Leviticus 15:20

Anything on which she lies or sits during her menstruation will be unclean,

Study Bible

Anything on which she lies or sits
This phrase refers to the objects that come into contact with a woman during her menstrual period. In the Hebrew context, the word "anything" (כָּל־מִשְׁכָּב, kol mishkav) emphasizes the totality of items affected by her condition. The cultural and historical context of ancient Israel placed a strong emphasis on ritual purity, and this law served to maintain the sanctity of the community. The objects she interacts with become ritually unclean, not as a moral judgment, but as a part of the ceremonial law that governed the Israelites' relationship with God and each other.

during her menstruation
The Hebrew term for menstruation here is "נִדָּה" (niddah), which means separation or impurity. This reflects the ancient understanding of menstruation as a time of physical and ritual separation. In the historical context, this separation was not only a physical reality but also a spiritual one, symbolizing the need for purification before approaching the holy. The concept of niddah underscores the importance of recognizing the natural cycles of life and the need for periods of rest and renewal, both physically and spiritually.

will be unclean
The term "unclean" (טָמֵא, tamei) in Hebrew is a key concept in Levitical law, denoting a state of ritual impurity. It is crucial to understand that this impurity is not synonymous with sinfulness but rather a condition that requires purification. The state of being unclean necessitated specific rituals for cleansing, which were integral to maintaining the holiness required by God for His people. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the call for His people to be set apart, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleanliness and the transformative power of God's grace in restoring purity.

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, forming the community of God's chosen people.

3. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where purity laws were especially significant.

4. Menstruation
A natural biological process for women, which in the context of Leviticus, rendered them ceremonially unclean.

5. Priests
The mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for teaching and enforcing the laws of purity.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
The laws in Leviticus highlight the importance of holiness and separation from impurity, teaching us about God's nature and the need for spiritual cleanliness.

Symbolism of Uncleanliness
The concept of being unclean points to the deeper spiritual truth of sin's defilement and our need for redemption through Christ.

Respect for God's Commands
The detailed laws remind us of the importance of obedience and reverence for God's instructions, even when they seem culturally distant.

Compassion and Inclusion
Jesus' interaction with the woman with the issue of blood teaches us to approach those considered "unclean" with compassion and inclusion, reflecting God's love.

New Covenant Understanding
In Christ, we find the fulfillment of the law, where ceremonial cleanliness is replaced by spiritual purity through His sacrifice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the laws of purity in Leviticus 15:20 reflect the holiness of God, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the account of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 challenge our perceptions of purity and inclusion?

3. How does the New Testament teaching on purity and cleansing through Christ (e.g., Hebrews 9:13-14) transform our understanding of Old Testament laws?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are spiritually "clean" in our relationship with God and others?

5. How can we show compassion and understanding to those who feel marginalized or "unclean" in today's society, following Jesus' example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 12
Discusses purification after childbirth, showing the broader context of purity laws.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood, highlighting Jesus' response to ritual impurity.

Hebrews 9:13-14
Discusses the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting with the temporary purification of the Old Testament laws.

Isaiah 64:6
Speaks to the concept of impurity and righteousness, emphasizing human inability to achieve purity on their own.

1 John 1:7
Highlights the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, offering a New Testament perspective on purity.