Old Testament

Leviticus 15:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

Leviticus 15:16 addresses the issue of ritual cleanliness in ancient Israelite society.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body in water and will be unclean until evening.

KJVKing James Version

And if any man’s seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

Leviticus 15:16 addresses the issue of ritual cleanliness in ancient Israelite society. When a man experiences a seminal emission, he is required to wash his entire body in water. This act of bathing is a physical representation of purification. The man remains ceremonially unclean until evening, meaning he cannot participate in certain religious activities or enter the temple until he has completed the purification process. This law emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual purity and the belief that bodily emissions could render a person unclean. The focus on cleanliness reflects broader themes in Leviticus regarding holiness and the need for the Israelites to distinguish themselves from other nations. This verse serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual aspects of cleanliness in the community, highlighting the connection between bodily states and one's standing before God.

How to apply Leviticus 15:16 to your life

Understanding the significance of cleanliness can help us appreciate the importance of personal and spiritual hygiene in our lives today. While we may not follow these ancient laws, the principle of maintaining purity—both physically and spiritually—remains relevant. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our relationship with God and others.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 15:16 mean?

Leviticus 15:16 outlines the requirement for a man to wash his entire body after a seminal emission, marking a period of ritual uncleanliness until evening. This reflects the ancient Israelite emphasis on purity and the need to maintain a distinction in their religious practices.

What is the significance of washing in Leviticus 15:16?

Washing in Leviticus 15:16 symbolizes purification and the restoration of ritual cleanliness. It highlights the importance of being ceremonially clean to participate in religious activities and maintain a proper relationship with God.

What does 'unclean until evening' mean in Leviticus 15:16?

'Unclean until evening' means that the man cannot engage in certain religious practices or enter the temple until the day has ended and he has completed the washing ritual. This period emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining ritual purity.

How does Leviticus 15:16 relate to modern cleanliness?

While the specific laws of Leviticus 15:16 may not apply today, the principle of maintaining personal and spiritual cleanliness remains relevant. It encourages individuals to consider how their actions affect their relationships with themselves, others, and God.

The Book of Leviticus
Book Summary

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.

Premium

Unlock the full Leviticus summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Leviticus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 27 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Leviticus summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.