Definition: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, [because of] his issue he [is] unclean.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 15:2. It’s a tricky one, and it’s important to understand the context behind it. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means in plain language: “When any man has a running issue out of his flesh, because of his children, he is unclean.” Let’s unpack that: “When any man has a running issue out of his flesh…” – This refers to a physical ailment or problem that's constantly happening in a person’s body. Think of it like a persistent cough, a bad rash, or a swelling that doesn't go away easily. It’s not a natural occurrence; it’s something that needs attention. “…because of his issue he [is] unclean.” – This is the key part. The Bible uses the word “issue” here to mean a physical ailment, or a problem with the body. The word "he" refers to the male's offspring (his children). So, it’s saying that if a man has a persistent physical problem in his family line, he is considered ‘unclean’ – meaning he’s not fit to participate fully in religious rituals and practices. What was this passage about? This verse deals with a period of intense impurity and ritual cleansing during the Passover festival (a crucial event in Jewish history). It was a time when the Israelites needed to be separated from an unclean population, which symbolized the sins of their ancestors. The law was established to prevent these physical ailments from contaminating the community and causing spiritual problems. Important Context - Why it’s complex: It wasn't about personal sin: The verse doesn't mean a man is inherently sinful based on this one event. It’s a consequence of a genetic problem that arose within the family line. It was a purification ritual: The purpose of this passage was to establish a process for cleansing and purifying the Israelites, both physically and spiritually. The Passover festival involved symbolic acts of repentance and washing – this verse was part of a larger plan to remove this impurity. In short, Leviticus 15:2 describes a physical problem within a family lineage that leads to being considered unclean, requiring a specific cleansing ritual. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on general biblical understanding. Do you have any other questions about this passage or would you like me to elaborate on a particular aspect of it? For example, are you curious about: The connection to the Passover story? The symbolic meaning behind the word "unclean"?