King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;
Complete Jewish Bible:
But if, when the cohen examines it, he sees that the infection has not spread on the garment or in the threads, woven-in parts or leather item,
Berean Standard Bible:
But when the priest reexamines it, if the mildew has not spread in the fabric, weave, knit, or leather article,
American Standard Version:
And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And if the priest{H3548} shall look{H7200}, and, behold, the plague{H5061} be not spread{H6581} in the garment{H899}, either{H176} in the warp{H8359}, or{H176} in the woof{H6154}, or{H176} in any thing{H3627} of skin{H5785};
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Leviticus 13:53
1. Themes:
- Ritual Purity and Holiness: The verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus dealing with laws of purity and the identification and handling of skin diseases (often translated as "leprosy" but likely referring to various skin conditions). The focus is on maintaining the ritual purity of the community and the sanctuary.
- Careful Examination: The theme of thorough inspection by the priest underscores the importance of discernment and the need to carefully assess whether an object or person is ritually clean or unclean.
- Containment of Contagion: The concern for preventing the spread of disease or impurity is evident. The text emphasizes containment to protect the community from widespread contamination.
2. Historical Context:
- Leviticus is the third book of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses, and is a compilation of various laws and rituals given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. It is set in the context of the wilderness wanderings, around the 13th century BCE.
- The laws in Leviticus were designed to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation, distinct from their neighbors in their religious practices and moral conduct. The detailed regulations reflect a concern for health, order, and the preservation of sacred space.
- The verse in question (Leviticus 13:53) specifically deals with the inspection of garments that may have been affected by a skin disease. In the ancient world, fabrics were made from natural fibers like wool or linen, and the "warp" and "woof" refer to the vertical and horizontal threads in the weave. Skin refers to leather goods. The priest's role was to determine whether the garment could be cleansed and remain in use or if it needed to be destroyed to prevent the spread of uncleanness.
- This passage reflects a broader ancient Near Eastern concern with diseases and impurities that were thought to be communicable through contact with affected objects or individuals. The detailed prescriptions for priests served as a manual for maintaining the community's health and religious integrity.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3548
There are 653 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כֹּהֵן
Transliteration: kôhên
Pronunciation: ko-hane'
Description: active participle of כָּהַן; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. - Strong's Number: H7200
There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָאָה
Transliteration: râʼâh
Pronunciation: raw-aw'
Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. - Strong's Number: H5061
There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נֶגַע
Transliteration: negaʻ
Pronunciation: neh'-gah
Description: from נָגַע; a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress); plague, sore, stricken, stripe, stroke, wound. - Strong's Number: H6581
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּשָׂה
Transliteration: pâsâh
Pronunciation: paw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to spread; spread. - Strong's Number: H899
There are 190 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֶּגֶד
Transliteration: beged
Pronunciation: behg'-ed
Description: from בָּגַד; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage; apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. - Strong's Number: H176
There are 110 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אוֹ
Transliteration: ʼôw
Pronunciation: o
Description: presumed to be the 'constructive' or genitival form of אַו ; short for אַוָּה; desire (and so probably in Proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if; also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. - Strong's Number: H8359
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׁתִי
Transliteration: shᵉthîy
Pronunciation: sheth-ee'
Description: from שִׁית; a fixture, i.e. the warp in weaving; warp. - Strong's Number: H6154
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵרֶב
Transliteration: ʻêreb
Pronunciation: ay'-reb
Description: or עֶרֶב; (1 Kings 10:15), (with the article [prefix), from עָרַב; the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race); Arabia, mingled people, mixed (multitude), woof. - Strong's Number: H3627
There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּלִי
Transliteration: kᵉlîy
Pronunciation: kel-ee'
Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. - Strong's Number: H5785
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוֹר
Transliteration: ʻôwr
Pronunciation: ore
Description: from עוּר; skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather; hide, leather, skin.