Old Testament
Leviticus 15:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You must keep the people of Israel separate from things that make them unclean. Otherwise, they will die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that stands among them."
Compare translations
Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.
What Leviticus 15:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 15:31, God instructs the Israelites to maintain their purity and avoid anything that could make them unclean. This is crucial because their uncleanness could lead to death, especially if it results in defiling the tabernacle, which is the sacred dwelling place of God among them. The verse emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from impurities, as these could disrupt their relationship with God. The Israelites are reminded that their actions have consequences, particularly in how they approach worship and their communal life. By adhering to these guidelines, they demonstrate their commitment to God and His standards for living. This call to separation is not just about physical cleanliness but also about spiritual integrity, ensuring that they remain in right standing with God and can experience His presence without the barrier of sin or impurity.
How to apply Leviticus 15:31 to your life
Today, this verse reminds us to be mindful of what we allow into our lives. Just as the Israelites were called to avoid uncleanness, we should strive to keep our hearts and minds pure, avoiding influences that could lead us away from God. This can involve making choices about our relationships, media consumption, and personal habits.
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 15:31
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 15:31
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 15:31 teach about purity?
Leviticus 15:31 emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity among the Israelites. God instructs them to avoid anything that could make them unclean, as their uncleanness could lead to death, especially if it defiles the tabernacle. This highlights the significance of holiness and the need to separate from impurities to maintain a right relationship with God.
How can we apply Leviticus 15:31 in modern life?
In modern life, Leviticus 15:31 encourages us to be mindful of what influences we allow into our lives. Just as the Israelites were called to avoid uncleanness, we should strive to keep our hearts and minds pure. This may involve making conscious choices about our relationships, the media we consume, and our personal habits to ensure they align with our commitment to God.
What are the consequences of spiritual uncleanness according to this verse?
According to Leviticus 15:31, spiritual uncleanness can have serious consequences, including the risk of death for the Israelites if they defile the tabernacle. This serves as a warning that our actions have repercussions, particularly in how we approach worship and our relationship with God. It underscores the need for spiritual integrity and the importance of adhering to God's standards.
Why is the tabernacle significant in Leviticus 15:31?
The tabernacle is significant in Leviticus 15:31 because it represents God's dwelling place among the Israelites. Defiling the tabernacle through uncleanness disrupts the sacred relationship between God and His people. The verse stresses the need for the Israelites to maintain their purity to honor God's presence and ensure they can worship Him without barriers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.