Leviticus 13:47

¶ The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, [whether it be] a woollen garment, or a linen garment;

The garment {H899} also that the plague {H5061} of leprosy {H6883} is in, whether it be a woollen {H6785} garment {H899}, or a linen {H6593} garment {H899};

"When tzara'at infects an article of clothing, whether it be a woolen or a linen garment,

If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any wool or linen garment,

The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;

Commentary

Leviticus 13:47 introduces a specific aspect of the detailed purity laws given to ancient Israel through Moses. This verse focuses on the identification and management of a "plague" or defilement found in garments, specifically those made of wool or linen.

Context

The entire thirteenth chapter of Leviticus is dedicated to the complex regulations concerning tsara'ath (צָרַעַת), a term often translated as "leprosy." However, it encompasses a broader range of severe skin conditions and, as seen here, also includes mold or mildew that could appear on garments and even in houses (Leviticus 14:34). The primary concern was not merely medical, but ritual impurity. A person, garment, or house afflicted with tsara'ath was considered defiled and required strict isolation and examination by the priests, who acted as divinely appointed arbiters of purity within ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Holiness: These meticulous laws underscore God's demand for holiness within the community of Israel. Every aspect of life, even clothing, was subject to divine standards of cleanliness and separation from defilement, reflecting the call to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 11:44).
  • Containment of Impurity: The detailed procedures for inspecting, isolating, and, if necessary, destroying contaminated items were designed to prevent the spread of impurity throughout the camp. This protected the sanctity of the community and its relationship with a holy God.
  • Divine Authority and Guidance: The priests were given specific instructions on how to discern and manage these "plagues," emphasizing that the standards of purity originated from God himself, not human judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague" here is nega (נגע), which literally means "stroke" or "affliction." It suggests something that has been "struck" or "touched" by defilement, often implying a divine visitation or judgment. The term tsara'ath (צָרַעַת) itself, while commonly translated as "leprosy" in the KJV, is a unique biblical concept referring to a condition that brings ritual impurity, distinct from modern medical diagnoses of Hansen's disease. Its application to garments and houses highlights its broader symbolic meaning beyond just a physical ailment.

Practical Application

While we no longer operate under the Old Testament ceremonial laws, the principles behind them remain relevant for spiritual understanding. Spiritually, this verse reminds us that defilement or "sin" can affect all areas of our lives, even our outward expressions and habits—our "garments."

  • Self-Examination: Just as the priest meticulously examined garments, we are called to examine our lives for areas of spiritual defilement or unholiness that might be hindering our walk with God.
  • Separation from Sin: Anything that consistently defiles or corrupts us, like a "plague" in a garment, needs to be identified and, if necessary, "cut out" or removed from our lives to maintain spiritual purity.
  • God's Concern for Wholeness: This law illustrates God's comprehensive care for His people's well-being, both physically and spiritually. He desires us to be whole and undefiled, reflecting His character in every aspect of our existence. The ultimate cleansing from sin's defilement is found through Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the necessity of blood for remission of sins in the New Covenant.
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Cross-References

  • Jude 1:23 (3 votes)

    And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

  • Isaiah 59:6 (2 votes)

    Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works [are] works of iniquity, and the act of violence [is] in their hands.

  • Ezekiel 16:16 (2 votes)

    And of thy garments thou didst take, and deckedst thy high places with divers colours, and playedst the harlot thereupon: [the like things] shall not come, neither shall it be [so].

  • Ephesians 4:22 (2 votes)

    That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

  • Romans 13:12 (2 votes)

    The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

  • Isaiah 64:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

  • Isaiah 3:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: