Definition: And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 15:17. It's a really important and complex verse that deals with a specific situation in ancient Jewish practice, and it’s often misunderstood. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Every garment, and every skin…” : This means every piece of clothing – from a tunic to a loincloth, to a skin – that was used during sexual intercourse. It’s not just about the clothes themselves; it’s about anything that contained sperm or other reproductive material. “…whereon is the seed of copulation…” : This is the core of the verse. "Copulation" means sexual intercourse. The “seed” refers to semen, which contains sperm. So, it's referring to any part of a person’s body that was involved in sexual activity. “Shall be washed with water…” : This is the action being described. It's suggesting a ritual cleansing. “…and be unclean until the even.” : "Even" means ‘the evening’ – specifically, the time of sunset. The verse implies that this process was intended to remove traces of sexual activity and bring about a period of purification or repentance. It wasn’t meant to be a permanent state; it was a temporary measure. What was happening in ancient Jewish practice? This passage describes a ritual – called ritual bathing (often called mikveh ) – that took place after sexual activity, particularly for men. The purpose of this ritual was primarily: To purify the body: It aimed to remove impurities and make the person ritually clean. To demonstrate repentance: The act of washing was a way for the person to show remorse for their actions and to seek forgiveness from God. It wasn’t about sexual purity in the modern sense. The emphasis wasn't on being pure, but rather being cleansed from the residue of sexual activity. Important Note: This passage is considered a later addition to Jewish law and tradition, and it's often viewed with some controversy today. It’s important to remember that this story is rooted in ancient religious practices and doesn't reflect our modern understanding of sexuality or morality. In short, this verse describes a ritual cleansing performed after sexual activity as a way to demonstrate repentance and purify the body. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of scripture and historical context. If you have further questions or want a deeper understanding, consulting with a religious leader or expert would be beneficial. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?