Old Testament
Leviticus 15:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When a man has an emission of semen, he must bathe his whole body in water and will be unclean until evening.
Compare translations
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.
What Leviticus 15:16 means
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 15:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 15:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 15:16 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.