Leviticus 15:8

And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

And if he that hath the issue {H2100} spit {H7556} upon him that is clean {H2889}; then he shall wash {H3526} his clothes {H899}, and bathe {H7364} himself in water {H4325}, and be unclean {H2930} until the even {H6153}.

If the person with the discharge spits on someone who is clean, the latter is to wash his clothes and bathe himself in water; he will be unclean until evening.

If the man with the discharge spits on one who is clean, that person must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.

And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean, then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

Commentary

Commentary for Leviticus 15:8 KJV

Context of Leviticus 15:8

Leviticus 15 details the laws concerning various bodily discharges that rendered an individual ritually unclean in ancient Israel. This chapter, part of the broader Levitical purity code, outlines specific conditions for men and women, focusing on emissions that were not considered normal or healthy. The purpose of these laws was not primarily about physical hygiene as we understand it today, but about maintaining the sacredness of the community and the tabernacle. The regulations served to distinguish the holy from the common and the clean from the unclean, ensuring Israel's fitness to dwell in God's presence. Verse 8 specifically addresses the transmission of uncleanness through direct contact, even by a seemingly minor act like spitting.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Transmission of Uncleanness: This verse highlights how ritual impurity could be transferred from an unclean person to a clean one, even through direct or less obvious means like saliva. It underscores the pervasive nature of uncleanness under the Old Covenant system.
  • Holiness and Separation: The detailed purity laws emphasized the need for Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for God. Any impurity, whether intentional or accidental, required specific rituals to restore ceremonial cleanness, reflecting God's absolute holiness and the need for His people to reflect that.
  • Ritual Purification: The prescribed actions—washing clothes and bathing in water—were standard methods of purification for temporary uncleanness. These acts symbolized a cleansing and restoration to a state where the individual could once again participate fully in communal and religious life after sunset.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "issue" (זָב, zav) refers to a flow or discharge, specifically in the context of bodily fluids that caused ritual impurity. The phrase "unclean until the even" (טָמֵא עַד הָעָרֶב, tame' ad ha'arev) is a recurring legal formula throughout Leviticus, indicating a temporary state of ritual impurity that would conclude at sunset after the prescribed purification rites were performed. This temporal limitation signifies that the uncleanness was not permanent but could be remedied.

Practical Application and Significance

While these specific ritual laws are not binding on New Covenant believers (as the New Testament clarifies that all foods are clean and ceremonial distinctions are fulfilled in Christ), the principles behind them offer valuable insights.

  • Understanding Sin's Pervasiveness: Just as physical uncleanness could spread easily, so too can sin. Our actions, words, and even attitudes can impact others, making us spiritually "unclean" if we do not seek forgiveness and cleansing.
  • God's Standard of Holiness: The meticulous nature of these laws reminds us of God's absolute holiness and His desire for His people to live lives set apart for Him. Though the rituals have changed, the call to spiritual purity remains.
  • Christ as Our Cleansing: For believers today, true cleansing from sin and impurity comes not through ritual baths but through faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all purification rituals, allowing us to draw near to a holy God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jude 1:4

    For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Galatians 1:8

    But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

  • Galatians 1:9

    As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

  • Titus 1:9

    Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

  • Titus 1:10

    For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

  • Isaiah 1:16

    ¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
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