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Leviticus 15:3 - Impurity from bodily discharges?

Leviticus 15:3 - ויקרא 15:3

Hebrew Text

וְזֹאת תִּהְיֶה טֻמְאָתוֹ בְּזוֹבוֹ רָר בְּשָׂרוֹ אֶת־זוֹבוֹ אוֹ־הֶחְתִּים בְּשָׂרוֹ מִזּוֹבוֹ טֻמְאָתוֹ הִוא׃

English Translation

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.

Transliteration

Ve'zot tihye tumato bezovo rar besaro et-zovo o-hechtim besaro mizovo tumato hi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזֹ֛את תִּהְיֶ֥ה טֻמְאָת֖וֹ בְּזוֹב֑וֹ רָ֣ר בְּשָׂר֞וֹ אֶת־זוֹב֗וֹ אֽוֹ־הֶחְתִּ֤ים בְּשָׂרוֹ֙ מִזּוֹב֔וֹ טֻמְאָת֖וֹ הִֽוא׃
וְזֹ֛את תִּהְיֶ֥ה טֻמְאָת֖וֹ בְּזוֹב֑וֹ רָ֣ר בְּשָׂר֞וֹ אֶת־זוֹב֗וֹ אֽוֹ־הֶחְתִּ֤ים בְּשָׂרוֹ֙ מִזּוֹב֔וֹ טֻמְאָת֖וֹ הִֽוא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

The verse (Vayikra 15:3) discusses the laws of zav, a man who experiences an abnormal genital discharge (zivah), which renders him ritually impure (tamei). This impurity has halachic consequences, including restrictions on entering the Mishkan or Beis HaMikdash and transmitting impurity to objects or people he touches. The Torah specifies two conditions of impurity: when the discharge is flowing (rar b'saro et zovo) or when it is temporarily stopped (hechtim b'saro mizovo).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 15:3) clarifies the two states of impurity:

  • "Whether his flesh runs with his issue" (rar b'saro et zovo): This refers to an active, flowing discharge.
  • "Or his flesh be stopped from his issue" (hechtim b'saro mizovo): This describes a situation where the discharge ceases temporarily but remains internally "sealed" in the body, indicating the impurity persists even without visible flow.

Rashi emphasizes that both conditions render the zav impure, as the underlying cause of impurity remains.

Halachic Implications (Rambam and Talmud)

The Rambam (Hilchos Mechusarei Kaparah 1:1) and the Talmud (Niddah 41a) derive from this verse key halachos:

  • A zav becomes impure only after experiencing three emissions within a 24-hour period (zivah).
  • The impurity applies whether the discharge is continuous or intermittent, as long as it meets the criteria of zivah.
  • The phrase "טֻמְאָתוֹ הִוא" ("it is his uncleanness") teaches that the impurity is intrinsic to the condition, regardless of external factors.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim 15:3) connects this verse to spiritual lessons:

  • The abnormal discharge symbolizes a departure from natural, holy boundaries, reflecting a spiritual flaw that requires purification.
  • The duality of "flowing" and "stopped" teaches that sin can manifest both actively and in a latent state—both require repentance and correction.

Practical Application

In practical halacha, this verse establishes:

  • The zav must count seven "clean" days without discharge before immersion in a mikveh (Vayikra 15:13).
  • Even if the discharge ceases, the person remains impure until completing the purification process.
  • The laws emphasize the seriousness of bodily purity as a prerequisite for engaging in holy matters.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 35b
The verse is discussed in the context of laws concerning ritual impurity related to bodily discharges.
📖 Zavim 2a
The verse is referenced in discussions about the types of discharges that cause ritual impurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:3 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:3 discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tumah) related to bodily discharges (zav). The verse explains that whether the discharge is flowing or stopped, the person is in a state of impurity. This is part of the Torah's detailed laws about purity and impurity, which were especially relevant for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi clarifies that this applies to abnormal discharges, not normal bodily functions.
Q: Why is this verse about bodily discharges important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the laws of ritual purity (taharah) and impurity (tumah), which were central to Jewish life when the Temple stood. A person with such a discharge (zav) had to follow specific purification processes before entering holy spaces or bringing offerings. The Rambam (Hilchot Mechusrei Kapparah) explains that these laws teach discipline and reverence for holiness.
Q: How does Leviticus 15:3 apply to Jewish life today?
A: While the Temple is not standing today, the concepts of purity and impurity still have halachic (Jewish legal) relevance. For example, some customs related to family purity (taharat hamishpacha) are derived from these principles. The Talmud (Niddah 35b) discusses how these laws remind us of the sanctity of the human body and the importance of spiritual cleanliness.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 15:3 about Jewish spirituality?
A: This verse teaches that physical conditions can have spiritual implications. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:1) connects these laws to self-reflection and repentance, as physical purity often symbolizes spiritual purity. The Torah emphasizes mindfulness of our actions and their impact on our relationship with holiness.
Q: Does this verse mean all bodily discharges make a person impure?
A: No, not all discharges cause impurity. The Talmud (Niddah 34a) specifies that this verse refers specifically to abnormal or irregular discharges (zav), not normal bodily functions. The Torah distinguishes between different types of discharges, and only certain conditions require purification processes as outlined in Leviticus 15.