share torah logo

Leviticus 15:28 - Purified after seven days?

Leviticus 15:28 - ויקרא 15:28

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־טָהֲרָה מִזּוֹבָהּ וְסָפְרָה לָּהּ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים וְאַחַר תִּטְהָר׃

English Translation

But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.

Transliteration

Ve'im-tahara mizova vesafra lah shiv'at yamim ve'achar tit'har.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִֽם־טָהֲרָ֖ה מִזּוֹבָ֑הּ וְסָ֥פְרָה לָּ֛הּ שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים וְאַחַ֥ר תִּטְהָֽר׃
וְאִֽם־טָהֲרָ֖ה מִזּוֹבָ֑הּ וְסָ֥פְרָה לָּ֛הּ שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים וְאַחַ֥ר תִּטְהָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context: Laws of Niddah and Zavah

The verse (Vayikra 15:28) discusses the purification process for a woman who experienced zivah (abnormal uterine bleeding beyond the regular niddah period). This is part of the Torah's detailed laws regarding ritual purity and impurity (tumah and taharah).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the phrase "וְאִם־טָהֲרָה מִזּוֹבָהּ" ("if she be cleansed of her issue") refers to the cessation of bleeding. The woman must then count seven clean days (shivah neki'im) without any discharge, after which she may immerse in a mikveh to achieve full purity. Rashi emphasizes that these seven days are distinct from the initial days of impurity caused by the zivah itself.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Mechusrei Kapparah (1:5), Rambam rules that this counting period is a Torah obligation (mitzvah de'oraita). He notes that even if the woman experienced only a single day of zivah, she must still observe the seven clean days before immersion, underscoring the stringency of these laws.

Talmudic Discussion (Niddah 66a)

The Talmud explores whether the seven days must be consecutive. The conclusion is that they must be uninterrupted; if bleeding recurs during this period, the count restarts. This is derived from the phrase "וְסָפְרָה לָּהּ" – "she shall count for herself," implying a complete, uninterrupted count.

Midrashic Insight (Torat Kohanim)

The Midrash connects this purification process to spiritual renewal. Just as the seven days of counting lead to physical purity, they parallel the seven days of creation, symbolizing a woman's renewal and return to a state of holiness. This reflects the broader Torah principle that physical purity is a gateway to spiritual elevation.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The seven clean days are observed after all bleeding has ceased (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 196).
  • During this period, all prohibitions of niddah remain in effect until immersion (Rema, Yoreh De'ah 197:1).
  • The count begins on the day after bleeding stops, provided no further bleeding occurs (Mishnah Niddah 10:4).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 72a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning a woman's purification after her menstrual period, particularly the counting of seven clean days.
📖 Niddah 73b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing and conditions under which a woman is considered clean after her issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:28 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:28 discusses the laws of ritual purity (taharah) for a woman who had a discharge (zavah). Once her discharge stops, she must wait seven clean days (without any bleeding) and then immerse in a mikveh (ritual bath) to become ritually pure again. This is part of the Torah's laws regarding family purity (taharat hamishpacha).
Q: Why is counting seven days important in this verse?
A: The seven-day waiting period ensures that the woman's discharge has truly ended before she can regain ritual purity. This is based on the Torah's system of purity laws, where time and observation confirm a state of cleanliness. The Talmud (Niddah 66a) explains that this waiting period prevents uncertainty about her status.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish practice today?
A: This verse is the basis for the laws of niddah (family purity) observed by Orthodox Jews today. After menstruation, a woman counts seven 'clean days' (shiva neki'im) without any bleeding, then immerses in a mikveh before resuming marital relations. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 4:7) outlines these halachic details.
Q: What is the spiritual significance of these purity laws?
A: The Torah teaches that physical purity is connected to spiritual elevation. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 166) explains that these laws help cultivate holiness in marital life by introducing periods of separation and reunion. The mikveh immersion symbolizes renewal and return to a state of purity, as water represents spiritual cleansing in Jewish tradition.
Q: Does this verse only apply to menstrual bleeding?
A: No, this verse specifically refers to an irregular discharge (zivah), which is different from regular menstruation (niddah). However, the Sages (Talmud Niddah 72a) derived that the same seven-day waiting period applies to both cases. The details differ slightly based on whether the bleeding is during the expected menstrual cycle or an irregular flow.