Leviticus 15:19

When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening.

Study Bible

When a woman has a discharge consisting of blood from her body
This phrase refers to the natural menstrual cycle experienced by women. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bodily discharges were often associated with impurity, not as a moral failing but as a ritual state. The discharge of blood is a normal biological process, yet it was seen as a state of ritual impurity in the Israelite community. This reflects the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean, as seen in Leviticus.

she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days
The period of seven days corresponds to the typical length of a menstrual cycle. The concept of being "unclean" is not about sinfulness but about ritual purity. This period of uncleanness required separation from certain religious activities and communal interactions. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in the creation week in Genesis 1. This period allowed for a complete cycle of purification.

and anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening
This regulation extended the state of ritual impurity to those who came into contact with the woman during her menstruation. The evening marked the beginning of a new day in the Hebrew calendar, symbolizing a fresh start and the restoration of purity. This reflects the communal nature of purity laws, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the community and the importance of maintaining holiness. The concept of evening purification is also seen in other contexts, such as in Leviticus 11:24-25 regarding contact with unclean animals.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, forming the community of God's chosen people.

3. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where purity laws were especially significant.

4. Menstrual Impurity
A state of ritual impurity associated with a woman's menstrual cycle, as described in the law.

5. Priests
The religious leaders responsible for teaching and enforcing the laws of purity among the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
The laws of Leviticus highlight the importance of holiness and separation from impurity, teaching us about God's standards.

Symbolism of Blood
Blood, often associated with life and covenant, also represents impurity in certain contexts, pointing to the need for atonement.

Community and Contamination
The laws emphasize the impact of individual impurity on the community, reminding us of our interconnectedness and responsibility to one another.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' life and sacrifice fulfill the purity laws, offering us a deeper understanding of spiritual cleanliness.

Practical Holiness
While the specific laws may not apply today, the principle of living a life set apart for God remains relevant.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual impurity in Leviticus 15:19 help us understand the holiness of God?

2. In what ways does the account of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 relate to the laws in Leviticus 15:19?

3. How can we apply the principles of purity and holiness in our daily lives, even though we are not bound by Old Testament purity laws?

4. What does Hebrews 9:13-14 teach us about the difference between Old Testament purification and the cleansing offered by Christ?

5. How can understanding the communal aspect of impurity in Leviticus help us in fostering a healthy and holy community today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 12
Discusses purification after childbirth, showing the broader context of purity laws related to bodily discharges.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood, illustrating the social and religious implications of impurity.

Hebrews 9:13-14
Explains how Christ's sacrifice purifies us, contrasting with the temporary purification of the Old Testament laws.

Isaiah 64:6
Highlights human impurity and the need for divine cleansing, relevant to understanding the spiritual symbolism of purity laws.

1 John 1:7
Speaks of the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, offering a New Testament perspective on purity.