Definition: And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Leviticus 15:27. It’s a really important and somewhat shocking verse that describes a ritualistic process that happened in ancient Israel – specifically, during menstruation. Here’s what it means, explained simply: What’s Happening? This verse describes a period of impurity after a woman's menstrual cycle ends. Think of it as a time when her body is still experiencing the effects of the hormones and changes that happen during that time. It’s essentially a “cleanse” before she can be considered fit to marry again. Here’s the breakdown: “And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean…” – This means anyone who comes into contact with something considered unclean will be marked as so. It’s not just touching; it’s about any kind of contact - a touch, a glance, even breathing on something. “…and wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water…” – This is the core action. The woman is instructed to thoroughly wash her clothes, and herself, with water. This isn't just a quick rinse; it’s a significant cleansing process. “And be unclean until the even.” – This is where it gets really important. “Even” means the next day . The ritual is completed until the next day . It’s a strict timeframe – she must stop washing her clothes and bathing after this period. What was the purpose? This practice, while disturbing to modern sensibilities, served several purposes in ancient Israel: Symbolic Cleansing: It symbolized a symbolic cleansing of the body, removing impurities and allowing the woman to be ready for marriage again. Maintaining Rituals: It was part of a larger ritual cycle that maintained the holiness of the Sabbath and other religious observances. Important Note: This passage is a bit controversial because it describes a physical act – a ritualistic expulsion – that's considered morally unacceptable by most modern ethical standards. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and historical context. If you have specific questions or are exploring this passage in a spiritual context, it’s always best to consult with a knowledgeable religious leader or scripture scholar. Would you like me to: Explain the why behind this practice? Discuss its significance within ancient Israelite society?