Leviticus 15:16

KJV

And if any man's seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if any man's {H376} seed {H2233} of copulation {H7902} go out {H3318} from him, then he shall wash {H7364} all his flesh {H1320} in water {H4325}, and be unclean {H2930} until the even {H6153}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If a man has a seminal emission, he is to bathe his entire body in water; he will be unclean until evening.

Berean Standard Bible

When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean until evening.

American Standard Version

And if any man’s seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall bathe all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 15:16 details a specific ritual purity law concerning the emission of semen, whether voluntary or involuntary. This regulation mandates that any man experiencing such an emission must wash his entire body in water and will remain ritually unclean until sunset. This temporary state of impurity, not a moral failing, was part of a broader system designed to teach ancient Israel about the absolute holiness of God, the meticulous care required to live in His presence, and the necessity of ritual readiness for worship and participation in the communal life centered around the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 15, where this verse is found, is part of the larger section of the Torah (the Pentateuch) that outlines the Mosaic Law. Specifically, it falls within the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), though chapter 15 precedes it, dealing with various bodily discharges that render a person ritually unclean. The chapter begins with laws concerning men with chronic discharges (Leviticus 15:1-15), then addresses seminal emissions (Leviticus 15:16-18), and subsequently moves to laws concerning women's menstrual impurity and other discharges (Leviticus 15:19-30). The chapter concludes with a summary statement emphasizing the purpose of these laws: to keep the Israelites separate from uncleanness so that they do not defile the Tabernacle and incur divine judgment (Leviticus 15:31-33). This verse, therefore, is an integral part of a comprehensive system of purity designed to maintain the sanctity of the Israelite camp in the presence of a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, ritual purity was paramount, especially given that God's dwelling place, the Tabernacle, resided in their midst. The laws in [Leviticus 15](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges") were not about hygiene in a modern sense, nor did they imply that natural bodily functions were inherently sinful. Instead, they served as constant object lessons about the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the separation required to approach Him. Any discharge from the body, particularly those associated with life-giving fluids, was considered to temporarily render a person ritually "unclean" or "impure" (Hebrew: _ṭāmē'_) in a ceremonial sense. This state precluded participation in certain religious activities, such as offering sacrifices or entering the Tabernacle courts. The concept of uncleanness was widespread in the ancient Near East, but Israel's laws were unique in their connection to a singular, holy God and their emphasis on moral purity alongside ritual purity. The requirement to wash and wait "until the even" (sunset) underscored the temporary nature of this impurity and God's provision for restoration to a state of ritual readiness, allowing individuals to re-engage fully with the community and its worship. The detailed nature of these laws served to instill a profound awareness of God's pervasive holiness in every aspect of life, even the most private.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seed of copulation (Hebrew, _shikvat zera'_):** This phrase literally translates to "lying of seed" or "emission of seed." It refers specifically to semen, encompassing both involuntary nocturnal emissions (often called "wet dreams") and emissions resulting from marital sexual intercourse. The term highlights the natural biological process, emphasizing that even within the bounds of God-ordained functions like procreation, a ritual cleansing was necessary to maintain the community's ceremonial purity in the presence of the Holy God. This was not about sin, but about the sacredness of life and the inherent separation between the created and the Creator.
* **Unclean until the even (Hebrew, _ṭāmē' 'ad hā'erev'_):** The term _ṭāmē'_ signifies a state of ritual impurity, not moral defilement or sin. This temporary state meant the individual was ceremonially separated from the community's sacred activities, particularly those related to the Tabernacle. The phrase "until the even" (sunset) indicates the prescribed duration of this impurity. After the required washing, the individual would remain ritually unclean until the sun set, marking the beginning of a new day in the Israelite calendar. At that point, the impurity would pass, and the person would be considered ritually clean again, able to participate fully in communal worship and life. This temporal limitation underscored God's gracious provision for restoration and re-entry into the sacred community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if any man's seed of copulation go out from him":** This clause establishes the specific condition for ritual impurity: the emission of semen. As noted in the "Key Word Analysis," this includes both involuntary nocturnal emissions and those from sexual intercourse within marriage. The law applies broadly to any male Israelite, highlighting the pervasive nature of these purity regulations across all aspects of life.
* **"then he shall wash all his flesh in water":** This is the prescribed method for purification. The phrase "all his flesh" (Hebrew: _kol-b'saro_) indicates a full body wash or immersion, not merely a partial cleansing. This act of washing symbolized the removal of the ritual defilement, a physical act mirroring a spiritual principle of separation and cleansing. The use of "water" (Hebrew: _mayim_) as the cleansing agent is common throughout the Old Testament purity laws, signifying purification and renewal.
* **"and be unclean until the even.":** This final clause specifies the duration of the ritual impurity. Despite the washing, the state of uncleanness persisted until sunset of the same day. This waiting period reinforced the seriousness of the ritual impurity and the need for God's designated time for purification. It also served as a practical measure, ensuring that the individual had fully completed the prescribed cleansing process before re-engaging with the sacred space or activities.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 15:16 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Legal Language**, characteristic of the entire book of Leviticus, which presents a series of divine statutes and ordinances. The verse is structured as a conditional clause ("If... then..."), clearly stating the condition (emission of semen) and the prescribed consequence/action (washing and temporary uncleanness). This precise, unambiguous phrasing leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding the required ritual response. Another device at play is **Symbolism**. The act of washing with water symbolizes purification and the removal of defilement, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament. The temporary nature of the uncleanness, "until the even," also carries symbolic weight, representing the passing of impurity and the restoration to a state of ritual readiness, mirroring the cycle of day and night and God's provision for renewal. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** within Leviticus 15, as similar patterns of discharge, washing, and temporary uncleanness are prescribed for various bodily fluids, reinforcing the consistent principle of ritual purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 15:16, like all purity laws in the Old Covenant, profoundly emphasizes the absolute holiness of God and the meticulous care required for humanity to live in His presence. These regulations were not about condemning natural bodily functions as sinful, but rather about teaching Israel that life in all its forms, even its most intimate and natural processes, was subject to God's order and required a state of ritual readiness to approach His sacred presence. The temporary nature of the impurity and the provision for cleansing underscored God's desire for His people to be able to return to full participation in the community and worship, demonstrating His grace even within the strictures of the Law. This system served as a constant reminder that God is set apart from all that is common or defiling, preparing His people for a deeper understanding of true spiritual purity.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - The Call to Holiness")
* [Numbers 19:13](/numbers/19-13 "Numbers 19:13 - Consequences of Defiling the Tabernacle")
* [Deuteronomy 23:10-11](/deuteronomy/23-10-11 "Deuteronomy 23:10-11 - Purity in the Camp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual purity laws of the Old Covenant are not directly binding on New Covenant believers, Leviticus 15:16 offers profound spiritual lessons that transcend its original context. It compels us to reflect on the nature of God's holiness and the pervasive influence it should have on every aspect of our lives. The meticulousness of these ancient laws reminds us that God cares about purity, not just in our spiritual intentions, but in the practical realities of our existence. It challenges us to consider what "defiles" us today, shifting the focus from external ritual impurity to internal spiritual corruption, as taught by Jesus. This verse encourages a posture of reverence and intentionality in how we live, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with honor and respect, reflecting God's design. It fosters a deeper appreciation for the complete and permanent cleansing offered through Christ, which far surpasses any temporary ritual washing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's absolute holiness, as revealed in Leviticus, shape my understanding of worship and daily living today?**
* **What "unclean" things (thoughts, habits, influences) in my life might be hindering my spiritual walk or my ability to draw near to God?**
* **In what ways does the New Covenant's emphasis on internal purity, rather than external rituals, challenge or comfort me?**

### FAQ
**Was an emission of semen considered a sin in ancient Israel?**

Answer: No, an emission of semen, whether involuntary (like a nocturnal emission) or resulting from marital relations, was not considered a sin or a moral failing under the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 15:16 describes a state of ritual impurity, not moral guilt. The purpose of the law was to maintain ceremonial purity within the Israelite camp, especially given the presence of God's Tabernacle. This temporary impurity required a ritual washing and a waiting period "until the even" (sunset) before the individual could participate in sacred activities or enter the holy precincts. It was a distinction between clean and unclean in a ceremonial sense, not between right and wrong in a moral sense. This differentiation is crucial for understanding the nuanced nature of the Levitical laws, which aimed to teach Israel about the pervasive holiness of God and the need for a people set apart for Him, even in their natural bodily functions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 15:16, with its emphasis on ritual cleansing for bodily discharges, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant's elaborate system of washings and purifications, including those for seminal emissions, served as a shadow, pointing forward to a greater, permanent cleansing. These temporary rituals could only address external, ceremonial defilement and had to be repeated constantly. However, Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered human flesh and experienced all aspects of human existence, yet without sin. His atoning sacrifice on the cross provided a complete and definitive cleansing, not merely for ritual impurity, but for the moral defilement of sin that truly separates humanity from a holy God. As the author of Hebrews declares, if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer could sanctify for ceremonial purity, "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God!" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through faith in Him, believers are made spiritually clean, not just until the evening, but eternally, allowing us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Christ's work shifts the focus from external washings to an internal transformation of the heart, making us truly pure and fit to dwell in God's presence, not by our own efforts or rituals, but by His perfect and finished work ([Mark 7:15-23](/mark/7-15-23 "Mark 7:15-23 - What Truly Defiles a Person")).

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.