Leviticus 17:16

But if he wash [them] not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.

But if he wash {H3526} them not, nor bathe {H7364} his flesh {H1320}; then he shall bear {H5375} his iniquity {H5771}.

But if he doesn't wash them or bathe his body, he will bear the consequences of his wrongdoing."

But if he does not wash his clothes and bathe himself, then he shall bear his iniquity.โ€

But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh, then he shall bear his iniquity.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 17:16

Leviticus 17:16 concludes a specific regulation concerning the consumption of animals that died naturally or were torn by wild beasts (Leviticus 17:15). Under the Old Testament law, eating such meat rendered a person ceremonially unclean. The preceding verse specifies that if a person eats such meat, they must wash their clothes and bathe their flesh, and they will be unclean until evening. Our verse, Leviticus 17:16, outlines the consequence if this purification ritual is neglected. This entire chapter, Leviticus 17, emphasizes the sanctity of life and blood, central to the sacrificial system and the concept of atonement, as highlighted in Leviticus 17:11 where the blood is declared to be the life, given for atonement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ritual Purity and Impurity: The verse underscores the meticulous attention to ritual cleanliness required of the Israelites. Certain actions or contacts, like consuming unclean meat, defiled a person ceremonially, making them unfit for worship or full participation in the community until purified.
  • Consequence of Disobedience: The phrase "then he shall bear his iniquity" signifies a serious consequence for neglecting the prescribed purification. This often meant remaining in a state of ritual impurity, being cut off from the community, or facing divine displeasure. It implied spiritual accountability and the suffering of the consequences for one's actions or omissions.
  • Holiness of God and His People: These laws served to teach the Israelites about God's absolute holiness and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness. Maintaining ceremonial purity was a tangible way to acknowledge God's standards and live set apart for Him, as commanded in verses like 1 Peter 1:16, which echoes the Old Testament call to holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase in this verse is "bear his iniquity." In Hebrew, this is nasa avon (ื ึธืฉึธื‚ื ืขึธื•ึนืŸ). The verb nasa means "to carry" or "to bear," and avon refers to "iniquity," "guilt," or "punishment for sin." Therefore, "to bear his iniquity" means to be held responsible for one's sin and to suffer the consequences of that guilt. In the context of the Law, this often meant exclusion from the camp or sacred rites, a severe social and spiritual penalty, signifying a breach in one's covenant relationship with God and the community.

Practical Application

While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus are not directly binding on New Covenant believers, their underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. This verse teaches us about:

  • Accountability for Sin: We are still accountable for our actions and omissions. Neglecting spiritual cleansing and repentance can lead to spiritual defilement and separation from God's full blessing, even if the consequences differ from ancient Israel.
  • The Need for Cleansing: The Old Testament rituals foreshadowed the ultimate cleansing provided by Jesus Christ. We are made pure not by washing with water, but by the shedding of Christ's blood, which cleanses us from all sin (Hebrews 9:22). Our sanctification is through the offering of His body (Hebrews 10:10).
  • Respect for God's Standards: This verse reminds us that God is holy and desires His people to pursue holiness in all aspects of life. It encourages a careful consideration of our spiritual state and a readiness to confess sin and seek God's forgiveness through Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 5:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

  • Numbers 19:19 (2 votes)

    And the clean [person] shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.

  • Numbers 19:20 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Leviticus 20:19 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

  • Leviticus 20:20 (2 votes)

    And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

  • 1 Peter 2:24 (2 votes)

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • Isaiah 53:11 (2 votes)

    He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.