THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In addition to these matters, it is stated that it is loathsome and repugnant for any container that has been touched by “he who sows seed... while sowing seed,” even if he cleanses his hands, to be considered pure. Furthermore, if anyone comes into contact with his body, they too become liable for the offense of impurity; likewise, those who are themselves undefiled, if they approach him, will also bear the guilt of impurity. Consequently, he departed, along with the lepers, distanced from the camp, becoming isolated from all, and maintaining no connection with them, so that even a mere touch from his hand would render those he encountered impure.
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The law instructed us to keep our distance from the one who sows seed, perhaps to emphasize our need to turn away from those who are inclined toward evil, and bravely keep at arm's length those whom God would himself reject for their ongoing defilement; for it is certainly perilous to associate with wicked individuals. Indeed, it is written, “He that toucheth the pitch shall be defiled” (Sir. 13:1). The one who sows seed taints everything he contacts—his bed, his body, his dishes, water, and wooden utensils: through this symbol, it is conveyed that anyone who shares a similar spiritual state will also share in his intrinsic impurity. For it is stated, “Keep thyself pure, and be not partaker of another man's sin” (1 Tim. 5:22).