Definition: But if he wash [them] not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 17:16. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage about holiness and purity. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means that if someone doesn’t wash or bathe their body, they are considered unclean and must be separate from God’s presence. Let’s unpack it further: “But if he wash [them] not…” : This is the key part. It's saying that not washing your body is a sign of impurity. It’s a direct consequence of not adhering to the standards of holiness and purity set by God. “…nor bathe his flesh” : This refers to showering or bathing – basically, cleaning yourself. “Then he shall bear his iniquity” : This is the most impactful part. “Iniquity” means a moral stain, a wrongdoing, a debt owed to God. It's essentially a record of all your sins and mistakes. So, this verse says that if you don’t follow God’s rules for cleanliness, you are carrying that burden – that stain of sin – with you. In simpler terms: It’s about maintaining a right relationship with God by keeping yourself clean (and morally upright) – and failing to do so leads to being marked as unclean and burdened with your sins. Context & Why it's Important: This verse is found in the Old Testament, specifically within the Law of Moses. It speaks to the importance of ritual purity in the Jewish people and foreshadowed later practices like blood sacrifices. It’s a reminder that we are all susceptible to sin and that maintaining holiness is essential for our relationship with God. Does this have any practical implications today? Absolutely! This verse reminds us that: We must strive to be holy: It encourages a conscious effort to live righteously and avoid things that would make us impure. Sin has consequences: It acknowledges that our actions, even if unintentional, can impact our relationship with God. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect of the verse? For example, we could talk about: The historical context The meaning of "iniquity" How this verse relates to other scriptures