Leviticus 15:12

KJV

And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the vessel {H3627} of earth {H2789}, that he toucheth {H5060} which hath the issue {H2100}, shall be broken {H7665}: and every vessel {H3627} of wood {H6086} shall be rinsed {H7857} in water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the person with the discharge touches a clay pot, it must be broken; if he touches a wooden utensil, it must be rinsed in water.

Berean Standard Bible

Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water.

American Standard Version

And the earthen vessel, which he that hath the issue toucheth, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 15:12 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic Law's extensive regulations concerning ritual purity, specifically addressing the proper handling of household items contaminated by an individual suffering from a chronic bodily discharge, known as a *zav*. This instruction mandates the destruction of porous earthenware vessels, which are deemed incapable of thorough cleansing, while permitting wooden vessels to be purified simply by rinsing with water. The verse profoundly underscores the pervasive nature of ritual impurity and God's unwavering demand for meticulous cleanliness within the Israelite community, reflecting His own absolute holiness and the necessity of maintaining a sanctified space for His divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 15:12 is intricately woven into the broader fabric of [Leviticus 15](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges"), a chapter meticulously outlining laws concerning various bodily discharges that render a person ritually unclean (*ṭameʾ*). The chapter initiates with detailed instructions regarding male discharges (e.g., [Leviticus 15:1-15](/leviticus/15-1-15 "Leviticus 15:1-15 - Laws Concerning Male Discharges")), followed by regulations for seminal emissions (e.g., [Leviticus 15:16-18](/leviticus/15-16-18 "Leviticus 15:16-18 - Laws Concerning Seminal Emissions")), and then female menstruation (e.g., [Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19-24 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Laws Concerning Menstruation")) and abnormal female discharges (e.g., [Leviticus 15:25-30](/leviticus/15-25-30 "Leviticus 15:25-30 - Laws Concerning Abnormal Female Discharges")). While this specific verse, [Leviticus 15:12](/leviticus/15-12 "Leviticus 15:12 - Purification of Contaminated Vessels"), directly applies to a person with a *zav* (a chronic male discharge, as described in [Leviticus 15:1-11](/leviticus/15-1-11 "Leviticus 15:1-11 - Laws Concerning a Zav")), the underlying principle of contamination and purification of objects extends across the chapter's various forms of uncleanness. The preceding verses (e.g., [Leviticus 15:4-11](/leviticus/15-4-11 "Leviticus 15:4-11 - Contamination by a Zav")) meticulously detail how objects and people become unclean through direct or indirect contact with the *zav* or his discharge, thereby setting the crucial stage for the specific instructions on how to deal with contaminated vessels in verse 12.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of ritual purity (*ṭahorah*) was of paramount importance, serving as a foundational pillar of the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh. God, being perfectly holy, chose to dwell in the midst of His people via the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - The Command to Build the Tabernacle"), and consequently, the Israelite camp was required to maintain a state of holiness to facilitate and honor His sacred presence. Bodily discharges, particularly chronic ones, were regarded as profound sources of ritual uncleanness (*ṭumah*), symbolically representing a departure from the life-giving order of creation and often associated with decay, disease, or even death. This uncleanness was inherently "contagious," meaning it could be transferred through touch to other individuals, clothing, or various household items. The precise distinction between earthenware and wooden vessels was rooted in a practical understanding of material properties: earthenware, being porous and typically unglazed, was believed to absorb impurity deeply, rendering thorough cleansing impossible and thus necessitating its complete destruction. Wooden vessels, conversely, being less porous, could be effectively cleansed by simple washing. These laws served not only a rudimentary hygienic purpose but, more significantly, a profound theological one, constantly impressing upon the Israelites the pervasive nature of impurity and the absolute necessity of holiness in their daily lives as a prerequisite for approaching and living in the presence of a holy God, a theme powerfully echoed in the divine command, "[You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")."

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 15:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute separation from anything defiled and His demand for His people to reflect His character in their daily lives. The meticulous regulations highlight the **Pervasiveness of Impurity**, demonstrating how uncleanness, whether physical or spiritual, can spread and contaminate not only individuals but also their environment and possessions, necessitating comprehensive measures for its removal. The distinction between vessel types speaks to the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Practicality** in God's law, showing that His commands are not arbitrary but consider the nature of materials and the efficacy of purification methods. Furthermore, the laws of uncleanness, including those in this verse, implicitly point to the theme of **Atonement and Cleansing**, foreshadowing the ultimate need for a divine intervention that could truly purify from the deepest forms of defilement, a cleansing that human rituals could only temporarily or symbolically achieve. The constant awareness of impurity fostered a profound sense of the need for divine grace and the ultimate solution to sin's pervasive defilement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cheres (Hebrew, _cheres'_):** This term (H2789) refers to "a piece of pottery" or "earthenware." In the context of Leviticus 15:12, it specifically denotes a vessel made of clay, typically unglazed and thus porous. The inherent nature of *cheres* vessels, their ability to absorb liquids and, by extension, ritual impurity, is the foundational reason for the command that they "shall be broken." This highlights the ancient Israelite understanding that certain materials, due to their composition, could become so deeply contaminated that superficial cleansing was insufficient.
* **zûwb (Hebrew, _zûwb'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H2100) meaning "to flow freely," this word describes a "sexual flux" or "issue." In Leviticus 15, *zûwb* specifically refers to an abnormal, chronic bodily discharge from a man, which rendered him ritually unclean. The term emphasizes the persistent, ongoing nature of the flow, signifying a state of prolonged impurity. The *zûwb* was not merely a physical ailment but carried profound theological implications, symbolizing a departure from the life-giving order and wholeness that God intended, thus making anything or anyone he touched ritually defiled.
* **shâbar (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This primitive root (H7665) means "to burst," "to break (down, off, in pieces, up)," or "to crush." In the Niphal (passive) stem in this verse, "shall be broken" (*yishshavēr*) signifies an absolute and irreversible destruction. The command for earthenware vessels to be shattered underscores the gravity of the impurity they absorbed. Unlike other forms of defilement that could be washed away, the impurity in porous clay was considered permanent and deeply ingrained, requiring complete annihilation to prevent the spread of uncleanness and to emphasize the seriousness of the defilement in the sight of a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken:"** This clause sets forth the specific fate of earthenware vessels that come into contact with a person suffering from a chronic discharge (*zav*). The immediate and irreversible consequence is that such a vessel must be shattered. This command is rooted in the belief that porous clay would absorb the impurity, rendering it permanently defiled and incapable of purification through mere washing. The destruction serves as a radical act of separation from the defilement, preventing the spread of uncleanness within the community and underscoring the absolute nature of the defilement.
* **"and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water."** In stark contrast to earthenware, wooden vessels are treated differently. Because wood is less porous and does not absorb impurity in the same way, it can be effectively cleansed by simply rinsing it with water. This distinction highlights a nuanced understanding of impurity and the appropriate means of purification based on the material properties of the object. It demonstrates that not all forms of contamination required the same drastic measures, but all required some form of cleansing before being deemed ritually pure again, emphasizing the meticulousness required for maintaining ritual purity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Leviticus 15:12](/leviticus/15-12 "Leviticus 15:12 - Purification of Contaminated Vessels") is **Contrast**. The verse explicitly juxtaposes the prescribed treatment of "the vessel of earth" with "every vessel of wood." This stark differentiation highlights the varying degrees to which different materials were believed to absorb and retain ritual impurity. Earthenware, being porous, is deemed permanently defiled and must be **broken**, symbolizing a complete and irreversible separation from uncleanness. Wooden vessels, being less porous, can be **rinsed**, indicating that their defilement is superficial and can be removed. This contrast serves to emphasize the meticulousness of God's purity laws and the thoroughness required in dealing with defilement. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** present, where the physical breaking of the earthenware vessel symbolizes the radical and often destructive measures required to deal with deep-seated or pervasive impurity, while the rinsing of the wooden vessel symbolizes the possibility of cleansing and restoration for less deeply ingrained defilement, provided the appropriate method is applied.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 15:12 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering demand for holiness and the pervasive nature of sin and impurity. The meticulous distinction between earthenware and wooden vessels underscores that God's standards are not arbitrary but reflect a profound understanding of defilement – some impurities are so deeply ingrained they require complete destruction, while others can be cleansed. This principle extends beyond ritual purity to spiritual defilement, teaching that sin is not merely an external act but can corrupt deeply, necessitating radical measures for purification. The "contagion" of uncleanness through touch emphasizes how sin spreads and impacts not just the individual but also their environment and community, making comprehensive cleansing essential for maintaining a holy space for God's presence. The laws served as a constant reminder of the barrier sin creates between a holy God and His people, pointing to the ultimate need for a perfect, permanent cleansing.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")
* [Numbers 19:11-13](/numbers/19-11-13 "Numbers 19:11-13 - Laws of Defilement by a Corpse")
* [Haggai 2:13](/haggai/2-13 "Haggai 2:13 - The Contagion of Uncleanness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual laws of Leviticus are no longer binding for Christians, having been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. This passage serves as a potent reminder of the insidious nature of sin and its capacity to defile not only us but also our relationships, our environment, and our spiritual walk. Just as the earthenware vessel had to be broken because its defilement was irreversible, there are habits, attitudes, or influences in our lives that are so deeply ingrained in sin that they cannot merely be "rinsed off" or reformed. They require a radical "breaking" – a complete severing and destruction – for true spiritual purity. This might involve severing ties with certain relationships, abandoning harmful thought patterns, or eradicating deeply rooted idols. Conversely, some impurities are more superficial, like the wooden vessel, requiring diligent and consistent "rinsing" through repentance, confession, and walking in obedience to God's Word. This verse calls us to a deep self-examination, prompting us to identify what in our lives needs to be utterly destroyed and what needs consistent cleansing, all in pursuit of a life that reflects the holiness of God and honors His presence within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "earthenware vessels" (deeply ingrained sinful patterns or influences) in my life might need to be "broken" rather than merely "rinsed"?**
* **What "wooden vessels" (more superficial impurities or bad habits) in my life require consistent "rinsing" through repentance and spiritual discipline?**
* **How does the concept of "contagious" impurity in this verse inform my understanding of the pervasive nature of sin's influence in my own life and in the world around me?**

### FAQ
**Why did earthenware vessels have to be broken, but wooden vessels only rinsed?**

Answer: The distinction was based on the perceived porosity of the materials and their ability to absorb ritual impurity. Earthenware vessels (pottery made from clay) were considered porous, meaning that the defiling substance or impurity from the person with the "issue" was believed to soak deeply into the material, making it impossible to truly cleanse through washing. Therefore, to ensure complete removal of the impurity and prevent its spread, the vessel had to be shattered. Wooden vessels, on the other hand, were less porous. The impurity was understood to remain on the surface, allowing for effective cleansing by simply rinsing them with water. This reflects a practical and symbolic understanding of how different materials interacted with ritual uncleanness in ancient Israelite law, as seen in other purity laws like those concerning vessels in [Leviticus 11:33-35](/leviticus/11-33-35 "Leviticus 11:33-35 - Laws Concerning Unclean Animals and Vessels").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 15:12, with its stark contrast between the destruction of earthenware and the rinsing of wooden vessels, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete purification offered through Jesus Christ. The inability to cleanse the porous earthenware points to the inadequacy of the Old Covenant rituals and human efforts to truly purify from sin's deep-seated defilement. Just as the "issue" of the *zav* rendered objects unclean, so too does the "issue" of sin (our inherent fallenness and active rebellion) thoroughly defile humanity, reaching into the very core of our being, making us spiritually unclean before a holy God. No amount of ritual washing or human striving could truly break the power of sin or remove its stain. This radical problem required a radical solution: not the breaking of a mere vessel, but the breaking of the Son of God on the cross. Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice, became the ultimate "breaking" of sin's power and defilement, offering a complete and permanent cleansing that the Law could only symbolize. His blood does not merely rinse away superficial impurities but utterly purifies our consciences from dead works to serve the living God, as highlighted in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing a new and living way to approach God, where our spiritual "issue" is not merely managed but completely eradicated, allowing us to be truly holy as He is holy, in accordance with [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct"). Through Christ, the radical defilement of sin is not just rinsed but utterly removed, and we are made new creations ([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 6:28

But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.

Leviticus 11:32

And upon whatsoever [any] of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether [it be] any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel [it be], wherein [any] work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.

Leviticus 11:33

And every earthen vessel, whereinto [any] of them falleth, whatsoever [is] in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Proverbs 1:23

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Psalms 2:9

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Philippians 3:21

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.