The Church Fathers on this verse

Leviticus 15:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The saddle on which he hath sitten shall be unclean.

Douay-Rheims

וְכָל־הַמֶּרְכָּ֗ב אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִרְכַּ֥ב עָלָ֛יו הַזָּ֖ב יִטְמָֽא׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

In addition to these points, it is stated that any container touched by “he who pours out seed... pouring out seed” is to be regarded as repulsive and abhorrent, even if the individual cleanses their hands with water—the vessel remains unclean. Furthermore, if anyone comes into contact with this person's body, they too bear the burden of uncleanness; additionally, those who are pure and approach him will also incur the guilt of impurity. Consequently, he withdrew with the lepers, distancing himself from the camp, avoiding all interactions, so much so that even a touch could render others unclean.

Read more (123 words)

The law instructed us to keep our distance from those who pour out seed, as though it were intended to emphasize the need to separate ourselves from those given to wickedness and to firmly reject those whom God would despise, due to their constant state of defilement. Indeed, it is not trivial to associate with the wicked. As it is truly written, “He that toucheth the pitch shall be defiled” (Sir. 13:1). He who pours out seed taints everything he contacts—his bed, his body, dishes, water, and wooden vessels. This profound truth indicates that anyone aligned with him spiritually will share in his inherent uncleanness. For it is stated, “Keep thyself pure, and be not partaker of another man's sin” (1 Tim. 5:22).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.