Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.

LEVITICUS 15:31KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 15:31 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 15:31 mean?

Leviticus 15:31 commands the Israelites to keep themselves separate from things that make them ritually unclean, warning that failing to do so could result in death if they defile God’s tabernacle by bringing uncleanness into it. The verse stresses the seriousness of maintaining purity in relation to God’s presence among the people.

In this verse, God is instructing Moses to tell the Israelites about the importance of ritual cleanliness, especially as it relates to the tabernacle—the place where God’s presence dwells among them. The warning is not just about personal health or hygiene but about respecting the holiness of God’s dwelling place and the community’s relationship with Him.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 15:31

  • "Separate" (נָזַר, nazar) means to set apart or keep away. Here, it emphasizes an active responsibility to avoid situations or actions that would bring ritual impurity.
  • "Uncleanness" (טֻמְאָה, tum’ah) refers to a state of ritual impurity, not physical dirtiness. This word is central to the laws in Leviticus about what disqualifies someone from participating in worship.
  • "Defile" (טָמֵא, tame) means to make something unclean or impure, especially in a ritual sense. In this context, it highlights the danger of bringing impurity into the tabernacle, which was considered a direct offense against God’s holiness.
  • "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan) is the portable sanctuary where God’s presence was believed to dwell among the Israelites. The verse underscores the tabernacle’s sacredness and the need to protect it from impurity.

Why Leviticus 15:31 matters

  • The verse clarifies that ritual impurity was not just a personal issue but affected the entire community’s relationship with God, especially when it came to communal worship.
  • Leviticus 15:31 shows that the laws about cleanliness were meant to protect the sanctity of God’s presence, not just to enforce rules for their own sake.
  • This verse ties together the detailed laws of Leviticus 15, showing their purpose: to prevent the Israelites from accidentally or carelessly bringing impurity into the heart of their worship life.

Where else these words appear

“separate” Hebrew H5144 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 22:2 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD.
  • Numbers 6:5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
  • Ezekiel 14:7 For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:

“uncleanness” Hebrew H2932 · used in 31 verses

  • Leviticus 5:3 Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be defiled withal, and it be hid from him; when he knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty.
  • Leviticus 18:19 Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.
  • Ezra 9:11 Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

“defile” Hebrew H2930 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
  • Leviticus 15:19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
  • Deuteronomy 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day;(for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.