Leviticus 15:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 15:20 mean?

Leviticus 15:20 says that anything a woman lies or sits on during her time of separation is considered unclean. This means that objects she uses during this period are treated as ritually impure according to the law given in Leviticus.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about ritual purity, specifically regarding a woman during her menstrual period. The verse is part of a larger section where God explains how certain bodily discharges make a person and the things they touch unclean, which affected participation in community and worship life.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 15:20

• "lieth" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word means to lie down or recline. Here, it refers to anything the woman lies on, making clear that even indirect contact with her during this time carries ritual consequences.
• "separation" (נִדָּה, niddah): This term refers to a woman's menstrual period, but it also means "separation" or "set apart." The word highlights that this is a distinct, set-apart time with specific rules.
• "unclean" (טָמֵא, tame): This word means ritually impure, not dirty in a physical sense. It signals that the object is not fit for use in religious or communal settings until it is purified.
• "sitteth" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This means to sit or dwell. The law covers both lying down and sitting, showing the thoroughness of the purity regulations.

Why Leviticus 15:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that ritual impurity in ancient Israel was not just about the person but extended to objects, affecting daily life and community interactions.
• The emphasis on "separation" (נִדָּה, niddah) shows that this was a recognized, set-apart time, not a punishment but a regulated part of life.
• Understanding these rules helps explain later biblical stories and Jewish practices about purity, showing how daily routines were shaped by these commands.