** The verse reflects the need for strict adherence to the laws and rituals prescribed by God, which is a recurring theme throughout Leviticus.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Post-Exodus Period:** Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses, and is set after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The book contains laws and regulations given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai.
- **Wilderness Tabernacle:** The tabernacle was the portable dwelling place of God, constructed according to divine specifications, where the Israelites worshiped during their wilderness wanderings. The verse reflects the concern for maintaining the sanctity of this sacred space.
- **Priestly Code:** Leviticus is heavily influenced by priestly traditions, with a focus on the roles and duties of the priests, as well as the rituals and sacrifices they were to perform. The laws concerning uncleanness and purification are part of this priestly code, which aimed to order the religious and social life of the Israelites.
In summary, Leviticus 15:31 is part of a broader set of instructions designed to ensure the ritual purity of the Israelites, protect the sanctity of the tabernacle, and maintain the unique relationship between God and His people during the formative years of their nationhood.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5144
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָזַר
Transliteration: nâzar
Pronunciation: naw-zar'
Description: a primitive root; to hold aloof, i.e. (intransitivey) abstain (from food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (i.e. apostatize)); specifically, to set apart (to sacred purposes), i.e. devote; consecrate, separate(-ing, self). - Strong's Number: H1121
There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֵּן
Transliteration: bên
Pronunciation: bane
Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. - Strong's Number: H3478
There are 2229 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יִשְׂרָאֵל
Transliteration: Yisrâʼêl
Pronunciation: yis-raw-ale'
Description: from שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel. - Strong's Number: H2932
There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טֻמְאָה
Transliteration: ṭumʼâh
Pronunciation: toom-aw'
Description: from טָמֵא; religious impurity; filthiness, unclean(-ness). - Strong's Number: H4191
There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוּת
Transliteration: mûwth
Pronunciation: mooth
Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. - Strong's Number: H2930
There are 142 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טָמֵא
Transliteration: ṭâmêʼ
Pronunciation: taw-may'
Description: a primitive root; to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated); defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. - Strong's Number: H4908
There are 129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁכָּן
Transliteration: mishkân
Pronunciation: mish-kawn'
Description: from שָׁכַן; a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple); specifically, the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls); dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. - Strong's Number: H8432
There are 390 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּוֶךְ
Transliteration: tâvek
Pronunciation: taw'-vek
Description: from an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre; among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in).