The concept of uncleanness in women, as outlined in the Bible, primarily pertains to the laws and regulations given to the Israelites regarding ritual purity. These laws are found predominantly in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers. The uncleanness of women is associated with specific physiological conditions and events, such as menstruation and childbirth, which rendered a woman ceremonially unclean for a designated period.

Menstruation

Leviticus 15:19-30 provides detailed instructions concerning a woman's menstrual cycle. According to the text, "When a woman has a discharge, and the discharge from her body is blood, she shall be in her menstrual impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until evening" (Leviticus 15:19). During this time, anything she lies on or sits on becomes unclean, and anyone who touches these items must wash their clothes and bathe in water, remaining unclean until evening.

The passage further explains that if a woman has a discharge of blood beyond her regular menstrual period, she remains unclean for the duration of the discharge. Once the discharge ceases, she must count seven days, after which she is considered clean. On the eighth day, she is to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest as a sin offering and a burnt offering, and the priest will make atonement for her before the Lord.

Childbirth

The laws concerning childbirth are found in Leviticus 12. When a woman gives birth to a male child, she is considered unclean for seven days, similar to her menstrual impurity. On the eighth day, the male child is to be circumcised. The woman must then continue in the blood of her purification for thirty-three days, during which she is not to touch anything holy or enter the sanctuary until the days of her purification are completed (Leviticus 12:2-4).

If a woman gives birth to a female child, the period of uncleanness is extended. She is unclean for two weeks, as in her menstrual impurity, and must continue in the blood of her purification for sixty-six days. Upon completion of the purification period, whether for a male or female child, the woman is to bring a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering to the priest, who will make atonement for her, and she will be clean (Leviticus 12:6-8).

Theological and Cultural Context

The laws regarding the uncleanness of women must be understood within the broader context of the Levitical purity system, which aimed to distinguish the Israelites as a holy people set apart for God. These regulations were not merely about physical cleanliness but were deeply symbolic, reflecting the need for spiritual purity and the separation from anything that could defile one's relationship with God.

In the New Testament, the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant brought a shift in the understanding of purity laws. Jesus' interactions with women, including those considered unclean by Levitical standards, demonstrated a new approach to purity and holiness. For instance, in the account of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), Jesus heals her and commends her faith, indicating a move beyond the ritualistic observance of the law.

The uncleanness laws served as a constant reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided a way for all to be cleansed from sin.