Topical Encyclopedia Menstruation, also referred to as a woman's monthly period, is a natural biological process that is addressed in several passages of the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. The biblical perspective on menstruation is primarily found in the context of the Mosaic Law, which provides guidelines for ritual purity and community living.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 15:19-30: This passage provides detailed instructions regarding the state of ritual impurity associated with menstruation. According to Levitical law, a woman is considered ceremonially unclean during her menstrual period. Leviticus 15:19 states, "When a woman has a discharge, and the discharge from her body is blood, she shall be in her menstrual impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until evening." The passage continues to outline the implications of this impurity, including the requirement for purification rituals after the period ends. 2. Leviticus 18:19: This verse prohibits sexual relations with a woman during her menstrual period, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ritual purity. The text states, "You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual impurity." 3. Ezekiel 18:6: This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the righteous behavior expected of God's people. It includes the avoidance of sexual relations with a woman during her menstrual period as a mark of righteousness: "He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her period." Cultural and Theological Context: In ancient Israel, the laws concerning menstruation were part of a broader system of purity laws that governed various aspects of daily life. These laws served to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations and to instill a sense of holiness and order within the community. The concept of ritual impurity was not synonymous with sinfulness but rather indicated a temporary state that required specific actions for purification. The period of impurity associated with menstruation was not a reflection of a woman's moral or spiritual state but was instead a practical measure to ensure the community's adherence to God's commandments. The purification rituals, which included washing and offering sacrifices, were a means of restoring ceremonial cleanliness and allowing full participation in religious and communal activities. New Testament Perspective: While the New Testament does not explicitly address menstruation, it emphasizes the fulfillment of the Law through Jesus Christ and the shift from ritual purity to spiritual purity. The focus is on the inner transformation of the believer rather than adherence to ceremonial laws. This shift is evident in passages such as Mark 5:25-34, where Jesus heals a woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years. Her faith, rather than her ritual status, is highlighted as the key to her healing. Contemporary Considerations: In modern Christian thought, the Old Testament laws regarding menstruation are often viewed in light of the New Covenant established by Christ. While the specific regulations are not typically observed, the principles of respect, care, and understanding for women during their menstrual cycles are upheld. The biblical teachings on menstruation continue to inform discussions on purity, health, and the dignity of women within the faith community. Topical Bible Verses Leviticus 20:18And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he has discovered her fountain, and she has uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people. Topicalbible.org Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The discharge of the menses; also, the state or the period of menstruating.Strong's Hebrew 5713c. iddah -- menstruation... iddah. 5714 . menstruation. Transliteration: iddah Short Definition: filthy. Word Origin from an unused word Definition menstruation NASB Word Usage filthy (1 ... /hebrew/5713c.htm - 5k 1738. davah -- to be ill, unwell 5079. niddah -- impurity 1739. daveh -- faint, unwell Library The Precept About Touching the Menstruous Woman not to be ... Thesaurus Menstruation (3 Occurrences)... (n.) The discharge of the menses; also, the state or the period of menstruating. Multi-Version Concordance Menstruation (3 Occurrences). ... /m/menstruation.htm - 7k Menstrual (9 Occurrences) Unwell (3 Occurrences) Defilement (12 Occurrences) Defile (63 Occurrences) Menstruous (4 Occurrences) Resources Is it acceptable to God for a husband and wife to have sex while the wife is menstruating / having her period? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of impurity in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How can I maintain a good attitude when I am struggling with PMS? | GotQuestions.org Menstruation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Menstruation (3 Occurrences)Leviticus 12:2 Leviticus 12:5 Leviticus 15:26 Subtopics Menstruation: Cessation of, in Old Age Menstruation: Immunities of Women During Related Terms |
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