Old Testament
Leviticus 15:11
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If the man with the discharge touches someone without first rinsing his hands in water, that person must wash their clothes, bathe in water, and will be unclean until evening.
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And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
What Leviticus 15:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 15:11, the focus is on the importance of cleanliness and the consequences of touching someone who is considered unclean due to a bodily discharge. If a man with such a discharge touches another person without first washing his hands, that person becomes ceremonially unclean. This means they must wash their clothes and bathe, and they will remain unclean until evening. This law emphasizes the need for ritual purity in the community and the seriousness of maintaining cleanliness, especially in a religious context. It reflects the broader theme of holiness in the Israelite community, where physical cleanliness is linked to spiritual purity. The act of washing and bathing serves as a reminder of the need for purification and the importance of adhering to God's commandments regarding cleanliness and health.
How to apply Leviticus 15:11 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and being mindful of our actions, especially in communal settings. It reminds us that our choices can affect others, and we should take responsibility for our health and cleanliness to foster a safe and respectful environment.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 15:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 15:11 say about touching someone unclean?
Leviticus 15:11 states that if a man with a bodily discharge touches someone without first rinsing his hands, the person he touches becomes ceremonially unclean. This means they must wash their clothes and bathe, remaining unclean until evening. This law underscores the importance of cleanliness and the impact of one person's condition on the community.
Why is cleanliness emphasized in Leviticus 15:11?
Cleanliness in Leviticus 15:11 is emphasized to maintain ritual purity within the Israelite community. The laws regarding bodily discharges and cleanliness reflect a broader theme of holiness, where physical cleanliness is linked to spiritual purity. This serves to remind the community of the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the need for personal responsibility in maintaining health and hygiene.
How can Leviticus 15:11 be applied today?
Leviticus 15:11 can be applied today by highlighting the importance of personal hygiene and the impact of our actions on others. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health and cleanliness, especially in communal settings. This verse serves as a reminder to be mindful of how our choices affect those around us and to foster a safe and respectful environment.
What does being 'unclean' mean in this context?
In the context of Leviticus 15:11, being 'unclean' refers to a state of ceremonial impurity that affects a person's ability to participate in religious activities and community life. This state is temporary and requires specific actions, such as washing clothes and bathing, to restore cleanliness. It reflects the broader understanding of purity laws in the Israelite community, emphasizing the need for ritual cleanliness.
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