Leviticus 15:11

And whomsoeuer hee toucheth that hath the issue (and hath not rinsed his hands in water) he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himselfe in water, and be vncleane vntill the Euen. Leviticus 15:11 (KJV)

This verse belongs to a larger section in Leviticus that deals with the laws concerning bodily discharges and impurities. In the context of the passage the term “issue” refers to a bodily discharge, such as a discharge from a person’s body due to an illness or a condition.

Leviticus 15 provides specific instructions to the Israelites regarding issues of uncleanness caused by bodily discharges. The purpose of these regulations was to promote ritual purity and to address concerns about cleanliness within the community, thereby maintaining holiness among the people.

Leviticus 15:11 states that if a person comes into contact with someone who has an issue and has not washed his hands in water, he must take three actions: first, he shall wash his clothes, indicating the need for physical cleanliness; second, he shall bathe himself in water, which symbolizes a deeper cleansing; and third, he shall remain unclean until the evening, signifying a temporary state of impurity.

It is important to note that these laws were specific to the Israelites in the Old Testament and formed part of the ceremonial and ritualistic practices of that time. Their purpose was to teach the Israelites about the importance of holiness, purity, and obedience to God’s commandments.

As Christians we are not under the Old Testament law but are called to live under the grace and freedom found in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, we can still draw spiritual principles from this passage. The emphasis on cleanliness and purity can remind believers of the need for spiritual cleanliness in our lives—confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and pursuing holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, Leviticus 15:11 (KJV) provides instructions on how to handle issues of uncleanness caused by bodily discharges. While the regulations were specific to the ancient Israelite community, they continue to point believers toward the importance of maintaining spiritual cleanliness and purity in the life of a follower of Christ.