King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Every bed which the person with the discharge lies on is unclean, and everything he sits on is unclean.
Berean Standard Bible:
Any bed on which the man with the discharge lies will be unclean, and any furniture on which he sits will be unclean.
American Standard Version:
Every bed whereon he that hath the issue lieth shall be unclean; and everything whereon he sitteth shall be unclean.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Every bed{H4904}, whereon he lieth{H7901} that hath the issue{H2100}, is unclean{H2930}: and every thing{H3627}, whereon he sitteth{H3427}, shall be unclean{H2930}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Ephesians 5:11
- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].
Titus 1:15
- Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
1 Corinthians 15:33
- Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Leviticus 15:4
Leviticus 15:4 is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus that deals with the laws of purity and impurity in ancient Israel. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the religious and social practices of the Israelites, who were guided by detailed regulations concerning cleanliness and holiness as prescribed by God through Moses. These laws were designed to maintain the ritual purity of the community and the sanctuary, and to prevent the spread of disease in a time when the understanding of contagion was limited.
In the specific context of Leviticus 15, the chapter addresses various bodily discharges, both regular and irregular, that render a person ritually impure. The verse in question, Leviticus 15:4, refers to the impurity contracted by objects that come into contact with a person experiencing an abnormal genital discharge, traditionally understood as a form of uncleanness. According to this verse, any bed or seat that such a person uses becomes ritually unclean. This means that these objects must be avoided by others to prevent the spread of impurity, and they must undergo a process of purification before they can be used again.
The broader theme here is the distinction between clean and unclean, which is a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law. These regulations served to instill a sense of holiness among the Israelites, reminding them of their need to be ceremonially clean before God, especially when approaching the sanctuary for worship. The laws also underscored the importance of community health and hygiene, even if the understanding of disease transmission was not yet scientifically developed. In essence, Leviticus 15:4 reflects the careful attention to detail in the Mosaic Law regarding ritual purity, which was integral to the religious and communal life of the ancient Israelites.
*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: H4904
There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁכָּב
Transliteration: mishkâb
Pronunciation: mish-kawb'
Description: from שָׁכַב; a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse; bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. - Strong's Number: H7901
There are 194 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁכַב
Transliteration: shâkab
Pronunciation: shaw-kab'
Description: a primitive root; to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose); [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. - Strong's Number: H2100
There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זוּב
Transliteration: zûwb
Pronunciation: zoob
Description: a primitive root; to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow; flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run. - 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: H3627
There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּלִי
Transliteration: kᵉlîy
Pronunciation: kel-ee'
Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. - Strong's Number: H3427
There are 980 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָשַׁב
Transliteration: yâshab
Pronunciation: yaw-shab'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry.