Definition: And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 15:5. It's a really interesting and somewhat shocking passage about ritual cleansing during times of illness or impurity. Here’s a simple explanation: What it says: “And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.” In simpler terms, it means: "Anyone who touches their bed will be ritually cleansed with water." Let’s unpack what that really means: “Whosoever toucheth his bed…” – This translates to “anyone who touches their bed.” It's a very specific and uncomfortable image. “…shall wash his clothes…” - This refers to a ritual washing, like a shower or bath. “…and bathe [himself] in water…” - This is the core of the verse. The person is instructed to be thoroughly cleansed with water. “And be unclean until the even.” – This is the crucial part. “Even” means "the evening" or "at night." So, this ritual is only performed at night, and it's meant to end before sunrise. It’s a period of impurity that needs to be removed. What was happening in ancient Israel? This verse comes from a time when the Israelites were experiencing a severe outbreak of illness – often related to sexual immorality and impurity. The priests and elders believed that this ritual cleansing was necessary to stop the spread of these diseases and to purify themselves and the community. Important Note: This passage is considered one of the most controversial in the Bible because it describes a physical act of impurity, which goes against many ethical norms of the time. However, it’s important to understand that it was rooted in a very specific historical and cultural context – a time when widespread illness and social problems were prevalent. In essence, Leviticus 15:5 is a story about dealing with physical contamination and the desire for purification through ritual cleansing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?