Leviticus 15:27
Anyone who touches these things will be unclean; he must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening.
Anyone who touches these things
This phrase emphasizes the communal and personal responsibility in maintaining ritual purity. The Hebrew root for "touches" is "נָגַע" (naga), which implies not just a casual contact but an intentional or significant interaction. In the ancient Israelite context, this underscores the pervasive nature of impurity and the need for vigilance in daily life. It serves as a reminder of the holiness required by God and the care one must take to avoid defilement.

will be unclean
The state of being "unclean" (טָמֵא, tame) in the Hebrew context is not merely physical but also spiritual. It signifies a separation from the community and from God, highlighting the importance of purity in worship and daily living. This concept is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where holiness is paramount. The unclean state serves as a metaphor for sin and the need for redemption, pointing forward to the ultimate cleansing through Christ.

he must wash his clothes
Washing clothes is a symbolic act of purification. The Hebrew word "כִּבֵּס" (kibes) means to wash or launder, indicating a thorough cleansing process. This act represents the removal of impurity and the restoration of one's status within the community. It reflects the broader biblical theme of repentance and renewal, where outward actions mirror inward spiritual realities.

and bathe with water
Bathing with water (רָחַץ, rachatz) is a ritual act that signifies purification and renewal. Water, in the biblical narrative, often symbolizes life, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit. This requirement underscores the necessity of both physical and spiritual cleanliness before approaching God. It foreshadows the New Testament practice of baptism, which represents the washing away of sin and the believer's new life in Christ.

and he will be unclean until evening
The phrase "until evening" (עַד־הָעָרֶב, ad-ha'arev) indicates a temporal boundary for the state of impurity. Evening marks the beginning of a new day in the Hebrew calendar, symbolizing a fresh start and the restoration of purity. This temporal aspect highlights God's grace and the hope of renewal, reminding believers of the daily opportunity for repentance and the promise of forgiveness through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites on holiness and cleanliness.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the Levitical laws, called to be a holy nation set apart for God.

3. Unclean Person
Refers to individuals who are ceremonially unclean due to contact with certain impurities, requiring purification rituals.

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

5. Evening
The time by which ceremonial uncleanness would end after following the purification process.
Teaching Points
Understanding Holiness
The laws in Leviticus emphasize the importance of holiness and separation from impurity. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness.

The Role of Rituals
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament are not required for Christians today, they point to the need for spiritual cleansing and the seriousness of sin.

Symbolism of Water
Water is a symbol of purification and renewal. In the New Testament, baptism represents the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ.

Community and Purity
The laws of cleanliness affected not just individuals but the entire community. Our actions and spiritual state can impact those around us.

Christ's Fulfillment
Jesus fulfills the law, providing a way for us to be cleansed from sin permanently. Our faith in Him is the ultimate purification.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the laws of cleanliness in Leviticus 15:27 reflect God's character and His desire for His people?

2. In what ways do the purification rituals in Leviticus point forward to the work of Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principles of holiness and purity from Leviticus 15:27 in our daily lives today?

4. What are some modern-day "unclean" influences that we need to be aware of, and how can we guard against them?

5. How does understanding the concept of ceremonial uncleanness enhance our appreciation for the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 11-15
These chapters provide a broader context for understanding the laws of cleanliness and uncleanliness, including dietary laws and purification rituals.

Numbers 19
Discusses the purification process using the water of cleansing, which parallels the washing and bathing mentioned in Leviticus 15:27.

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

Hebrews 9:13-14
Explains how the blood of Christ purifies us from all sin, surpassing the Old Testament purification rituals.
Personal PurityW. Clarkson Leviticus 15:1-33
Secret SinsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 15:1-33
UncleannessJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 15:1-33
Atonement Required for Secret SinsA. A. Bonar.Leviticus 15:2-33
Beware of Contact with Sinful PersonsBiblioth. BiblLeviticus 15:2-33
Cleanliness a Religious DutC. Clemance, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
Human Nature UncleanC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 15:2-33
Impurity a Contagious EvilW. Clarkson.Leviticus 15:2-33
Plain Speaking on the Subject of PurityJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
Purity RequiredJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
Secret UncleannessJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
The Secret Flow of Sin from the Natural HeartA. A. Bonar.Leviticus 15:2-33
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Anyone, Bathe, Bathed, Body, Clothes, Clothing, Evening, Garments, Likewise, Till, Touches, Toucheth, Touching, Unclean, Wash, Washed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 15:27

     7426   ritual washing

Leviticus 15:1-27

     5145   clothing

Leviticus 15:1-33

     5298   doctors

Leviticus 15:19-27

     5194   touch

Leviticus 15:19-30

     5745   women

Leviticus 15:25-27

     8325   purity, nature of

Leviticus 15:25-30

     5715   menstruation

Library
The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
(Capernaum, Same Day as Last.) ^A Matt. IX. 18-26; ^B Mark V. 22-43; ^C Luke VIII. 41-56. ^c 41 And ^a 18 While he spake these things unto them [while he talked about fasting at Matthew's table], behold, there came, { ^b cometh} ^c a man named Jairus, { ^b Jairus by name;} ^c and he was a ruler { ^b one of the rulers} of the synagogue [He was one of the board of elders which governed the synagogue at Capernaum. These elders were not necessarily old men--Matt. xix. 16-22; Luke xviii. 18-23], and seeing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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