In the context of biblical law and ritual purity, the term "a man with a discharge" refers to a condition described in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. This condition is addressed within the Holiness Code, which outlines various laws and regulations for maintaining ritual cleanliness among the Israelites.

Biblical Reference:
The primary biblical reference for a man with a discharge is found in Leviticus 15:1-15. The passage provides detailed instructions regarding the handling of such a condition and the necessary steps for purification.

Leviticus 15:1-15 :
1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When any man has a bodily discharge, the discharge is unclean. 3 This uncleanness is from his discharge, whether his body allows the discharge to flow or blocks it. It is uncleanness. 4 Any bed on which the man with the discharge lies will be unclean, and any furniture on which he sits will be unclean. 5 Anyone who touches his bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. 6 Whoever 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. 7 Whoever touches the body of the man with the discharge must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. 8 If the man with the discharge spits on someone who is clean, that person must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. 9 Any saddle on which the man with the discharge rides will be unclean. 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. 11 Anyone whom the man with the discharge touches without rinsing his hands with water must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening. 12 Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water.

13 When the man with the discharge is cleansed of his discharge, he must count off seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe himself with fresh water, and he will be clean. 14 On the eighth day he must take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and come before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to give them to the priest. 15 The priest is to sacrifice them, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD because of his discharge.

Ritual Implications:
The discharge mentioned in Leviticus is considered a source of ritual impurity, affecting not only the individual but also anything and anyone he comes into contact with. The laws emphasize the importance of cleanliness and the procedures required to restore purity. The discharge could be a result of various medical conditions, but the text does not specify the exact nature of the discharge.

Purification Process:
The purification process involves a period of waiting, washing, and offering sacrifices. After the discharge ceases, the man must wait seven days, wash his clothes, and bathe in fresh water. On the eighth day, he is required to present two birds to the priest, who will offer them as a sin offering and a burnt offering to make atonement for him.

Cultural and Theological Context:
In ancient Israelite society, maintaining ritual purity was crucial for participating in communal and religious life. The laws concerning bodily discharges reflect a broader concern with holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane. These regulations served to protect the community from impurity and to uphold the sanctity of the worship space.

New Testament Perspective:
While the New Testament does not directly address the issue of a man with a discharge, it does reflect a shift in understanding ritual purity. Jesus' ministry often challenged traditional purity laws, emphasizing inner purity and moral integrity over external ritual observance (e.g., Mark 7:14-23). This shift is further developed in the writings of the apostles, where the focus is on spiritual cleanliness and the transformative power of faith in Christ.