Old Testament
Leviticus 15:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse from Leviticus addresses the laws regarding ritual purity, specifically in relation to bodily discharges.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Anyone who touches her bed must wash their clothes, bathe in water, and will be unclean until evening.
And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Leviticus addresses the laws regarding ritual purity, specifically in relation to bodily discharges. It states that if someone touches the bed of a woman who is experiencing a discharge, they must take specific actions to become clean again. This includes washing their clothes and bathing in water. The person will remain unclean until evening, which means they cannot participate in certain religious activities or enter the temple until they have completed these purification steps. This reflects the importance of cleanliness and the regulations surrounding it in the Israelite community, emphasizing the need for physical and spiritual purity in their worship practices. Explore related obedience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 15:21 to your life
Understanding the importance of cleanliness can help us appreciate the need for personal and communal hygiene. In our lives today, we can apply this by being mindful of our physical and spiritual health, ensuring we maintain practices that promote well-being and respect for ourselves and others.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 15:21 mean?
Leviticus 15:21 outlines the laws of ritual purity regarding a woman experiencing a bodily discharge. It states that anyone who touches her bed must wash their clothes and bathe, remaining unclean until evening.
What is the significance of being unclean until evening in Leviticus 15:21?
Being unclean until evening means that the person cannot participate in certain religious activities or enter the temple until they have completed the required purification steps, highlighting the importance of cleanliness in worship.
What actions must be taken according to Leviticus 15:21?
According to Leviticus 15:21, if someone touches the bed of a woman with a discharge, they must wash their clothes and bathe in water to become clean again.
Why are cleanliness laws important in Leviticus 15:21?
The cleanliness laws in Leviticus 15:21 emphasize the need for physical and spiritual purity within the Israelite community, reflecting their cultural practices and obedience to God's regulations.

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.
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 • Save over 90%
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.