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Leviticus 15:27 - Impurity through contact?

Leviticus 15:27 - ויקרא 15:27

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־הַנּוֹגֵעַ בָּם יִטְמָא וְכִבֶּס בְּגָדָיו וְרָחַץ בַּמַּיִם וְטָמֵא עַד־הָעָרֶב׃

English Translation

And whoever touches those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until evening.

Transliteration

Ve'khol-hanoge'a bam yitma ve'chibes begadav ve'rachatz ba'mayim ve'tame ad-ha'arev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־הַנּוֹגֵ֥עַ בָּ֖ם יִטְמָ֑א וְכִבֶּ֧ס בְּגָדָ֛יו וְרָחַ֥ץ בַּמַּ֖יִם וְטָמֵ֥א עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃
וְכׇל־הַנּוֹגֵ֥עַ בָּ֖ם יִטְמָ֑א וְכִבֶּ֧ס בְּגָדָ֛יו וְרָחַ֥ץ בַּמַּ֖יִם וְטָמֵ֥א עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Torah

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 11:31, within the section discussing the laws of tum'ah (ritual impurity) contracted through contact with certain creeping creatures (sheratzim). The Torah outlines the purification process required for one who becomes impure through such contact.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states that one who touches these impure creatures becomes tamei (ritually impure) and must undergo a purification process consisting of:

  • Washing clothes (vechibes begadav): Rashi (Vayikra 11:25) explains that this teaches that the impurity affects not only the person but also their garments, requiring laundering.
  • Immersion in water (verachatz bamayim): Rambam (Hilchos Tumas Meis 11:1) clarifies that this refers to full-body immersion in a mikveh or natural body of water meeting halachic requirements.
  • Impurity until evening (vetamei ad ha'arev): The Sifra (Shemini 9:5) notes that this indicates the impurity lasts until nightfall, after which the person becomes ritually pure even without bringing a sacrifice.

Halachic Implications

The Mishneh LaMelech (Hilchos Tumas Ochlin 1:6) discusses how this form of impurity differs from more severe types (like corpse impurity) in several ways:

  • It does not require sprinkling of purification waters (mei chatas)
  • It does not transmit impurity to others through physical contact
  • The purification is complete at nightfall without additional offerings

Philosophical Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 166) explains that these laws serve to distance people from creeping creatures which were associated with death and decay, thereby cultivating sensitivity to spiritual purity. The requirement to wash both body and clothes symbolizes the need for complete purification - both internal and external aspects of a person.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 67b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of ritual impurity and the requirements for purification.
📖 Niddah 33a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the impurity transmitted by contact with certain objects and the necessary purification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:27 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:27 discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tum'ah) related to certain bodily emissions. According to Orthodox Jewish interpretation, this verse teaches that anyone who comes into contact with a person who has a specific type of discharge becomes ritually impure. They must then wash their clothes, immerse in a mikveh (ritual bath), and remain impure until evening. This is part of the Torah's detailed system of purity laws.
Q: Why is washing clothes and bathing in water required in this verse?
A: The Torah requires washing clothes and bathing in water (tevilah in a mikveh) to restore ritual purity. Rashi explains that these actions symbolize spiritual cleansing and a return to a state of holiness. The physical washing represents an inner process of purification, preparing the person to re-engage with holy matters or the community after a period of impurity.
Q: What does 'unclean until evening' mean in Leviticus 15:27?
A: The phrase 'unclean until evening' means that the person remains in a state of ritual impurity until sunset (when the Jewish day begins anew). The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Metzora 11:1) explains that this period allows time for reflection and separation before returning to full participation in communal and holy activities. After nightfall, the person is automatically purified without further action needed.
Q: Do these purity laws still apply today?
A: While the Temple stands no longer, Orthodox Judaism maintains many purity laws where possible. The laws in Leviticus 15:27 specifically apply when the Temple is standing and the full system of ritual purity is in effect. Today, we study these laws to understand Torah principles and prepare for the future redemption when all mitzvot will be observed fully. The concept of spiritual purity remains relevant in areas like family purity (taharat hamishpacha).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 15:27?
A: The Midrash teaches that these purity laws remind us of the importance of spiritual cleanliness and boundaries. Just as physical impurity requires cleansing, we must also 'cleanse' ourselves from negative influences and behaviors. The temporary separation teaches the value of taking time for introspection before re-engaging with holiness. The Sages see this as a lesson in personal growth and spiritual awareness in daily life.