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Leviticus 15:6 - Impure contact demands purification.

Leviticus 15:6 - ויקרא 15:6

Hebrew Text

וְהַיֹּשֵׁב עַל־הַכְּלִי אֲשֶׁר־יֵשֵׁב עָלָיו הַזָּב יְכַבֵּס בְּגָדָיו וְרָחַץ בַּמַּיִם וְטָמֵא עַד־הָעָרֶב׃

English Translation

And he that sits on anything on which he that has the issue sat, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until evening.

Transliteration

Vehayoshev al-hakli asher-yeshev alav hazav yechabes begadav verachatz bamayim vetame ad-ha'arev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַיֹּשֵׁב֙ עַֽל־הַכְּלִ֔י אֲשֶׁר־יֵשֵׁ֥ב עָלָ֖יו הַזָּ֑ב יְכַבֵּ֧ס בְּגָדָ֛יו וְרָחַ֥ץ בַּמַּ֖יִם וְטָמֵ֥א עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃
וְהַיֹּשֵׁב֙ עַֽל־הַכְּלִ֔י אֲשֶׁר־יֵשֵׁ֥ב עָלָ֖יו הַזָּ֑ב יְכַבֵּ֧ס בְּגָדָ֛יו וְרָחַ֥ץ בַּמַּ֖יִם וְטָמֵ֥א עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 15:6) is part of the Torah's discussion of the laws of zav, a man who experiences an abnormal bodily discharge. The Torah outlines various ways in which ritual impurity (tumah) is transmitted through physical contact or sitting on objects that a zav has used.

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states that anyone who sits on an object that a zav has sat upon becomes ritually impure and must undergo a purification process:

  • Washing clothes: The person must launder their garments, as impurity adheres to them (Rashi, Vayikra 15:6).
  • Immersion in water: They must immerse in a mikveh to purify themselves (Rambam, Hilchot Metamei Mishkav uMoshav 4:1).
  • Impurity until evening: The impurity lasts until nightfall, after which the person is considered pure again (Sifra, Metzora).

Transmission of Tumah

The Talmud (Niddah 33a) explains that the impurity of a zav is transferred not only through direct contact but also through objects he has used, particularly those that bear his weight (such as a seat or bed). This is derived from the phrase "asher yeishev alav" ("on which he sat"), emphasizing that the object must have supported the zav's body.

Philosophical Insights

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:5) connects these laws to the broader concept of spiritual purity. Just as physical impurity requires cleansing, moral and spiritual impurities also demand introspection and repentance. The requirement to wash clothes and immerse in water symbolizes the need to purify both one's external actions (begadim, garments) and inner self (tevilah, immersion).

Halachic Application

Rambam (Hilchot Metamei Mishkav uMoshav 1:1) clarifies that this law applies only to objects designated for sitting or lying upon (e.g., chairs, beds). Casual contact with other items does not transmit impurity in the same way. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 195:1) further codifies these details for practical observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 41b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of ritual impurity, specifically concerning a zav (a man with a discharge) and the objects he comes into contact with.
📖 Zavim 5:1
The Mishnah cites this verse in the context of detailing the laws of impurity transmitted by a zav through sitting or lying on objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:6 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:6 discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tum'ah) related to a person who has a bodily discharge (zav). According to Orthodox Jewish interpretation, this verse teaches that if someone sits on an object that was previously sat upon by a zav (a person with a discharge), they become ritually impure. To regain purity, they must wash their clothes, immerse in a mikveh (ritual bath), and wait until evening.
Q: Why is washing clothes and bathing in water required in Leviticus 15:6?
A: The Torah requires washing clothes and immersing in water as part of the purification process for someone who became ritually impure through contact with a zav. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Niddah 33b), this teaches that certain forms of impurity require active steps—like immersion and laundering—to return to a state of purity. The mikveh represents spiritual renewal.
Q: Does Leviticus 15:6 still apply today?
A: While the laws of ritual purity (tum'ah and taharah) are still part of Torah observance, many aspects—including those related to a zav—cannot be fully practiced today without the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). However, Orthodox Jews still study these laws to understand Torah principles and prepare for the future restoration of the Temple service.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 15:6?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Tum'at Tzara'at) explains that these laws teach mindfulness about spiritual and physical cleanliness. The requirement to wash and immerse reminds us to be conscious of our actions and their effects on our spiritual state. The Sages also derive from this that holiness often requires active effort, not just passive avoidance of impurity.