A discharge of blood: the same root word is used here as in verses 3 and following regarding the man. But the addition of the word blood makes it clear that menstruation is involved. As in the case of most matters dealing with sex, languages have very different ways of talking about this natural and recurring event in the lives of women. One may use an expression like “to see the moon”; another may say “to have the women’s sickness”; others may have expressions that are even less direct than these. But speakers of the language should have no doubt about the meaning.

From her body: literally “from her flesh.” See the discussion under verse 7. The context permits either from her body as in Revised Standard Version, or “from her sexual organs.” Naturalness in the receptor language should determine which one is used.

In her impurity: that is, she shall be considered impure or unclean. This expression has virtually the same meaning as shall be unclean used at the end of this verse with regard to those who touch such a woman.

For seven days: see 4.6; 8.33.

Until the evening: or “until the next sunset.” See 11.24.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .