Leviticus 15:18

The woman also with whom man shall lie [with] seed of copulation, they shall [both] bathe [themselves] in water, and be unclean until the even.

The woman {H802} also with whom man {H376} shall lie {H7901} with seed {H2233} of copulation {H7902}, they shall both bathe {H7364} themselves in water {H4325}, and be unclean {H2930} until the even {H6153}.

If a man goes to bed with a woman and has sexual relations, both are to bathe themselves in water; they will be unclean until evening.

If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening.

The woman also with whom a man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 15:18 (KJV)

Leviticus 15:18 is part of a broader section in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11-15) that details various forms of ritual impurity and the necessary purification rites. This particular verse addresses the ceremonial uncleanness resulting from normal marital sexual relations.

Context

In ancient Israel, the laws of purity and impurity were central to the nation's relationship with God and their ability to participate in communal worship. These regulations were not about sin or moral transgression in this context, but rather about a temporary, ceremonial state that rendered individuals "unclean" (tameh). This uncleanness prevented access to the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) and participation in certain religious rituals until purification was completed. The preceding verses in Leviticus 15 detail similar laws concerning other bodily discharges, such as seminal emissions (Leviticus 15:16) and menstruation (Leviticus 15:19).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Purity: The overarching theme of Leviticus is God's call for His people to be holy, just as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44). These laws emphasized the sacredness of life and the need for careful distinction between the clean and the unclean, preparing the Israelites for the presence of a holy God in their midst.
  • Ritual Cleansing: The requirement for both the man and the woman to "bathe themselves in water" highlights the importance of ritual purification. This act of washing symbolized a return to a state of ceremonial readiness for divine interaction and community life.
  • Temporary Uncleanness: The phrase "unclean until the even" signifies that this state of impurity was not permanent but temporary, lasting until sunset. This provided a clear timeframe for the duration of the ceremonial separation.
  • God's Order in All of Life: Even intimate aspects of human life were brought under God's divine order and regulation, demonstrating that all areas of existence were to be consecrated to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "unclean" is ṭāmēʾ, which denotes a state of ritual impurity. It is distinct from moral sin. The term "seed of copulation" refers to semen, and the act described is normal sexual intercourse. The instruction to "bathe themselves in water" uses the Hebrew verb rāḥaṣ, meaning to wash or bathe, a common element in ancient purification rites.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual laws of Leviticus are not binding for New Covenant believers, as Christ fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17), the underlying principles remain relevant:

  • God Desires Purity: The emphasis on purity reminds us that God is holy and desires His people to live lives of holiness in all aspects, including sexuality. The New Testament shifts the focus from ceremonial purity to inner, spiritual purity (Mark 7:19).
  • Need for Cleansing: The concept of requiring cleansing for impurity points to humanity's ongoing need for spiritual purification from sin, which is provided solely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:14).
  • Respect for God's Boundaries: These laws encouraged a constant awareness of God's presence and His standards, fostering a reverent approach to life. Today, believers are called to honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 2:22 (2 votes)

    ¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

  • 1 Samuel 21:4 (2 votes)

    And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

  • 1 Samuel 21:5 (2 votes)

    And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women [have been] kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and [the bread is] in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.

  • Exodus 19:15 (2 votes)

    And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:18 (2 votes)

    Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

  • Ephesians 5:3 (2 votes)

    ¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;