Leviticus 15:13

And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

And when he that hath an issue {H2100} is cleansed {H2891} of his issue {H2101}; then he shall number {H5608} to himself seven {H7651} days {H3117} for his cleansing {H2893}, and wash {H3526} his clothes {H899}, and bathe {H7364} his flesh {H1320} in running {H2416} water {H4325}, and shall be clean {H2891}.

"'When a person with a discharge has become free of it, he is to count seven days for his purification. Then he is to wash his clothes and bathe his body in running water; after that, he will be clean.

When the man has been cleansed from his discharge, he must count off seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe himself in fresh water, and he shall be clean.

And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue, then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes; and he shall bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

Commentary

Leviticus 15:13 is part of a detailed section (Leviticus 15) outlining the ceremonial laws concerning various bodily discharges that rendered an individual ritually unclean in ancient Israel. This specific verse describes the purification process for a man who has had an "issue" or chronic bodily discharge, making him impure. The passage emphasizes the meticulous steps required by God for restoration to ritual purity and full participation in the community and worship.

Context

The Book of Leviticus, often referred to as the "handbook for priests," is largely concerned with the holiness of God and the means by which His people could approach and live in His presence. Chapters 11-15 detail various laws related to purity and impurity, covering topics like clean and unclean foods, childbirth, skin diseases, and bodily discharges. These regulations were not about hygiene in a modern medical sense, but about maintaining a state of ritual cleanliness necessary for communal worship and living within the holy presence of God. The "issue" mentioned here (Leviticus 15:2) refers to an abnormal or continuous bodily flow, which made the person and anything they touched unclean.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Impurity: This verse highlights the strict requirements for cleansing from ritual impurity. Such impurity affected one's ability to participate in the tabernacle worship and interact freely within the community.
  • Divine Mandate for Cleansing: The instructions are specific and divinely ordained, emphasizing that God Himself established the path to purity. It wasn't merely a cultural custom but a sacred command.
  • Thoroughness of Purification: The process involves a waiting period of seven days, the washing of clothes, and bathing in "running water." This multi-step approach underscores the necessity of a complete and deliberate purification.
  • The Nature of "Running Water": The Hebrew phrase for "running water" is mayim chayyim (ืžึทื™ึดื ื—ึทื™ึดึผื™ื), literally "living waters." This refers to fresh, flowing water from a spring, river, or cistern, as opposed to stagnant water. It symbolizes life and active cleansing, a concept later echoed in the New Testament with Jesusโ€™ offer of living water and the rivers of living water flowing from believers.

Practical Application

While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus are not binding on New Covenant believers (as outlined in Acts 15 and Colossians 2:16-17), this verse offers timeless spiritual principles:

  • God's Standard of Holiness: It reminds us that God is holy and desires His people to be holy. The meticulous nature of these laws illustrates God's demand for purity in every aspect of life.
  • The Need for Cleansing: Just as physical issues rendered one impure, sin renders us spiritually unclean. We require thorough cleansing to be in right relationship with God.
  • The Ultimate Cleansing: The Old Testament rituals, including the washing with water, were shadows pointing to the superior and complete cleansing provided by the blood of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice offers a much greater cleansing, purifying our consciences from dead works to serve the living God.
  • Active Participation in Purity: The requirement to "wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water" indicates that cleansing was not passive. There was an active, deliberate effort required on the part of the individual. Similarly, our spiritual purification involves repentance and faith, actively turning away from sin and embracing Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 14:8 (4 votes)

    And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.

  • Leviticus 8:33 (4 votes)

    And ye shall not go out of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation [in] seven days, until the days of your consecration be at an end: for seven days shall he consecrate you.

  • Leviticus 15:5 (3 votes)

    And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

  • Leviticus 15:28 (3 votes)

    But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.

  • Numbers 19:11 (2 votes)

    ยถ He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days.

  • Numbers 19:12 (2 votes)

    He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean.

  • Numbers 12:14 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in [again].