Leviticus 15:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Leviticus carefully defines the man's covenant uncleanness across two bodily conditions: whether the issue is actively running or the flesh is stopped from it. Either specifically stated condition remains within the serious but non-moral uncleanness introduced in the preceding verse.
Whether the bodily issue runs or is stopped, the condition is classified as uncleanness for the man under this law.
The Context of Leviticus 15:3
Leviticus 15 begins with the LORD directing Moses and Aaron to speak to Israel about bodily issues. Verse 2 states that a man with a running issue out of his flesh is unclean because of the issue. Verse 3 clarifies that both active flow and the stopped condition described in the KJV remain his uncleanness. Verses 4 through 12 trace the effects onto beds, seats, touch, spitting, saddles, and vessels, with washing, bathing, and evening periods. Verse 13 gives a seven-day cleansing process after the issue is cleansed, followed by offerings on the eighth day. The chapter later treats seed of copulation and women's blood issues before summarizing its scope and protecting the tabernacle from defilement.
What Does Leviticus 15:3 Mean?
This shall be his uncleanness connects the verse directly with the running issue named in verse 2. The sentence then prevents the classification from depending only on visible flow. Whether the flesh runs with the issue or is stopped from the issue, the condition remains within the stated uncleanness. The verse does not diagnose a modern disease, identify a cause, or describe the man's moral character. It defines the covenant status that controls the practical contact and cleansing instructions in the verses that follow.
Bodily symptoms are private and can be frightening. Nothing here permits interrogation, public exposure, jokes, sexual accusation, or a claim that the affected person caused the condition through sin. Uncleanness is a real status within Israel's holy order, yet it is not a synonym for guilt, promiscuity, worthlessness, or divine abandonment. The chapter gives a path through the condition and a process after cleansing. A faithful community must protect both the sacred boundary and the person's dignity, confidentiality, shelter, food, and access to care.
Jesus identifies moral defilement with evil arising from the heart and repeatedly receives people who approach him with bodily need. Christian care should follow his truth and compassion. A present discharge or obstruction can have many possible causes, and this verse cannot determine which one is present. The person deserves confidential evaluation by a qualified clinician, especially when symptoms persist, recur, cause pain, involve blood, fever, difficulty urinating, or other concern. Leaders should never attempt intimate inspection or demand disclosure beyond what is voluntarily shared with appropriate care professionals.
Bible Verses Related to Leviticus 15:3
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean. And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.”
- Leviticus 15:1-5
“And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean. And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest: And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue.”
- Leviticus 15:13-15
“Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them. This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith; And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean.”
- Leviticus 15:31-33
“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
- Mark 7:20-23
Where Leviticus 15:3 Echoes in Scripture
Verse 13 begins the restoration process only when the man is cleansed of his issue, then provides seven days, clothes washing, and bathing in running water. The chapter's closing summary includes men and women, showing an ordered communal law rather than a targeted accusation against one person.
How to Apply Leviticus 15:3 Today
Keep four categories separate: bodily symptom, covenant uncleanness, medical diagnosis, and moral guilt. This verse establishes the second and does not establish the third or fourth. Protect the person's privacy and let them choose trusted support. Do not ask for photographs, intimate details, or public testimony. Encourage qualified medical care without offering a diagnosis, miracle guarantee, or homemade treatment. In emergencies or severe symptoms, use urgent local services. Provide clean clothing, private washing facilities, transportation, time away from duties, and continued relational support. Never exclude someone from ordinary human dignity or blame a spouse or victim for the condition.
Reflection & Prayer
Can we take a private bodily condition seriously without carelessly turning it into shame or accusation? We might pray: 'Compassionate LORD, keep our boundaries faithful, our care genuinely confidential, and our entire response shaped by the truth and tender mercy of Jesus.'