Leviticus 15:10

Whoever touches anything that was under him will be unclean until evening, and whoever carries such things must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.

Study Bible

Whoever touches
The Hebrew root for "touches" is נָגַע (naga), which implies not just a casual contact but a deliberate or significant interaction. In the ancient Near Eastern context, touching was often associated with transferring ritual impurity. This highlights the importance of intentionality in maintaining purity and holiness, a theme that runs throughout Leviticus.

anything that was under him
This phrase refers to objects that have come into contact with a person who is ceremonially unclean. The Hebrew word for "under" is תַּחַת (tachat), which can mean beneath or in the place of. This indicates that impurity can be transferred through indirect contact, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual cleanliness.

will be unclean until evening
The concept of being "unclean until evening" underscores the temporary nature of ritual impurity. The Hebrew word for "unclean" is טָמֵא (tamei), which denotes a state of being unfit for worship or community participation. The evening marks a new day in the Hebrew calendar, symbolizing renewal and the hope of restoration.

Whoever picks up such a thing
The act of picking up, from the Hebrew נָשָׂא (nasa), implies a more active engagement than merely touching. This suggests that greater involvement with impurity requires a more deliberate act of cleansing, reflecting the biblical principle that the more we engage with sin, the more we must seek God's purification.

must wash his clothes and bathe with water
Washing and bathing are symbolic acts of purification. The Hebrew word for "wash" is כָּבַס (kabas), which often refers to laundering garments, while "bathe" comes from רָחַץ (rachats), meaning to wash the body. These actions represent the need for both external and internal cleansing, pointing to the comprehensive nature of God's sanctification.

and he will be unclean until evening
Reiterating the earlier phrase, this repetition emphasizes the certainty of restoration after a period of impurity. It reassures the faithful that God's provision for cleansing is always available, and that impurity, while serious, is not permanent for those who seek God's grace and follow His commandments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The 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 they journeyed through the wilderness.

3. Tabernacle
- The dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where purity laws were especially significant.

4. Priests
- The mediators between God and the people, responsible for maintaining ritual purity.

5. Unclean Person
- An individual who is ceremonially unclean due to various conditions, including bodily discharges.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
Leviticus 15:10 emphasizes the importance of ritual purity in maintaining a relationship with God. It teaches us about the holiness required to approach God and the need for cleansing from impurity.

Symbolism of Cleanliness
The laws of cleanliness symbolize the separation from sin and the need for spiritual purity. They remind us of the holiness of God and our call to live set apart lives.

Community Responsibility
The passage highlights the communal aspect of purity laws, where the actions of one person can affect the entire community. This teaches us about the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and our responsibility to one another.

Spiritual Cleansing through Christ
While the Old Testament laws required physical cleansing, they point forward to the ultimate cleansing through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to seek spiritual purity through repentance and faith in Christ.

Practical Holiness
The passage encourages us to consider how we can live lives that reflect God's holiness in our daily actions and interactions with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 15:10 relate to our understanding of holiness today?

2. In what ways do the laws of cleanliness in Leviticus point us to the need for spiritual cleansing through Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of community responsibility from Leviticus 15:10 in our church or community today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to pursue holiness in our daily lives, in light of the teachings of Leviticus?

5. How does the account of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 help us understand the personal and communal impact of being considered "unclean"?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11-15
These chapters provide a broader context for understanding the laws of purity and uncleanness, including dietary laws and skin diseases.

Numbers 19
Discusses the purification process with the water of cleansing, which relates to the purification rituals in Leviticus.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood, which highlights the social and religious implications of being unclean.

Hebrews 9:13-14
Explains how the blood of Christ purifies us from all sin, surpassing the Old Testament purification rituals.