Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When a man has sexual relations with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both of them must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. New Living Translation After a man and a woman have sexual intercourse, they must each bathe in water, and they will remain unclean until the next evening. English Standard Version If a man lies with a woman and has an emission of semen, both of them shall bathe themselves in water and be unclean until the evening. Berean Standard Bible If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening. Berean Literal Bible And a woman that a man lies with, and there is seed from lying, then they shall bathe in the water, and they be unclean until the evening. King James Bible The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even. New King James Version Also, when a woman lies with a man, and there is an emission of semen, they shall bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. New American Standard Bible If a man sleeps with a woman so that there is a seminal emission, they shall both bathe in water and be unclean until evening. NASB 1995 If a man lies with a woman so that there is a seminal emission, they shall both bathe in water and be unclean until evening. NASB 1977 ‘If a man lies with a woman so that there is a seminal emission, they shall both bathe in water and be unclean until evening. Legacy Standard Bible If there is a woman with whom a man lies so that there is a seminal emission, they shall both bathe in water and be unclean until evening. Amplified Bible If a man lies with a woman so that there is a seminal emission, they shall both bathe in water and be unclean until evening. Berean Annotated Bible If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening. Christian Standard Bible If a man sleeps with a woman and has an emission of semen, both of them are to bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening. Holman Christian Standard Bible If a man sleeps with a woman and has an emission of semen, both of them are to bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening.” American Standard Version The woman also with whom a man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even. Contemporary English Version After having sex, both the man and the woman must take a bath, but they still remain unclean until evening. English Revised Version The woman also with whom a man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even. GOD'S WORD® Translation "When a man has sexual intercourse with a woman and has an emission of semen, they must wash themselves. They will be unclean until evening. Good News Translation After sexual intercourse both the man and the woman must take a bath, and they remain unclean until evening. International Standard Version When a man has sexual relations with a woman and the man releases semen, both are to bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening." NET Bible When a man has sexual intercourse with a woman and there is a seminal emission, they must bathe in water and be unclean until evening. New Heart English Bible If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening. Webster's Bible Translation The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening. World English Bible If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd a woman with whom a man lies with seed [from] intercourse, they also have bathed with water, and been unclean until the evening. Berean Literal Bible And a woman that a man lies with, and there is seed from lying, then they shall bathe in the water, and they be unclean until the evening. Young's Literal Translation 'And a woman with whom a man lieth with seed of copulation, they also have bathed with water, and been unclean till the evening. Smith's Literal Translation And a woman whom a man shall lie with her, with the effusion of seed, and they washed in water, and were unclean till the evening. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe woman, with whom he copulateth, shall be washed with water, and shall be unclean until the evening. Catholic Public Domain Version The woman with whom he has had sexual intercourse shall be washed with water, and she shall be unclean until evening. New American Bible If a man has sexual relations with a woman, they shall both bathe in water and be unclean until evening. New Revised Standard Version If a man lies with a woman and has an emission of semen, both of them shall bathe in water, and be unclean until the evening. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf a woman also lie with a man having an emission of semen, they shall both bathe themselves in water and be unclean until the evening. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a woman who will lie down with the man copulating of seed, they shall bathe in water and they shall be defiled until evening. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The woman also with whom a man shall lie carnally, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even. Brenton Septuagint Translation And a woman, if a man shall lie with her with seed of copulation - they shall both bathe themselves in water and shall be unclean until evening. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Cleansing of Men…17Any clothing or leather on which there is an emission of semen must be washed with water, and it will remain unclean until evening. 18If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening. Cross References If a man lies with a woman Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Proverbs 5:18-19 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. / The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. / Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control. and there is an emission of semen, Deuteronomy 23:10-11 If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, he must leave the camp and stay outside. / When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp. Genesis 38:9-10 But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. / What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well. Exodus 19:15 “Be prepared for the third day,” he said to the people. “Do not draw near to a woman.” both must bathe with water, Leviticus 14:8-9 The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days. / On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair—his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean. Numbers 19:7-8 Then the priest must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water; after that he may enter the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean until evening. / The one who burned the heifer must also wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and he too will be ceremonially unclean until evening. Leviticus 17:15-16 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. / But if he does not wash his clothes and bathe himself, then he shall bear his iniquity.” and they will remain unclean until evening. Leviticus 11:24-25 These creatures will make you unclean. Whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening, / and whoever picks up one of their carcasses must wash his clothes, and he will be unclean until evening. Numbers 19:19 The man who is ceremonially clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and that evening he will be clean. Leviticus 11:39-40 If an animal that you may eat dies, anyone who touches the carcass will be unclean until evening. / Whoever eats from the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening, and anyone who picks up the carcass must wash his clothes and will be unclean until evening. 1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. / Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. Ephesians 5:3 But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Treasury of Scripture The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even. the woman Leviticus 15:5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, … Ephesians 5:3-11 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; … unclean Exodus 19:15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives. 1 Samuel 21:4,5 And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women… Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Jump to Previous Bathe Bathed Carnally Copulation Emission Evening Goes Lies Relations Seed Semen Seminal Sex Themselves Unclean WaterJump to Next Bathe Bathed Carnally Copulation Emission Evening Goes Lies Relations Seed Semen Seminal Sex Themselves Unclean WaterLeviticus 15 1. The uncleanness of men in their issues13. The cleansing of them 19. The uncleanness of women in their issues 28. Their cleansing If a man lies with a woman This phrase refers to the act of sexual intercourse, which is a natural and God-ordained part of marriage. In the context of Leviticus, the focus is on ritual purity rather than moral judgment. The act itself is not sinful but requires purification due to the emission of bodily fluids, which were considered sources of impurity in the Levitical law. This reflects the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between the holy and the common, as seen in Leviticus 10:10. and there is an emission of semen, both must bathe with water, and they will remain unclean until evening. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites. 2. Israelites The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, as part of their covenant relationship with God. 3. Tabernacle The central place of worship for the Israelites, where purity laws were especially significant. 4. Ritual Purity The state of being ceremonially clean, which was necessary for participation in worship and community life. 5. Evening The time by which ritual impurity would end, marking a new day in the Hebrew calendar. Teaching Points Understanding Ritual PurityThe laws in Leviticus highlight the importance of ritual purity in maintaining a relationship with God. While these specific laws are not binding on Christians today, they remind us of the holiness required to approach God. Symbolism of Cleansing The act of bathing symbolizes a deeper spiritual cleansing. As Christians, we are called to seek spiritual purity through repentance and faith in Christ. Temporary vs. Eternal Purity The temporary nature of uncleanness until evening points to the eternal purity we have in Christ, who cleanses us from all sin. Respect for the Marriage Covenant This law underscores the sanctity of the marriage relationship and the need for mutual respect and care within it. Holistic Approach to Purity While the focus here is on physical cleanliness, it serves as a reminder that God desires purity in all aspects of our lives—physical, spiritual, and relational. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 15:18?2. How does Leviticus 15:18 emphasize the importance of ritual purity in relationships? 3. What spiritual lessons can we learn from the cleansing rituals in Leviticus 15:18? 4. How does Leviticus 15:18 connect with New Testament teachings on purity? 5. In what ways can we apply Leviticus 15:18 to modern Christian relationships? 6. How does understanding Leviticus 15:18 deepen our appreciation for God's holiness? 7. How does Leviticus 15:18 relate to modern views on sexual purity and morality? 8. Why does Leviticus 15:18 emphasize ritual cleanliness after sexual relations? 9. What historical context influenced the laws in Leviticus 15:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 15? 11. What are the purification rules for bodily discharges? 12. Leviticus 15:16–18 – Why consider a man’s seminal emission defiling despite it being a regular, healthy process? 13. Leviticus 18:22 condemns same-sex relations; how can this be reconciled with the New Testament emphasis on love (John 13:34-35)? 14. What does Leviticus 18:22 mean about male relations? What Does Leviticus 15:18 Mean If a man lies with a womanLeviticus 15:18 addresses normal marital intimacy, not sinful behavior. Scripture celebrates the marriage bed as “undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4), and Genesis 1:28 shows that marital union was God’s design from the beginning. The verse therefore treats a common, God-given act while recognizing its ceremonial implications in Israel’s worship system. and there is an emission of semen The focus is the bodily fluid, considered ceremonially potent. Similar directives appear for nocturnal emissions (Deuteronomy 23:10–11) and for a woman’s monthly flow (Leviticus 15:19). These regulations teach that life-carrying fluids belong to God (Leviticus 17:11) and must be handled with reverence. Key ideas: • Semen symbolizes potential life. • Contact with it does not imply moral guilt. • The law underscores God’s holiness by setting boundaries even around good, created functions. both must bathe with water Cleansing by water points to God’s provision for restored fellowship. Comparable washings are prescribed for a healed leper (Leviticus 14:8–9) and for those touching a corpse (Numbers 19:19). This repeated pattern prepares hearts to value the “washing of water with the word” fulfilled in Christ (Ephesians 5:26). Practical takeaways: • Obedience involves tangible actions. • Physical washing reminded Israel that purity ultimately comes from God (Psalm 51:7). they will remain unclean until evening The period of uncleanness was short, ending at sundown when a new day began. This temporary status: • Protected the sanctuary from inadvertent defilement (Leviticus 15:31). • Allowed the couple to resume normal life after sunset, illustrating mercy within the law (Lamentations 3:22–23). The pattern foreshadows Christ, who bore uncleanness once for all so believers may draw near “with a true heart” (Hebrews 10:22). summary Leviticus 15:18 treats ordinary marital relations as ceremonially impactful, not morally sinful. By requiring a simple washing and a brief waiting period, God taught Israel that even good gifts must be approached with reverence. The regulations safeguarded the holiness of the camp and pointed forward to the greater cleansing provided by Jesus, who fulfills every shadow of the law and invites His people into continual, confident fellowship with the Holy One. (18) The woman also with whom man shall lie.--Better, And if a man lie with a woman, that is, even when what is specified in Leviticus 15:16 takes place in intercourse between man and woman lawfully married, it pollutes both the husband and the wife. They have accordingly both to immerse their whole bodies, and remain unclean till sundown, and were debarred from the privileges of the sanctuary during that day. Hence abstinence from conjugal intercourse was regarded as a necessary preparation for the performance of sacred duties. He who had approached his wife could not draw nigh to God (Exodus 19:15), and was not allowed to partake of sacred meals. (Comp. 1Samuel 21:5-6.) The law of pollution was not designed to put a check upon marriage, since matrimony is a Divine institution (Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:21-25), but it is intended to prevent husband and wife from making an immoderate use of their conjugal life, and thus to preserve them in health and vigour by prescribing such constant purifications after it. This is probably the reason why other nations of antiquity enacted similar laws. Thus the Hindoos and the Babylonians bathed after conjugal intercourse. The Egyptian priests abstained from it when they had to perform sacred duties, and the laity were not allowed to enter the precincts of the Temple unless they submitted to ablutions. Mahommed, for the same reason, enjoins lustrations upon all the faithful before reciting their prayers.Verse 18. - The third case of an issue (cf. Exodus 19:15; 1 Samuel 21:5; 1 Corinthians 7:5).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew If a manאִ֛ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person lies with יִשְׁכַּ֥ב (yiš·kaḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down a woman וְאִשָּׁ֕ה (wə·’iš·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female and there is an emission שִׁכְבַת־ (šiḵ·ḇaṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7902: (act of) lying, a layer of semen, זָ֑רַע (zā·ra‘) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity both must bathe וְרָחֲצ֣וּ (wə·rā·ḥă·ṣū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7364: To wash, wash off or away, bathe with water, בַמַּ֔יִם (ḇam·ma·yim) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen and they will remain unclean וְטָמְא֖וּ (wə·ṭā·mə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2930: To be or become unclean until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while evening. הָעָֽרֶב׃ (hā·‘ā·reḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6153: Evening Links Leviticus 15:18 NIVLeviticus 15:18 NLT Leviticus 15:18 ESV Leviticus 15:18 NASB Leviticus 15:18 KJV Leviticus 15:18 BibleApps.com Leviticus 15:18 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 15:18 Chinese Bible Leviticus 15:18 French Bible Leviticus 15:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 15:18 If a man lies with a woman (Le Lv Lev.) |
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