Leviticus 15:5
Leviticus 15:5 in Multiple Translations
Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
And anyone touching his bed is to have his clothing washed and his body bathed in water and be unclean till evening.
Anyone who touches his bed has to wash their clothes, and wash themselves with water, and they will be unclean until the evening.
Whosoeuer also toucheth his bed, shall wash his clothes, and wash himselfe in water, and shall be vncleane vntill the euen.
and any one who cometh against his bed doth wash his garments, and hath bathed with water, and been unclean till the evening.
Whoever touches his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
And whoever toucheth his bed, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.
If ally man touch his bed, he shall wash his clothes: and being washed with water, he shall be unclean until the evening.
Anyone who touches that person’s bed must wash his clothes and bathe, and no one should touch him until that evening.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 15:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יִגַּ֖ע
בְּ/מִשְׁכָּב֑/וֹ
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
בְּגָדָ֛י/ו
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
בַּ/מַּ֖יִם
וְ/טָמֵ֥א
עַד
הָ/עָֽרֶב
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִגַּ֖ע
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/מִשְׁכָּב֑/וֹ
mishkâb
H4904
bed
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
kâbaç
H3526
to wash
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
בְּגָדָ֛י/ו
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Prep | N-mp
וְ/טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הָ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 15:5
וְ/אִ֕ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִגַּ֖ע
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
בְּ/מִשְׁכָּב֑/וֹ
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
kâbaç
H3526
"to wash"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To wash means to clean something, often by trampling or stamping on it with the feet, as seen in the process of washing clothes.
Definition: 1) to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller 1a) (Qal) washer, fuller, treader (participle) 1b) (Piel) to wash (garments, person) 1c) (Pual) to be washed 1d) (Hothpael) to be washed out
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fuller, wash(-ing). See also: Genesis 49:11; Leviticus 15:21; Psalms 51:4.
בְּגָדָ֛י/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
וְ/רָחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
בַּ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Prep | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/טָמֵ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הָ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
Study Notes — Leviticus 15:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Uncleanness of Men
3This uncleanness is from his discharge, whether his body allows the discharge to flow or blocks it. So his discharge will bring about uncleanness.
4Any bed on which the man with the discharge lies will be unclean, and any furniture on which he sits will be unclean.
5Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
6Whoever sits on furniture on which the man with the discharge was sitting must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. 7Whoever touches the body of the man with a discharge must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 11:25 | and whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. |
| 2 | Leviticus 16:26 | The man who released the goat as the scapegoat must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water; afterward he may reenter the camp. |
| 3 | Leviticus 17:15 | And any person, whether native or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening; then he will be clean. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 36:29 | I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will summon the grain and make it plentiful, and I will not bring famine upon you. |
| 5 | Leviticus 11:28 | and anyone who picks up a carcass must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. They are unclean for you. |
| 6 | Numbers 19:22 | Anything the unclean person touches will become unclean, and anyone who touches it will be unclean until evening.” |
| 7 | Leviticus 14:46–47 | Anyone who enters the house during any of the days that it is closed up will be unclean until evening. And anyone who sleeps in the house or eats in it must wash his clothes. |
| 8 | Numbers 19:10 | The man who has gathered up the ashes of the heifer must also wash his clothes, and he will be ceremonially unclean until evening. This is a permanent statute for the Israelites and for the foreigner residing among them. |
| 9 | James 4:8 | Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. |
| 10 | Psalms 26:6 | I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, |
Leviticus 15:5 Summary
In Leviticus 15:5, God is teaching the Israelites about the importance of being clean and pure, not just physically, but also spiritually. If someone touched the bed of a man with a discharge, they had to wash their clothes and bathe with water to cleanse themselves, and they would be unclean until evening. This reminds us that God is a holy God who demands purity from His people, as seen in (Leviticus 20:26) and (Deuteronomy 23:14). We can apply this principle to our own lives by striving to be separate from the world and to live lives that are pleasing to God, as mentioned in (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God give these rules about cleanliness in Leviticus 15:5?
God gave these rules to teach the Israelites about the importance of purity and holiness, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, and to protect them from the spread of disease, as mentioned in Leviticus 15:3.
What is the significance of washing clothes and bathing with water in Leviticus 15:5?
Washing clothes and bathing with water was a way to cleanse oneself from ceremonial uncleanness, as also seen in Numbers 19:19, and to prepare oneself for worship and fellowship with God.
Why was the person unclean until evening after touching the bed of the man with the discharge?
The person was unclean until evening as a reminder that uncleanness is not just physical, but also spiritual, and that God is a holy God who demands purity from His people, as stated in Leviticus 20:26 and Deuteronomy 23:14.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
While we may not follow these specific rules about cleanliness today, the principle of striving for purity and holiness still applies, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16, and we are called to be separate from the world and to live lives that are pleasing to God, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of purity and holiness to my own life, in light of Leviticus 15:5?
- How can I balance the need for physical cleanliness with the importance of spiritual purity, as taught in Scripture?
- In what ways can I be a source of spiritual cleansing and refreshing to those around me, rather than a source of uncleanness?
- What are some modern-day 'beds' or 'furniture' that I may be 'touching' that could be making me unclean, and how can I avoid them or cleanse myself from their influence?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 15:5
And whosoever toucheth his bed,.... Is unclean. According to the Misnah (x), a bed defiles a man seven ways, so as to defile garments; standing, sitting, lying, hanging, and leaning, and by touching,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 15:5
And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 15:5
(5, 6) And whosoever toucheth his bed.—The defiling power of the patient was so great that the bed, seat, or saddle which he rendered unclean by any of the above-named five acts polluted again any one who came in contact with these articles in seven different ways: by standing, sitting, lying, hanging, leaning, touching, or bearing them. The person thus polluted had to remain in this condition, debarred from the privileges of the sanctuary, till sundown, when he had to wash his garments, and immerse his whole body in water.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 15:5
5. Bathe himself in water — The Targum of Palestine specifies that the quantity of water shall be forty seahs — about seventy gallons.
Sermons on Leviticus 15:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving the presence of the Lord amidst challenging times, highlighting the need to prioritize seeking God's presence over solely relying o |
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A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo |
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"Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality. |
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A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |
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A Touch From God (Full) by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a de |
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need |
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Christ Lord and Master by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the blessings and grace that God has bestowed upon the church and its members. They also mention the success of their |