Definition: And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 15:13. It's a really important and somewhat complex verse that deals with a specific situation involving a pregnancy or birth – specifically, the shedding of a child’s skin during childbirth. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: When a woman has a baby, and it’s a difficult birth, she needs to cleanse herself to be considered clean and ready for marriage. This verse describes a ritual that happens after the child is born. Let's break it down into parts: “And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue…” – This means that if a woman has a baby, she needs to go through a process to get rid of the leftover fluids and tissue from the birth. It’s a way of ensuring the mother’s purity. “…then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing…” – This is the key part. The woman is allowed 7 days to cleanse herself. During this time, she's expected to: Wash her clothes: She needs to get rid of any bodily fluids from her clothing. Bathe her flesh in running water: This isn’t just a quick rinse; it signifies a deep cleansing and purification. “…and shall be clean.” – At the end of these seven days, she is considered clean and ready to marry. She's physically cleansed and free from the potential for impurity. Important Context (Why this was important in ancient times): This passage was part of a larger system within Jewish law designed to ensure purity for religious rituals and marriage. It reflected a belief that physical impurity could affect one’s ability to participate fully in God's presence and fulfill their responsibilities as a woman. Disclaimer: I want to emphasize this is a historical text, and interpretations can vary over time. This explanation is based on standard biblical scholarship. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this passage? Discuss its significance in Jewish tradition? Compare it to other stories involving childbirth or purity?