Leviticus 15:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 15:20 mean?

Leviticus 15:20 says that during a woman’s monthly period, anything she lies or sits on becomes unclean. In these instructions, “unclean” describes a temporary status that affects contact with other people. It does not mean the object is dirty.

God gives these instructions to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites. After verse 19 introduces the woman’s period, verse 20 extends the concern to places and objects she uses for lying or sitting.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 15:20

• “separation” — נִדָּה (niddah): This word can refer to a state of being set apart because of menstrual bleeding. Here, the surrounding verses make clear that the KJV’s “separation” refers to the woman’s monthly period.
• “unclean” — טָמֵא (ṭameʾ): This word describes a status under Israel’s rules for cleanliness. The same word is used for both what she lies on and what she sits on.

Why Leviticus 15:20 matters

• The verse treats lying down and sitting alike. Its two matching clauses cover both kinds of contact, rather than only a bed.
• Contact with those objects matters to others. Verses 21–22 say that a person who touches her bed or something she sat on must wash and remains unclean until evening.
• The status is temporary. Verse 19 gives a period of seven days for the woman’s monthly bleeding, while verses 21–22 give an ending point for someone who touches the objects.