Definition: And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he 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 15:8. It’s a really interesting and somewhat shocking verse about ritual impurity – specifically, during childbirth and menstruation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: A Woman Has a Child: This verse comes when a woman has given birth to a child who is considered “impure” because of the blood that’s present. This is usually due to the baby being born with a genetic abnormality or other issues. Spitting On the Child: The woman is instructed to spit on the newborn child. This isn't about being mean; it’s part of a ritual cleansing process designed to remove the “blood” – which represents impurities – from the baby's body. What Happens Next? “Then he shall wash his clothes…”: The woman is told to completely wash her clothes, including any items she has worn that day. “…and bathe [himself] in water…”: This means she must immerse herself in water – a ritual cleansing. “And be unclean until the even.” This is the crucial part. The verse says she’s considered “unclean” until the evening . “Even” refers to sunset. Essentially, this is a symbolic time when the impurity from the child's blood has been removed and the process is complete. What’s the Point? This passage is about maintaining holiness and purity in the community of Israel. It was part of a system of laws designed to ensure that people weren't practicing practices that could pollute society. It emphasizes the importance of ritual cleansing – washing away impurities – to keep things clean and righteous. Important Note: This verse is considered an exception to God’s law, and it’s not meant to be taken literally as a daily occurrence. It was a symbolic act performed in a specific context to maintain a sacred and holy environment for the people of Israel. --- Resources if you'd like to delve deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+15%20:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+15%20:8) Wikipedia - Leviticus 15: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus_15](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus_15) Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss the historical context?