King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Then the priest shall command that they wash [the thing] wherein the plague [is], and he shall shut it up seven days more:
Complete Jewish Bible:
then the cohen is to order that the article having the infection be washed and isolated for seven more days.
Berean Standard Bible:
the priest is to order the contaminated article to be washed and isolated for another seven days.
American Standard Version:
then the priest shall command that they wash the thing wherein the plague is, and he shall shut it up seven days more:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Then the priest{H3548} shall command{H6680} that they wash{H3526} the thing wherein the plague{H5061} is, and he shall shut{H5462} it up seven{H7651} days{H3117} more{H8145}:
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Leviticus 13:54
1. Themes:
- Ritual Purity and Cleanliness: The verse reflects the theme of maintaining ritual purity within the Israelite community, which was essential for the people to remain in a right relationship with God.
- Isolation and Quarantine: The practice of shutting up the affected item for seven days indicates an early form of quarantine, emphasizing the importance of containing potential sources of impurity or disease.
- Authority of the Priesthood: The role of the priest as an authority on matters of purity and impurity is highlighted, showing the priest's responsibility in diagnosing and managing such issues.
2. Historical Context:
- The book of Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses, and was likely written during the time of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness, after their exodus from Egypt (c. 1440-1400 BCE).
- Leviticus 13 deals with various skin diseases, often translated as "leprosy," though it likely encompasses a range of skin conditions. The detailed instructions for priests served as a guide for diagnosing and managing such conditions to prevent the spread of impurity in the camp.
- The verse in question (Leviticus 13:54) specifically addresses objects, such as garments or houses, that might be affected by a plague or contagion. The instruction to wash the item and isolate it for an additional seven days is part of a broader set of regulations aimed at preserving the health and ritual purity of the community.
- The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, and in this context, it signifies a thorough period of observation to ensure that the item is free from impurity before it can be returned to use.
In summary, Leviticus 13:54 reflects the ancient Israelite concerns with ritual purity, health, and the role of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual and physical well-being of the community, using practices that include washing and quarantine. These regulations were part of a larger system of laws and rituals designed to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation before God.
*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: H6680
There are 475 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צָוָה
Transliteration: tsâvâh
Pronunciation: tsaw-vaw'
Description: a primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. - Strong's Number: H3526
There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּבַס
Transliteration: kâbaç
Pronunciation: kaw-bas'
Description: a primitive root; to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative; fuller, wash(-ing). - 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: H5462
There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סָגַר
Transliteration: çâgar
Pronunciation: saw-gar'
Description: a primitive root; to shut up; figuratively, to surrender; close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. - Strong's Number: H7651
There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁבַע
Transliteration: shebaʻ
Pronunciation: sheh'-bah
Description: or (masculine) (שִׁבְעָה); from שָׁבַע; a primitive cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number; ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare שִׁבְעָנָה. - Strong's Number: H3117
There are 1931 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יוֹם
Transliteration: yôwm
Pronunciation: yome
Description: from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb); age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. - Strong's Number: H8145
There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁנִי
Transliteration: shênîy
Pronunciation: shay-nee'
Description: from שָׁנָה; properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again; again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time).