Leviticus 15:19 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 15:19 mean?

Leviticus 15:19 describes a seven-day period of separation associated with a woman’s menstrual bleeding. Anyone who touches her during that time becomes “unclean until the even,” a temporary condition that affects participation in Israel’s worship.

God is giving these instructions to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites. The KJV’s phrase “put apart” describes the woman’s status during the seven days; the verse does not specify where she must stay.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 15:19

• “issue” — זוֹב (zov): The word means a flow or discharge. Here, the verse identifies the discharge as blood.
• “unclean” — טָמֵא (tame): The word describes someone who is not in the required state for approaching holy things. Here, touching the woman brings that temporary status until evening.
• “apart” — נִדָּה (niddah): The word can refer to menstrual separation. It names the seven-day condition associated with the bleeding.

Why Leviticus 15:19 matters

• The rule distinguishes the woman’s seven-day period from the shorter time assigned to someone who touches her. That person is unclean “until the even.”
• The surrounding instructions show that contact can also happen through objects. Verses 20–23 address things the woman lies or sits on and people who touch those things.
• The seven-day period here is distinct from the extended bleeding addressed later. Verse 25 discusses a discharge that continues beyond the usual time and gives further instructions for it.