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NASB | Leviticus 5:2 'Or if a person touches any unclean thing, whether a carcass of an unclean beast or the carcass of unclean cattle or a carcass of unclean swarming things, though it is hidden from him and he is unclean, then he will be guilty. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Leviticus 5:2 'Or if someone touches any [ceremonially] unclean thing--whether the carcass of an unclean wild animal or the carcass of an unclean domestic animal or the carcass of unclean creeping things--even if he is unaware of it, he has become unclean, and he will be guilty. |
Subject: unclean is a sin? or not? |
Bible Note: Dear Brother Mark, The "teleological suspension of the ethical" is what my wife calls, very simply, the "teleo thingy." :-) It is an interesting discussion. I find it useful in day to day life only in relatively narrow situations. For example, if one must break the speed limit in order to get a sick person quickly to the hospital. Although I believe it is the primary reason that it is not sinful for a soldier to take a life in his pursuit of duty in a time of war. In Bible study, there are only very specific situations where it seems -- let me emphasize that word seems -- to come into play. Regardless, one has to take care in discussing it, since it can so easily be used by man's ever-rationalizing heart to justify unrighteous behavior. No discussion of Biblical ethics, though, is complete without mentioning it. I appreciate your introducing the question regarding the damsel of Mark 5. I find myself warming to it more with time! Your responses to my objections are certainly very valid. I particularly concur with you on the power of your final statement: "Jesus said 'she is not dead.'" When it is all said and done, "Let God be true, and every man a liar!" Also, I hope you know that when I cite things like the Mishnah, Talmud, or other Rabbinic sources, I do not see them as authoritative. It is simply a useful insight into Judaic views. Thus, it is hoped that we can better understand the people, culture, and times of the Bible -- a distinct advantage in sound exegesis. Finally, regarding the woman "with an issue of blood" (Matthew 9:20): Note that she touched Him "unawares," so to speak. (The temerity and audacity of this act by a daughter of Abraham is incredible! She risked much!) Except in the case of a Kohain, it is generally understood that becoming unclean unintentionally is not a sin. Given this fact plus your Talitha Theory, we have no clear instance where Jesus became tumei. However, I agree with you that it is arguably true that being unclean is not in and of itself a sin. Thank you for this interesting exchange. It has been valuable. In Him, Doc |