In Impurity and Gender in the Hebrew Bible, Elizabeth W. Goldstein provides an extended study of the Hebrew word ??? /ndh. Her monograph accomplishes a great deal in following the evolution of the term from its earliest stage…. Throughout her grammatical, historical, and linguistic analysis of the material, she interweaves a feminist hermeneutic. Thus she seeks to determine the extent to which women were – and are – affected by the metaphorical use of what was originally a term for the ritual impurity imputed by a female biological process. She uses all of these methodologies effectively, and writes in an engaging and a well-organized fashion…. As for her feminist hermeneutic, Goldstein proceeds with detailed objectivity and thoughtful insights.

Biblical Interpretation

Elizabeth Goldstein unravels the tangle of associations between notions of purity and constructions of gender and elucidates the dynamic through which women become linked to sin. Her careful, clear study guides the reader through the development of a biblical trope with serious social and psychological impacts that reach into contemporary times. This book is a necessary read for biblical scholars, students of religion and all those curious about ancient social categories.

Rachel Havrelock, University of Illinois at Chicago

Goldstein makes a compelling case, and her study is a valuable contribution to the growing body of work on this subject. This study will be of use to anyone interested in the study of sexuality, women, gender, and impurity in the Hebrew Bible and early Second Temple period, and especially to those who are interested in the intersection of women’s and gender studies with the study of biblical purity.

The Journal Of Religion

Goldstein takes her readers on a fascinating trip down the historical trajectory of the term ndh. She convincingly arguesthat this trajectory reflects a ‘semantic broadening’ resulting in significant consequences for women. Staring with understanding menstruation as a cause of ritual impurity (in P), she argues that the term then moves to indicate moral impurity (in H), to genealogical impurity (Ezra, Nehemiah), and finally to post-biblical materials (Qumran) where ndh now ‘becomes synonymous with the grave sins brought on by moral impurity.’ Goldstein’s work is a ‘must read’ for anyone interested in exploring the link between gender and impurity in the Hebrew Bible.

Linda S. Schearing, Gonzaga University

A thought-provoking study...[A] useful contribution.

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament