Leviticus 15:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 15:31 serves as a pivotal concluding injunction to the intricate purity laws of chapter 15, emphatically underscoring the absolute necessity for the Israelites to maintain ritual cleanness. It articulates that failure to separate from uncleanness, particularly when such a state leads to the defilement of God's holy Tabernacle, carries the severe consequence of death. This verse encapsulates the profound importance of purity for preserving the divine presence among the people and upholding the sanctity of the covenant relationship, revealing that God's holiness demands a corresponding holiness from His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as the climactic summary and solemn warning at the conclusion of [Leviticus 15](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges"). The chapter meticulously details various forms of bodily discharges—such as seminal emissions (verses [Leviticus 15:1-18](/leviticus/15-1 "Leviticus 15:1-18 - Male Discharges")), menstruation (verses [Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Female Menstruation")), and abnormal flows (verses [Leviticus 15:25-30](/leviticus/15-25 "Leviticus 15:25-30 - Abnormal Discharges"))—that render an individual ritually unclean. For each condition, specific rituals for purification are prescribed, involving washing, waiting periods, and often sacrifices. Verse 31, therefore, is not merely a summary but a grave admonition, highlighting the dire consequences of neglecting these purification protocols, specifically as they relate to the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the divine presence. It reinforces the overarching theological theme of the entire book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws for a Holy People"), which is God's holiness and the non-negotiable requirement for His people to be holy in order to dwell in His presence. The verse serves as a bridge, connecting the specific purity laws to the broader covenantal obligations and the severe implications of their breach.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of purity was foundational to religious and communal life, deeply intertwined with their understanding of God's character and their covenant relationship with Him. Ritual uncleanness, as described throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"), was not inherently sinful in a moral sense but rather a temporary state that disqualified an individual from full participation in the community's worship and sacred activities. The Tabernacle, meaning "dwelling place" (Hebrew: _mishkan_), was the portable sanctuary where God's glorious presence resided among His people (as detailed in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary")). Its supreme holiness meant that any defilement, even unintentional, was a grave affront to the divine presence. The threat of death in [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") underscores the seriousness with which God viewed the sanctity of His dwelling and the communal responsibility to maintain a holy environment. This was not merely about hygiene or social order but about the integrity of the covenant, ensuring that God could continue to dwell "among them" without His holiness being compromised by human impurity. The laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's absolute holiness and the vast chasm between sinful humanity and a holy God, a chasm that required diligent adherence to prescribed rituals for reconciliation and communion.
* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness") and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Presence**. The very existence of the Tabernacle "among them" (cf. [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")) signified God's unique immanence, but this presence demanded meticulous purity. Relatedly, the theme of **Purity and Impurity** is paramount, distinguishing between states that allowed or prohibited access to the sacred. The verse highlights that ritual uncleanness, if not properly addressed, could escalate into a moral offense with dire consequences, emphasizing the **Seriousness of Defilement**. This leads to the theme of **Covenant Responsibility**: the Israelites, as God's covenant people, bore the collective responsibility to maintain the sanctity of His dwelling, lest they face divine judgment. The ultimate consequence of "death" underscores the **Gravity of Disobedience** and the life-or-death implications of maintaining the covenant relationship through adherence to God's commands, echoing warnings found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Book of the Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Separate (Hebrew, _nâzar'_):** This verb (H5144) means "to hold aloof," "to abstain," or "to set apart (to sacred purposes), i.e. devote." In [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement"), it denotes the active responsibility of the Israelites, particularly the priests, to create a clear distinction between states of cleanness and uncleanness. It implies not merely avoiding uncleanness but actively implementing the prescribed rituals and boundaries that ensure separation from anything that could defile the sacred space. This concept of separation is foundational to Israel's identity as a holy nation, set apart by God for His purposes.
* **Uncleanness (Hebrew, _ṭumʼâh'_):** This noun (H2932) refers to "religious impurity" or "filthiness." As derived from the root _ṭâmêʼ_ (to be foul), it signifies a state of ritual impurity, distinct from moral sin. While not inherently sinful, _ṭumʼâh_ rendered an individual unfit for worship or contact with sacred objects and spaces. The specific forms of uncleanness addressed in [Leviticus 15](/leviticus/15 "Leviticus 15 - Laws Concerning Bodily Discharges") relate to bodily discharges, which were symbolically connected to life's fragility or the absence of life, and thus antithetical to the life-giving, holy presence of God. Neglecting the purification rituals for _ṭumʼâh_ would, however, become a moral sin, leading to the severe consequences mentioned in the verse.
* **Defile (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This primitive root verb (H2930) means "to be foul," "to pollute," "to contaminate," or "to desecrate," especially in a ceremonial or moral sense. In this verse, it specifically refers to the act of bringing one's state of uncleanness into contact with the Tabernacle, thereby polluting God's holy dwelling place. The Tabernacle was the earthly locus of God's presence, and its defilement was a direct affront to His holiness. The consequence of death highlights the gravity of such an act, emphasizing that God's absolute holiness could not tolerate impurity in His immediate presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness;":** This opening clause functions as a direct divine command and a summary injunction, placing the responsibility squarely on the leaders and the people of Israel to ensure that the laws of purity are understood and meticulously observed. The verb "separate" (H5144, _nâzar_) implies not just avoiding uncleanness but actively implementing the purification rites and maintaining the necessary distinctions to prevent defilement. This was a communal responsibility, vital for the spiritual health and very survival of the nation in the presence of a holy God.
* **"that they die not in their uncleanness,":** This phrase articulates the severe consequence of failing to adhere to the purity laws. The "death" threatened here is a divine judgment, likely through plague, being "cut off" from the community, or a more direct divine intervention, signifying spiritual and physical demise. It underscores that ritual purity was not merely ceremonial but a matter of life and death, directly tied to the people's relationship with a holy God. To remain in a state of uncleanness and disregard the prescribed purification was to invite divine wrath and severance from the covenant community.
* **"when they defile my tabernacle that [is] among them.":** This final clause specifies the precise act that triggers the dire consequence: the defilement of God's dwelling place. The Tabernacle symbolized God's intimate, yet awesome, presence with His people, a sacred space where His holiness resided. To "defile" (H2930, _ṭâmêʼ_) it by bringing uncleanness into its proximity, or by participating in worship while unclean, was an act of profound disrespect and desecration. The phrase "that [is] among them" powerfully reinforces the concept of God's immanence and the sacred covenant He had established, making the defilement of His dwelling an attack on the very foundation of their relationship and a direct affront to His holy character.

#### Literary Devices
[Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and weighty message. The verse functions primarily as a **Declarative Command**, issuing a direct instruction ("Thus shall ye separate") that is immediately followed by a stark **Warning** of consequences ("that they die not"), creating a sense of absolute imperative and highlighting the gravity of the matter. The phrase "that they die not" is a form of **Apodosis**, presenting the dire outcome if the implied condition (failure to separate from uncleanness) is not met. There is also strong **Emphasis** on the sanctity and personal ownership of the Tabernacle, which is referred to as "my tabernacle," underscoring God's personal stake and the profound offense of its defilement. Furthermore, the entire passage relies heavily on **Symbolism**, where physical uncleanness serves as a tangible representation of spiritual separation from God, and the Tabernacle symbolizes God's holy presence that cannot tolerate impurity. The ritual laws, therefore, are symbolic expressions of the greater spiritual truth concerning God's holiness and humanity's inherent need for purification to draw near to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's absolute holiness and the non-negotiable requirement for His people to reflect that holiness, especially in their approach to His presence. The meticulous purity laws were not arbitrary but served as a constant, tangible reminder of the vast gulf between a perfectly holy God and imperfect humanity. They emphasized that God's dwelling among His people was an unparalleled privilege that demanded utmost reverence and diligent adherence to His standards. The threat of death underscored the gravity of defiling His sacred space, revealing that God's holiness is not merely an attribute but an active, consuming force that cannot tolerate impurity. This verse highlights the themes of divine immanence (God dwelling "among them"), human responsibility, and the severe consequences of dishonoring God's presence, all central to the Old Covenant and foundational for understanding God's character.

* [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45 "God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Tabernacle and Its Limitations")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual purity laws of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness") are no longer binding for believers under the New Covenant, the underlying principles of reverence for God's holiness, the necessity of spiritual purity, and the seriousness of sin remain profoundly relevant. [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") serves as a powerful reminder that God is holy and demands holiness from His people. For Christians, our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and the church is the dwelling place of God through the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). This elevates the call to purity from external ritual to internal spiritual transformation. We are called to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" ([2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Call to Purity")). Our lives, thoughts, words, and actions should reflect the indwelling presence of a holy God, ensuring that we do not "defile" the spiritual temple He inhabits within us or collectively as His church. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our walk with God is a serious matter, demanding intentionality in pursuing holiness and reverencing His presence in our daily lives, recognizing that our spiritual state impacts our communion with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's absolute holiness in [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") shape my understanding of worship and daily living in the New Covenant?**
* **In what ways might I, unknowingly or knowingly, be "defiling" the spiritual "tabernacle" of my body or the collective "tabernacle" of the church through unconfessed sin, unholy practices, or a lack of reverence?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's presence in my life and pursue spiritual purity more diligently, recognizing the serious implications of dishonoring His indwelling Spirit?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between ritual uncleanness and moral sin in Leviticus?**

Answer: In [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"), ritual uncleanness (Hebrew: _ṭumʾâh_) refers to a temporary, ceremonial state that made an individual unfit for worship or contact with sacred things. It could be contracted through various natural bodily functions (like menstruation or childbirth), contact with dead bodies, or certain skin diseases. This state was not inherently sinful in a moral sense; it did not imply moral wrongdoing. However, neglecting the prescribed purification rituals for ritual uncleanness, or intentionally entering the Tabernacle while unclean, *would* become a moral sin, as it demonstrated rebellion against God's commands and disrespect for His holiness. Moral sin, on the other hand, refers to transgressions of God's ethical and moral laws, such as lying, stealing, or idolatry, which always required repentance and often specific sacrifices for atonement (see [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings")). [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") specifically warns against the moral sin of *failing to separate* from ritual uncleanness, leading to the defilement of the Tabernacle and its dire consequences.

**Is [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific ritual purity laws concerning bodily discharges are not directly binding for Christians today, the underlying theological principles of [Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement") remain profoundly relevant. The verse teaches us about God's absolute holiness, the seriousness of His presence, and the necessity of purity for fellowship with Him. For Christians, the Tabernacle has been fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, believers individually are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and the church corporately is God's dwelling place ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). Therefore, the call to "separate from uncleanness" translates into a call for spiritual purity, moral uprightness, and reverence for God's indwelling presence in our lives and in the church. We are to pursue holiness because God is holy ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")), understanding that our spiritual state affects our communion with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Leviticus 15:31](/leviticus/15-31 "Leviticus 15:31 - The Consequence of Defilement"), with its stern warning about defiling God's Tabernacle through uncleanness and incurring death, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Tabernacle, a physical dwelling place for God's presence, was a mere shadow of the true and perfect Tabernacle, which is Christ Himself ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). While the Levitical laws required constant rituals and animal sacrifices to cleanse from temporary, ritual impurity, Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, provides a complete and permanent cleansing from the ultimate impurity: sin. 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"), making it possible for sinful humanity to approach a perfectly holy God without fear of death or judgment. Moreover, in the New Covenant, God no longer dwells in a physical tent but indwells the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and the church itself becomes the spiritual temple built on Christ as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Thus, Jesus not only purifies us from all uncleanness but also establishes a new, intimate dwelling for God "among them" that is no longer susceptible to ritual defilement, ensuring that we "die not" but have eternal life in His presence ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")) and can draw near with confidence to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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

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: