Leviticus 15:1-12
Summary for Lev 15:1-33: 15:1-33 a The principle of normal and abnormal and the created order again aids the interpretation of these regulations (see thematic note for Clean, Unclean, and Holy at end of chapter). Bodily discharges, such as infections (see study note on 13:1-46), were not “normal” because they weakened the vitality of the person, so the person was not seen as whole. Whether male (15:1-18 b) or female (15:19-33 c), such a person became unclean.15:2 d bodily discharge (literally a flowing from his flesh): Most scholars interpret the word flesh as a euphemism for sexual organs and the symptoms described here as indicating an infection of gonorrhea. Others suggest that it refers to a discharge of semen or even diarrhea. A discharge of semen is unlikely, however, because that is singled out in 15:16-17 e and required only washing with water. It is clear that this bodily discharge proceeded from “under the man” (15:10 f) and contaminated anything he sat on or lay upon (15:4 g, 6 h, 9 i).
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