Leviticus 15:24 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 15:24 mean?

Leviticus 15:24 says that if a man has sexual relations with a woman while she is on her period (“her flowers”), he will be considered unclean for seven days, and anything he lies on will also be unclean. This law sets out a specific consequence for both the man and the objects involved during this time.

Leviticus is a book where God gives Moses instructions for the Israelites about ritual purity. In this verse, the focus is on the rules for bodily discharges and menstrual impurity. The verse addresses a situation where a man and woman have intercourse during her menstrual period, and it explains the ritual status and length of impurity for the man, as well as the effect on his bedding.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 15:24

• The word for “man” is אִישׁ (ish), which simply means an adult male and is used here to refer to any man in this situation.
• “Lie” is שָׁכַב (shakav), which in this context means to have sexual relations.
• “Flowers” is נִדָּה (niddah), often translated as “menstrual impurity” or “period.” This word specifically refers to the woman’s menstrual flow, not just a general uncleanness.
• “Unclean” is טָמֵא (tame), meaning ritually impure, not dirty or sinful in a moral sense. This status affected participation in community and worship.
• “Seven days” is שֶׁבַע יָמִים (sheva yamim), a set period often used in Leviticus for purification processes.

Why Leviticus 15:24 matters

• This verse clarifies that ritual impurity was not only about the woman but also applied to anyone who had contact with her during menstruation, including through sexual relations.
• The seven-day period of uncleanness matches the typical length of menstrual impurity, showing a consistent approach to ritual status in the community.
• Understanding this verse helps make sense of the broader section in Leviticus 15, which deals with bodily discharges and how they affected daily life, worship, and community interaction in ancient Israel.