The term "menstrual" refers to the monthly cycle of menstruation experienced by women, a natural biological process involving the shedding of the uterine lining. In the context of the Bible, menstruation is addressed primarily in the Old Testament, where it is associated with ritual purity and impurity laws.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 15:19-30: This passage provides detailed instructions regarding the state of ritual impurity associated with menstruation. According to Levitical law, a woman is considered ceremonially unclean during her menstrual period. "When a woman has a discharge, and the discharge from her body is blood, she shall be in her menstrual impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until evening" (Leviticus 15:19). The passage further outlines the procedures for purification after the menstrual period, including the offering of sacrifices.

2. Leviticus 18:19: This verse prohibits sexual relations with a woman during her menstrual period, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ritual purity. "You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual impurity" (Leviticus 18:19).

3. Ezekiel 18:6: The prophet Ezekiel reiterates the prohibition against sexual relations during menstruation as part of a broader call to righteousness and adherence to God's laws. "He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her period" (Ezekiel 18:6).

Theological and Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, the laws concerning menstruation were part of a broader system of purity laws that governed various aspects of daily life. These laws were intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people dedicated to God. The concept of ritual impurity was not synonymous with sinfulness but rather indicated a temporary state that required purification.

The restrictions associated with menstruation served several purposes. They underscored the sanctity of life and the importance of blood, which was considered the life force. The laws also provided a period of rest and separation for women, which could be seen as a time for physical and spiritual renewal.

New Testament Perspective:

While the New Testament does not explicitly address menstruation, it emphasizes the fulfillment of the Law through Jesus Christ. The focus shifts from ritual purity to spiritual purity and moral conduct. In the Gospels, Jesus' interactions with women, including those considered ritually unclean, demonstrate a compassionate approach that transcends traditional purity laws. For example, in the account of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), Jesus heals her and commends her faith, highlighting the transformative power of grace and faith over ritual observance.

Contemporary Considerations:

In modern Christian thought, the Old Testament laws regarding menstruation are often viewed as part of the ceremonial law fulfilled in Christ. While these laws are not typically observed in contemporary Christian practice, they provide insight into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative. They also offer an opportunity to reflect on the themes of holiness, purity, and the dignity of women as created in the image of God.1. (a.) Recurring once a month; monthly; gone through in a month; as, the menstrual revolution of the moon; pertaining to monthly changes; as, the menstrual equation of the sun's place.

2. (a.) of or pertaining to the menses; as, menstrual discharges; the menstrual period.

3. (a.) of or pertaining to a menstruum.

5079. niddah -- impurity
... Word Origin from nadad Definition impurity NASB Word Usage abhorrent (1), abhorrent
thing (2), impurity (8), menstrual (1), menstrual impurity (7), menstrual ...
/hebrew/5079.htm - 6k

5708. ed -- filthy
... filthy From an unused root meaning to set a period (compare adah, uwd); the menstrual
flux (as periodical); by implication (in plural) soiling -- filthy. ...
/hebrew/5708.htm - 6k

2101. zob -- an issue (of fluid)
... Word Origin from zub Definition an issue (of fluid) NASB Word Usage discharge (13).
issue. From zuwb; a seminal or menstrual flux -- issue. see HEBREW zuwb. ...
/hebrew/2101.htm - 6k

Whether the Flesh of Christ was Conceived of the virgin's Purest ...
... men's bodies. But other men's bodies are not formed from the purest blood
but from the semen and the menstrual blood. Therefore ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the flesh of christ 3.htm

Whether it is Allowable for a Menstruous Wife to Ask for the ...
... reason, although not on account of the first. Now, the menstrual issue may
be natural or unnatural. The natural issue is that to which ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is allowable for.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ...
... For neither lawful mixture, nor child-bearing, nor the menstrual purgation, nor
nocturnal pollution, can defile the nature of a man, or separate the Holy ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v the teaching of the.htm

Eighth Tractate. On the Intellectual Beauty.
... It has nothing to do with the blood or the menstrual process: either there is also
a colour and form apart from all this, or there is nothing unless sheer ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/eighth tractate on the intellectual.htm

The Letter of the Blessed Dionysius, the Archbishop of Alexandria ...
... question proposed, was whether Christian women should be excluded from the church
and need follow the example of the Hebrews, who "when the menstrual flux was ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/i the letter of the.htm

Whether the Blessed virgin Cooperated Actively in the Conception ...
... viii. By a supernatural power, because they say that the mother requires not only
to supply the matter, which is the menstrual blood, but also the semen, which ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the blessed virgin cooperated.htm

Concerning Macherus, and How Lucilius Bassus Took that Citadel ...
... by such as would do it, but recedes from their hands, nor will yield itself to be
taken quietly, until either the urine of a woman, or her menstrual blood, be ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning macherus and.htm

Whether Consanguinity is Rightly Defined?
... That sometimes one relation is called the flesh of another, is because the blood
which is transformed into the man's seed or into the menstrual fluid is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether consanguinity is rightly defined.htm

How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste ...
... is full, it is not easy to cut off the rest, for it is so tenacious as to make the
ship hang upon its clods till they set it loose with the menstrual blood of ...
/.../chapter 8 how vespasian upon.htm

Menstrual (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Recurring once a month; monthly; gone through in a month; as, the menstrual
revolution of the moon; pertaining to monthly changes; as, the menstrual...
/m/menstrual.htm - 9k

Flood (70 Occurrences)
... currency. 4. (vi) Menstrual discharge; menses. 5. (vt) To overflow; to inundate;
to deluge; as, the swollen river flooded the valley. ...
/f/flood.htm - 31k

Flower (33 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A figure of speech; an ornament of style. 7. (n.) Ornamental type used chiefly
for borders around pages, cards, etc. 8. (n.) Menstrual discharges. ...
/f/flower.htm - 18k

Menstruation (3 Occurrences)

/m/menstruation.htm - 7k

Men-stealers (1 Occurrence)
Men-stealers. Menstealers, Men-stealers. Menstrual . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Menstealers, Men-stealers. Menstrual . Reference Bible.
/m/men-stealers.htm - 6k

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