Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this passage from Leviticus 15:3. Itâs a really important part of understanding how impurity and ritual cleansing worked in ancient Jewish tradition. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse describes a specific event â a birth â that could lead to being considered unclean, and therefore, needing special treatment. Letâs unpack it word by word: âAnd this shall be his uncleannessâŠâ - This tells us we're talking about something that causes impurity. ââŠin his issueâŠâ - This means the impurity will spread to his children . Think of it like a ripple effect â if one person is unclean, their kids are too. âwhether his flesh run with his issueâŠâ - This is the key part. It means that the blood and other impurities from the birth itself will mix with the offspring (children) of the person who had this event. Basically, the person's physical body will become contaminated. ââŠor his flesh be stopped from his issueâŠâ - This is a crucial addition. This means that the blood cannot flow through the childâs veins or otherwise contaminate their bloodline. It needs to be completely separated. âit [is] his uncleanness.â â Finally, it's declared that this person is now considered unclean and must undergo purification rituals. In short, the verse describes a birth where the physical body of an individual becomes contaminated with impurities, and this contamination will be passed on to their children. Why is this important? This passage is a cornerstone of Jewish law and tradition. It explains why ritual impurity (like childbirth) was so carefully managed. It highlights the idea that every generation carries potential for impurity â itâs a cycle of renewal and purification. It's a fundamental concept in understanding how holiness and purity are maintained within the Jewish community. Important Note: This passage is from an ancient text, and interpretations have varied greatly over time. Itâs crucial to understand this context within its historical and religious framework. --- Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse, or perhaps delve into a specific aspect like the purpose of the rituals that followed? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind the imagery used in the passage How it relates to the concept of taharah (impurity) Its influence on later Jewish practices