Leviticus 13:50

KJV

And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up [it that hath] the plague seven days:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200} upon the plague {H5061}, and shut {H5462} up it that hath the plague {H5061} seven {H7651} days {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to examine the stain and isolate the article that has the infection for seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

And the priest is to examine the mildew and isolate the contaminated fabric for seven days.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up that which hath the plague seven days:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:50 outlines a critical procedural step within the Mosaic Law for managing suspected cases of defiling "plagues" on garments or fabric, most commonly understood as mold or mildew. This verse mandates the priest's initial, discerning inspection of the affected item, immediately followed by a non-negotiable seven-day quarantine period. This meticulous instruction underscores God's profound concern for maintaining both ceremonial purity and public health within the Israelite community, thereby establishing the priest's dual role as a spiritual authority and a guardian of communal well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13:50 is precisely situated within a highly detailed and prescriptive legal section of the Mosaic Law, specifically [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases and Garments") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws of Cleansing and Purification"). This extensive passage is devoted to the identification, diagnosis, and purification protocols for individuals and objects affected by various "plagues" (Hebrew: _negaʻ_). While the initial verses of [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13-1-46 "Leviticus 13:1-46 - Laws for Skin Diseases") primarily focus on human skin diseases, often translated as "leprosy," the latter part of the chapter, beginning at [Leviticus 13:47](/leviticus/13-47 "Leviticus 13:47 - Laws Concerning Mildew in Garments"), meticulously shifts its focus to similar afflictions appearing on textiles and leather. This transition highlights the pervasive nature of impurity and the comprehensive scope of God's laws, which extended beyond human bodies to their immediate environment and possessions. The instructions here for garments meticulously parallel the diagnostic process for human skin diseases, emphasizing observation and isolation as foundational steps before a final determination of purity or impurity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern cultures, cleanliness and purity were not merely matters of hygiene but held profound religious, social, and even political significance. "Plagues" on garments, most likely various forms of mold or mildew, were perceived as defiling agents that could render an individual or object ceremonially impure, thereby restricting their participation in worship, communal gatherings, and even daily interactions. The priest's role, as meticulously outlined in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws of Impurity") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Laws of Cleansing"), was central to maintaining the holiness of the Israelite camp, which was understood as God's sacred dwelling place. He served not only as a spiritual guide and arbiter of divine law but also, in effect, as a public health official, responsible for diagnosing potentially contagious conditions and enforcing quarantine measures. The prescribed seven-day isolation period was a common biblical timeframe, allowing sufficient time for the "plague" to either manifest more clearly or recede, reflecting a practical wisdom aimed at preventing widespread contamination and ensuring an accurate diagnosis before more drastic measures, such as burning the item, were taken, as detailed in [Leviticus 13:52](/leviticus/13-52 "Leviticus 13:52 - Burning of the Garment").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"). Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and His demand for a holy people who reflect His character in every aspect of their lives, from worship to daily living, as articulated in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). The meticulous laws concerning "plagues" on garments underscore the pervasive nature of **Defilement** and the necessity of discerning and dealing with anything that compromises purity. The priest's central role highlights the theme of **Mediation and Authority**, as he is the divinely appointed figure responsible for discerning between the clean and the unclean ([Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")). Finally, the concept of **Order and Separation** is evident, as God provides precise instructions to maintain order within the community and separate His people from anything that would defile them or His dwelling place.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** This term (H3548) denotes one who officiates, a priest. In the Mosaic Law, the priest was a divinely appointed mediator between God and Israel, responsible for performing sacrifices, teaching the law, and, as seen here, discerning between clean and unclean. His role in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws of Impurity") is crucial; he is the sole authority designated to inspect and declare the status of "plagues," underscoring the gravity of purity matters and the necessity of authoritative judgment.
* **Plague (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_):** This word (H5061) signifies a blow, an infliction, or, by implication, a spot. While often associated with skin diseases (e.g., "leprosy"), in the context of garments ([Leviticus 13:47-59](/leviticus/13-47-59 "Leviticus 13:47-59 - Laws Concerning Mildew in Garments")), it specifically refers to a defiling spot or growth, most commonly understood as mold or mildew. The use of _negaʻ_ for both human skin conditions and fabric infestations highlights a theological connection: both are visible signs of impurity that require priestly discernment and a prescribed process of isolation or purification to restore ceremonial holiness.
* **Shut up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** This verb (H5462) means to close, confine, or isolate. Its repeated use in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws of Impurity") (e.g., [Leviticus 13:4](/leviticus/13-4 "Leviticus 13:4 - Isolation of Skin Disease")) for both people and objects underscores the principle of quarantine. The act of "shutting up" the garment for seven days was not punitive but diagnostic. It provided a controlled environment for observation, allowing the priest to determine if the "plague" was spreading, receding, or remaining stable, thus guiding the subsequent steps in the purification process. This term conveys a sense of careful, deliberate containment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall look upon the plague":** This clause emphasizes the priest's critical and authoritative role as the primary diagnostician and arbiter of ceremonial purity. His "looking upon" (Hebrew: _râʼâh_) implies a careful, discerning, and thorough examination, not a casual glance. It highlights the importance of expert, divinely appointed judgment in identifying defilement, which was not left to individual discretion but to the established religious authority. This initial inspection is the foundational first step in a precise, God-ordained protocol for maintaining the holiness of the community.
* **"and shut up [it that hath] the plague seven days":** Following the initial inspection, the priest's immediate and mandatory action is to isolate the contaminated item. The phrase "[it that hath] the plague" clarifies that the object itself, rather than merely its owner, is the direct focus of the quarantine. The "seven days" period (Hebrew: _shebaʻ_ days, _yôwm_) is a common biblical timeframe, often signifying completion, a period of testing, or a cycle of observation. This mandated isolation served a dual purpose: to prevent potential further contamination within the community and to allow sufficient time for the "plague" to develop, recede, or remain stable, thereby enabling a more accurate subsequent diagnosis and determining the appropriate course of action.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:50 primarily employs **Prescriptive Law** as its dominant literary device, providing a clear, concise, and step-by-step instruction for the priest's actions. This legalistic style ensures absolute clarity and leaves no room for ambiguity in the execution of the purity laws, emphasizing their divine origin and mandatory nature. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of the term "plague" (_negaʻ_), reinforcing the central concern of the passage and underscoring the pervasive nature of defilement that required such meticulous attention. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a profound form of **Symbolism**, where these physical purity laws served as tangible object lessons for spiritual purity. The visible "plague" on a garment symbolizes the insidious nature of sin or spiritual defilement that, if not discerned and dealt with promptly, can spread and contaminate an entire community. The act of "shutting up" the item serves as an **Analogy** for the spiritual discipline of discernment and the necessary isolation or removal of harmful influences in one's life to preserve spiritual integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:50, though rooted in ancient ceremonial law, profoundly reflects God's immutable attributes and enduring principles. It demonstrates God's meticulous concern for holiness, order, and the well-being of His covenant people, revealing that even seemingly minor aspects of daily life were to be brought under His divine standard. The "plague" on the garment symbolizes the pervasive nature of impurity and sin, requiring careful discernment and decisive action. The priest's role highlights the necessity of mediation and authoritative judgment in dealing with defilement, pointing to God's desire for a pure people in a pure dwelling place. This verse underscores that God's holiness is not an abstract concept but demands practical, visible manifestations in the lives of His covenant people, ensuring their fitness for His presence.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual prescribed in Leviticus 13:50, while no longer literally applicable to believers under the New Covenant, offers profound spiritual lessons for our lives today. Just as the priest carefully examined the suspected "plague" and isolated the affected garment, we are called to exercise spiritual discernment regarding the influences in our lives—whether thoughts, relationships, media consumption, or habits—that might introduce spiritual "mildew" or defilement. This involves a proactive stance, not ignoring potential problems but bringing them into the light for careful examination. The "seven days" of observation remind us that true discernment often requires patience, prayer, and a willingness to allow God to reveal the true nature of an issue, rather than rushing to judgment or action. Promptly addressing potential issues, even isolating ourselves from harmful influences for a season, can prevent deeper contamination and protect our spiritual purity, allowing us to live more fully in the holiness to which God has called us, reflecting His character in a defiled world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "plagues" or defiling influences might be subtly present in my life (e.g., negative thought patterns, unhealthy relationships, ungodly habits) that require careful spiritual discernment and "quarantine"?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of spiritual discernment to identify potential sources of impurity before they spread and cause deeper spiritual harm?**
* **In what areas of my life am I procrastinating in addressing issues that, if left unattended, could lead to greater spiritual contamination or compromise?**
* **Who are the "priests" or wise, discerning individuals in my life (e.g., spiritual mentors, trusted friends, pastors) whose counsel I should seek when facing unclear or potentially defiling situations?**

### FAQ
**Why was a "plague" on a garment considered so serious that it required priestly intervention?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the distinction between "clean" and "unclean" was fundamental to their covenant relationship with God. God, being perfectly holy, chose to dwell in the midst of His people, and therefore, the entire camp and everything within it needed to reflect a certain level of purity to honor His presence. A "plague" on a garment, whether mold or mildew, was not just a matter of hygiene; it was a visible sign of defilement that rendered the item, and potentially its wearer, ceremonially unclean. This impurity could prevent an individual from participating in worship, communal life, or even approaching the Tabernacle. The priest's intervention was necessary because he was the divinely appointed authority to discern and declare what was clean or unclean, ensuring the maintenance of the community's holiness and their proper relationship with God, as detailed in [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common"). These laws were designed to teach Israel about the pervasive nature of sin and God's absolute demand for holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:50, with its meticulous instructions for discerning and isolating defilement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest, in his role as diagnostician and arbiter of purity, served as a profound foreshadowing of Christ, our Great High Priest, who perfectly discerns the true nature of sin and impurity in the human heart. Unlike the earthly priest who could only declare an item or person unclean and prescribe temporary rituals, Jesus, through His sinless life, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection, actually removes the "plague" of sin from our lives. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making us truly clean and holy in God's sight. The temporary quarantine of the garment points to the spiritual separation that sin creates between humanity and a holy God, a separation that Jesus definitively overcomes by drawing us near to God through His blood ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")). We are no longer made clean by external rituals, the burning of defiled garments, or the passing of days, but by the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")), through our unbreakable union with Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 44:23

And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.