Leviticus 15:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} and to Aaron {H175}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe and Aharon,

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 15:1 serves as the authoritative divine introduction to a complex yet crucial section of Israelite law, detailing regulations concerning various bodily discharges that would render an individual ritually unclean. This concise verse immediately establishes the absolute divine origin, the specific human recipients (Moses and Aaron), and the binding nature of the commands that follow, underscoring their foundational importance for maintaining the holiness and purity of the Israelite community in the presence of a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 15:1 marks a significant transition within the Book of Leviticus, specifically moving from laws concerning external impurities (such as clean and unclean animals in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws Concerning Clean and Unclean Animals"), childbirth in [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Laws Concerning Childbirth"), and skin diseases in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws Concerning Cleansing from Skin Diseases")) to those dealing with internal bodily discharges. The preceding chapters meticulously outlined what made a person or object ritually impure and how purification was to be achieved. Chapter 15, introduced by this verse, continues this thematic thread, focusing on seminal and menstrual emissions, and other bodily fluxes. The overarching purpose of these laws, like all laws in Leviticus, is to foster holiness among a people who were to live in covenant relationship with a holy God, especially in light of God's dwelling presence in the Tabernacle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Leviticus was given to Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt and the construction of the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle"). God's physical presence among His people in the Tabernacle necessitated a strict code of purity, as impurity was incompatible with divine holiness. These laws served multiple purposes: they distinguished Israel from surrounding pagan nations whose religious practices often involved ritualistic sexual acts and lax attitudes towards bodily fluids; they taught Israel about the pervasive nature of sin and impurity, even in natural bodily functions, and the constant need for atonement and cleansing; and they maintained the physical health and hygiene of the community in a nomadic setting. The inclusion of both Moses (the primary lawgiver and mediator) and Aaron (the high priest responsible for implementing and teaching the laws) highlights the dual authority structure through which God's will was communicated and administered to the people.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 15:1 contributes to several overarching themes foundational to the Book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's absolute holiness** and His demand for purity among His covenant people. The detailed regulations that follow this introduction underscore the pervasive nature of impurity and the constant need for separation from anything that defiles, in order to maintain fellowship with a holy God. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **divine revelation and authority**, as the laws are explicitly stated to be from "the LORD" and communicated through His chosen representatives, Moses and Aaron. This highlights that Israel's ethical and ritual framework is not human-derived but divinely ordained. Finally, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **atonement and cleansing**, as the subsequent laws necessitate specific rituals and sacrifices for purification, foreshadowing the ultimate need for a perfect cleansing agent to deal with sin and defilement, a concept deeply explored throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") and ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This capitalized rendering of "LORD" in the King James Version represents the sacred covenant name of God, Yahweh (or Jehovah). Derived from the root "to be," it signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes God's personal, relational nature, particularly His covenant faithfulness to Israel. When this name is used, it underscores that the commands are not from a generic deity but from the specific God who has entered into a binding relationship with His people, revealing His character and expectations.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The Hebrew verb _dâbar_ (H1696) signifies more than casual conversation; it implies a clear, authoritative, and intentional declaration or command. It often denotes the act of speaking with power and purpose, as in creation ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Light into Existence")) or prophetic utterance. Its use here reinforces the weight, binding nature, and divine origin of the instructions that follow, indicating that these are not suggestions but non-negotiable divine decrees.
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** From the root "to draw out," referring to his rescue from the Nile, Moses (H4872) is the Israelite lawgiver. His specific mention alongside Aaron is significant. Moses was God's chosen prophet and mediator, through whom the Law was primarily given to Israel.
* **Aaron (Hebrew, _ʼAhărôwn'_):** Of uncertain derivation, Aaron (H175) is the brother of Moses and the newly consecrated High Priest. He was responsible for the practical application, interpretation, and teaching of these laws to the people, particularly concerning matters of ritual purity and the Tabernacle service. This dual address highlights the comprehensive nature of the divine communication, encompassing both legislative authority and priestly administration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the LORD spake":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine initiative and absolute authority behind the subsequent regulations. It is God Himself, the covenant LORD, who is the ultimate source of these laws, not human invention or cultural evolution. The paragraph marker (¶) in the KJV often indicates a new section or thought, emphasizing this verse as the formal beginning of a distinct set of instructions.
* **"unto Moses and to Aaron":** God's direct address to both Moses and Aaron underscores their complementary, divinely appointed roles. Moses receives the revelation as the primary conduit of God's word, while Aaron, as the head of the priesthood, is charged with the implementation, enforcement, and instruction of these laws to the community, particularly concerning matters of ritual purity and access to the sacred. This dual audience ensures the laws are both properly legislated and effectively administered.
* **"saying,":** This simple word indicates that what follows is the direct content of God's communication. It signals the commencement of the specific divine instructions regarding bodily discharges, setting the stage for the detailed regulations of Leviticus 15 and emphasizing that the subsequent verses are the very words of the LORD.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 15:1 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is the **formulaic introduction**, "And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying," which serves as a recurring literary marker throughout Leviticus and other Pentateuchal books. This device emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the laws, ensuring the audience understands that these are not human statutes but direct commands from God. The consistent **repetition** of this formula reinforces the continuity of divine revelation and the binding nature of the entire legal corpus. Furthermore, the act of God "speaking" itself functions as a **divine fiat**, where God's word is inherently powerful and brings forth commands that establish order and define holiness for His people, echoing the creative power of His word in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). This introductory phrase also sets a **didactic tone**, preparing the reader for instruction and emphasizing the pedagogical intent behind these intricate purity laws.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 15:1, though brief, is pregnant with profound theological significance. It underscores the foundational principle that all true authority in Israel, and indeed for all humanity, flows directly from God's communicated word. The very act of God speaking to His chosen representatives highlights His desire for relationship, His active involvement in human affairs, and His unwavering commitment to guiding His people toward holiness. The inclusion of both Moses and Aaron points to the necessity of divinely appointed mediation and leadership in conveying and applying God's truth. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for a profound exploration of God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of impurity, laying the groundwork for understanding the need for atonement and the ultimate cleansing provided by God Himself, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from the Word")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 15:1, though introducing ancient ceremonial laws, offers profound and enduring truths for believers today. It reminds us that God is a communicating God who desires to reveal His will to humanity. The divine origin of the Law, emphasized by the phrase "And the LORD spake," compels us to recognize the absolute authority of God's Word in our lives. While the specific ritual purity laws of Leviticus are largely fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle of divine instruction remains vitally important. We are called to listen attentively to God's voice, primarily through His written Word, and to obey His commands, recognizing their ultimate source and their purpose in guiding us toward a life that honors Him. This verse also implicitly highlights the importance of spiritual leadership that faithfully transmits and applies God's truth, reminding us to value and pray for those entrusted with teaching God's Word, ensuring they speak "as one who speaks oracles of God" ([1 Peter 4:11](/1_peter/4-11 "1 Peter 4:11 - Speaking Oracles of God")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine origin of these laws, as stated in Leviticus 15:1, impact our view of God's commands and instructions for us today?**
* **In what ways do we recognize and submit to the authority of God's Word in our daily lives, knowing that it comes directly from the LORD?**
* **What does God's choice to speak through appointed leaders (Moses and Aaron) teach us about spiritual authority and leadership within the church, and our responsibility to those roles?**

### FAQ
**Why is Aaron included here, alongside Moses, as a recipient of God's word?**

Answer: Aaron's inclusion alongside Moses is highly significant and reflects his distinct, divinely appointed role as the High Priest. While Moses was the primary lawgiver and mediator, receiving the Law directly from God, Aaron and his priestly descendants were responsible for the practical implementation, interpretation, and teaching of these laws to the people. Specifically, the laws concerning ritual purity, sacrifices, and access to the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) fell under the purview of the priesthood. By addressing both Moses and Aaron, God ensured that His commands were not only legislated but also properly administered and explained to the community, particularly in matters that directly impacted their ability to approach a holy God. This dual address underscores the comprehensive nature of God's revelation and its practical application within the covenant community, as seen throughout [the Book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering").

**Does this verse imply that all the laws in Leviticus are still directly applicable to Christians today?**

Answer: Leviticus 15:1 introduces a section of ceremonial laws concerning ritual purity, which, along with other ceremonial and civil laws in the Old Testament, are generally understood by Christians to have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), the perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrebs/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")), and the one who cleanses us from all sin and impurity through His blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). Therefore, the specific ritual requirements for cleansing from bodily discharges are no longer binding for believers under the New Covenant. However, the underlying theological principles—God's holiness, the pervasive nature of sin and impurity, and the need for divine cleansing to approach God—remain eternally true and are fulfilled in a deeper, spiritual sense through Christ. This verse reminds us of the divine origin of all God's commands, even those that have found their ultimate fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 15:1, with its emphasis on divine communication and the subsequent laws of purity, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Word" of God, the perfect and final revelation of the Father, as [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." While God "spake unto Moses and to Aaron" in the Old Covenant, in the new covenant, He has "spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Christ is the perfect mediator, far surpassing Moses, who brings God's will directly to humanity and perfectly intercedes for us ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Man")). Furthermore, the extensive purity laws introduced by this verse, which highlighted human impurity and the need for ritual cleansing, are ultimately fulfilled in Christ's perfect sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His blood cleanses us not merely from ritual defilement but from the defilement of sin itself, making us truly clean and able to draw near to a holy God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through Christ, the external, temporary cleansing of the Old Covenant gives way to an internal, permanent transformation, where God's law is written on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")) and we are made truly holy in Him, enabling us to live as a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 11:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

Psalms 25:14

The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Hebrews 1:1

¶ God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Leviticus 13:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying,

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.