Leviticus 15:28

When a woman is cleansed of her discharge, she must count off seven days, and after that she will be ceremonially clean.

Study Bible

When she is cleansed
The phrase "when she is cleansed" refers to the completion of a purification process. In Hebrew, the root word for "cleansed" is "טָהֵר" (taher), which means to be clean or pure. This concept of cleansing is deeply rooted in the Levitical laws, which emphasize the importance of ritual purity. The cleansing process signifies a return to a state of holiness and readiness to participate in communal worship and activities. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s desire for His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45).

of her discharge
The discharge mentioned here is a reference to a woman's menstrual cycle or any abnormal bodily discharge. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bodily discharges were often seen as sources of impurity, not only in Israel but in surrounding cultures as well. The Hebrew word for discharge is "זוֹב" (zov), which can refer to a flow or issue. This regulation underscores the importance of maintaining physical and spiritual cleanliness, which was vital for the Israelites' covenant relationship with God.

she must count off seven days
The instruction to "count off seven days" is significant in biblical numerology, where the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection. The seven-day period allows for a full cycle of purification, echoing the creation week where God completed His work and rested on the seventh day. This period of waiting and counting is a time of reflection and preparation, ensuring that the individual is fully restored to a state of ritual purity.

and after that
The phrase "and after that" indicates a transition from a state of impurity to one of purity. It marks the completion of the purification process and the readiness to re-enter the community and participate in religious life. This transition is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and the possibility of renewal and restoration.

she will be clean
The declaration "she will be clean" is a pronouncement of restored purity. The Hebrew word for clean is "טָהוֹר" (tahor), which signifies not only physical cleanliness but also spiritual readiness. This state of cleanliness is essential for worship and community life in ancient Israel. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s desire for His people to be set apart and holy, emphasizing the importance of purity in maintaining a relationship with God. This verse, therefore, is not just about physical cleanliness but also about spiritual renewal and the grace of God in restoring His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman
The primary subject of this verse is a woman who has experienced a discharge, likely related to menstruation or another form of bodily discharge.

2. The Priest
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the priest plays a crucial role in the purification process described in Leviticus.

3. The Tabernacle
The place where purification rituals and offerings were made, central to the Israelites' worship and community life.

4. The Seven Days
A period of waiting and purification, symbolizing completeness and preparation for re-entry into the community.

5. The Cleansing Process
A ritual process that signifies spiritual and physical purification, allowing the woman to return to normal societal and religious activities.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
The laws in Leviticus highlight the importance of purity in approaching God, emphasizing the need for holiness in our lives.

Symbolism of Seven Days
The number seven often represents completeness in the Bible, reminding us of the completeness of God's work in our lives.

Spiritual Cleansing
Just as the woman needed physical cleansing, we need spiritual cleansing through Christ to maintain our relationship with God.

Community and Restoration
The purification process allowed individuals to be restored to their community, teaching us the importance of reconciliation and restoration in our relationships.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' ministry shows that He fulfills the law's requirements, offering a deeper, spiritual cleansing that the rituals pointed towards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 15:28 relate to our understanding of holiness today?

2. In what ways does the seven-day waiting period before being declared clean reflect God's design for completeness and restoration?

3. How can the account of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 deepen our understanding of Jesus' role in our spiritual cleansing?

4. What are some practical ways we can seek spiritual cleansing and restoration in our daily lives, as encouraged by 1 John 1:9?

5. How does understanding the purification rituals in Leviticus enhance our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ as described in Hebrews 9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 12
Discusses purification after childbirth, showing a similar pattern of waiting and cleansing.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood, highlighting Jesus' power to cleanse and heal, transcending ritual laws.

Hebrews 9:13-14
Compares the old purification rituals with the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

Psalm 51:7
David's plea for purification, using the imagery of being cleansed with hyssop, which connects to the idea of spiritual cleansing.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes confession and God's faithfulness to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, reflecting the spiritual aspect of purification.