Leviticus 13:52

KJV

He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it [is] a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall therefore burn {H8313} that garment {H899}, whether warp {H8359} or woof {H6154}, in woollen {H6785} or in linen {H6593}, or any thing {H3627} of skin {H5785}, wherein the plague {H5061} is: for it is a fretting {H3992} leprosy {H6883}; it shall be burnt {H8313} in the fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to burn the garment, threads, woven-in parts of either wool or linen, or item of leather having the infection; for it is a contagious tzara'at; it must be burned up completely.

Berean Standard Bible

He is to burn the fabric, weave, or knit, whether the contaminated item is wool or linen or leather. Since the mildew is harmful, the article must be burned up.

American Standard Version

And he shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in woollen or in linen, or anything of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:52 delivers a definitive divine command for the complete and unreserved destruction by fire of any garment—whether made of wool, linen, or skin, and encompassing both warp and woof—that has been afflicted by a persistent and malignant "plague" or "fretting leprosy." This severe mandate underscores the pervasive and incurable nature of such defilement, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the critical necessity of thoroughly eradicating anything that threatens the ritual, moral, or spiritual purity of the Israelite community, thereby maintaining the sanctity of His presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 is a meticulously detailed chapter dedicated to the laws concerning _tsara'at_, a complex term often translated as "leprosy," which encompasses not only various human skin afflictions but also mold or mildew affecting garments and houses. The preceding verses [Leviticus 13:47-51](/leviticus/13-47-51 "Leviticus 13:47-51 - Initial Inspection of Garments") outline the initial diagnostic process: a garment suspected of _tsara'at_ is brought to the priest, inspected, and then quarantined for seven days. If, after this period, the "plague" has spread, even minimally, or if its color has deepened, it is deemed incurable. Verse 52, therefore, serves as the decisive, ultimate verdict for such an advanced and persistent contamination. It represents the final stage of judgment for an object that has become an irreversible source of ritual impurity, necessitating its immediate and complete removal from the community, leaving no room for partial remedies or cleansing rituals. This progression from inspection to isolation to ultimate destruction highlights the gravity of defilement within the covenant framework.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of ritual purity was paramount, forming the bedrock of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. _Tsara'at_, whether on a person, garment, or house, rendered one ritually unclean, leading to strict separation from the community and exclusion from participation in communal worship. The priest, acting as God's appointed arbiter, held the authority to diagnose these conditions and prescribe the necessary actions, functioning as both a spiritual and practical authority figure. The burning of the garment, regardless of its material composition (wool, linen, or skin), was far more than a simple act of waste disposal. In the ancient Near East, fire frequently symbolized divine judgment, thorough eradication, and complete purification. This act ensured that the defilement was utterly annihilated, thereby safeguarding the holiness of the community and the sanctity of God's dwelling (the Tabernacle) in their midst. This principle of radical removal of defilement is also evident in the destruction of an infected house, as commanded in [Leviticus 14:45](/leviticus/14-45 "Leviticus 14:45 - Destruction of an Infected House").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 13:52 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute demand for a set-apart people and environment. The "fretting leprosy" symbolizes the insidious nature of defilement, whether physical or spiritual, and the necessity of its complete removal to maintain a pure community fit for God's presence. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Judgment**, as the priest acts as God's agent in discerning and executing the divine verdict, culminating in the irreversible destruction by fire. This reflects God's sovereign right to define purity and to judge that which defiles. Finally, the meticulous details regarding the "warp," "woof," "woollen," "linen," and "skin" speak to the theme of **Thoroughness and Comprehensiveness** in dealing with sin and impurity. No aspect of the garment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is exempt from the judgment if contaminated, mirroring the comprehensive nature of God's demand for purity in all areas of life, as seen in the broader instructions for the Israelites to "be holy, for I am holy" in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sâraph (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** This primitive root (H8313) means "to be (causatively, set) on fire." In the context of Leviticus 13:52, it denotes the definitive and irreversible act of burning, signifying complete destruction and eradication. The command to "burn that garment" and "it shall be burnt in the fire" uses forms of this verb, emphasizing the absolute necessity of consuming the defiled item to ensure its total removal and the cessation of its contaminating influence. This is not merely disposal but a ritual act of purification through destruction.
* **mâʼar (Hebrew, _mâʼar'_):** This primitive root (H3992) means "to be bitter or (causatively) to embitter, i.e. be painful; fretting, picking." When used in the phrase "fretting leprosy" (_tsaraʻath mamʼeret_), it describes the aggressive, corrosive, and spreading nature of the defilement. It implies a persistent, eating-away quality that renders the garment irredeemably contaminated. This "fretting" aspect is the primary justification for the radical measure of complete destruction, as it indicates an active and incurable corruption.
* **tsâraʻath (Hebrew, _tsâraʻath'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to strike, smite" (H6883), this noun refers to "leprosy." While often translated as a specific skin disease, in Leviticus 13, it encompasses a broader range of defiling conditions, including mold or mildew on garments and houses. In this verse, _tsaraʻath_ signifies the ritual impurity caused by the "plague" on the garment, which, when described as "fretting," indicates a severe and widespread contamination that renders the item ritually unclean and a danger to the community's purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall therefore burn that garment":** This opening clause presents a direct and authoritative command, likely given by the priest who has diagnosed the incurable nature of the "plague." The verb "burn" (H8313, _sâraph_) signifies a complete and irreversible act of destruction, leaving no remnant of the defiled item. This action is the prescribed, non-negotiable response to the severe contamination.
* **"whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin":** This comprehensive enumeration meticulously details the various components and materials of the garment. "Warp" (H8359, _shᵉthîy_) refers to the longitudinal threads of a woven fabric, while "woof" (H6154, _ʻêreb_) refers to the transverse threads. This specificity, along with the mention of "woollen" (H6785, _tsemer_), "linen" (H6593, _pishteh_), and "any thing of skin" (H5785, _ʻôwr_), emphasizes that no part of the garment, regardless of its composition or how deeply the contamination has penetrated, is exempt from the judgment. It highlights the thoroughness required in dealing with the defilement.
* **"wherein the plague is":** This qualifying phrase precisely identifies the condition that necessitates the garment's destruction. The "plague" (H5061, _negaʻ_) refers to the defiling contamination, whether mold or mildew. This clause underscores that the judgment is not arbitrary but is based on the objective presence and nature of the impurity within the material.
* **"for it [is] a fretting leprosy":** This explanatory clause provides the crucial justification for the severe command. The phrase "fretting leprosy" (H6883, _tsâraʻath_ and H3992, _mâʼar_) describes the malignant, aggressive, and spreading nature of the contamination. It signifies that the defilement is not superficial or treatable but is deeply ingrained and actively destructive, consuming the material and posing an ongoing threat of further contamination. This incurable nature mandates its complete eradication.
* **"it shall be burnt in the fire":** This concluding phrase reiterates and reinforces the initial command, underscoring the absolute necessity and finality of the destruction. The repetition emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the action. The use of "fire" (H784, _ʼêsh_) is not merely a practical disposal method but a profound symbolic act of purification, judgment, and complete removal, ensuring that the defilement is utterly consumed and its contaminating power neutralized.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:52 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and finality of its command. **Repetition** is prominently featured, with the verb "burn" (H8313, _sâraph_) appearing twice ("He shall therefore burn... it shall be burnt in the fire"). This reiteration serves to emphasize the definitive and non-negotiable nature of the prescribed action, leaving no doubt as to the required outcome. The detailed enumeration of materials—"whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin"—functions as **comprehensive listing** or **merism**, signifying that the command applies to all possible types and components of garments, thereby underscoring the universality and thoroughness of the judgment. This also contributes to an **emphatic tone**, highlighting that no material is exempt from the divine decree if contaminated. The phrase "fretting leprosy" itself utilizes vivid **descriptive language** to portray the malignant, corrosive, and spreading nature of the defilement, thereby justifying the radical solution. Furthermore, the entire scenario of the defiled garment and its destruction functions as powerful **symbolism**, where the physical "plague" represents the insidious and pervasive nature of sin and defilement within the community, requiring decisive and total eradication to maintain holiness and God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:52 is a profound theological statement on God's uncompromising demand for holiness and purity within His covenant people. The "fretting leprosy" on a garment serves as a tangible and potent metaphor for the insidious, spreading, and deeply corrupting nature of sin. It is not a superficial blemish but a pervasive defilement that, if left unchecked, threatens to contaminate the entire community and compromise its relationship with a holy God. The command to utterly destroy the defiled garment by fire vividly illustrates the severity with which God views defilement and the radical measures required to maintain a holy environment. This principle extends far beyond ceremonial cleanness to encompass moral and spiritual purity, emphasizing that anything that persistently corrupts, spreads spiritual decay, or fundamentally opposes God's character must be decisively and completely removed from the life of the believer and the community. This radical action reflects the very nature of God, who is "holy in all His ways" and demands a corresponding holiness from His people.

* [Leviticus 14:45](/leviticus/14-45 "Leviticus 14:45 - Destruction of an Infected House")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Purge Out the Old Leaven")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of Leviticus are not directly binding for New Testament believers, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 13:52 remain critically relevant for our lives today. This verse serves as a powerful call to radical self-examination, prompting us to identify the "fretting leprosy" in our own spiritual "garments"—those persistent sins, destructive habits, toxic relationships, corrupting influences, or ungodly thought patterns that, like a spreading mildew, threaten our spiritual purity and the health of the church community. Just as the ancient Israelite priest had to make a decisive judgment and command the burning of the garment, we are called to exercise spiritual discernment and take decisive, even painful, action to sever ties with anything that defiles. This might involve heartfelt repentance, humble confession, setting firm boundaries, or completely removing ourselves from environments that foster spiritual decay. The thoroughness demanded by God—burning "warp or woof"—reminds us that partial measures are insufficient for deep-seated defilement; true purity often requires a complete and irreversible break from what corrupts, embracing the transformative power of God's grace to live a life set apart for Him, reflecting His holiness in every aspect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "garments" (habits, relationships, influences, or thought patterns) in my life might be exhibiting characteristics of a "fretting leprosy" that needs to be decisively dealt with?**
* **What radical steps might God be calling me to take to "burn" or completely remove these sources of spiritual defilement from my life and community?**
* **How does the seriousness of the command in Leviticus 13:52 deepen my understanding of God's absolute holiness and the insidious, destructive nature of sin?**

### FAQ
**What does "fretting leprosy" mean in the context of a garment?**

Answer: In Leviticus 13, "leprosy" (_tsara'at_) is a broad term that encompasses not only various human skin diseases but also mold or mildew that could appear on garments and houses. "Fretting leprosy" (_tsara'at mam'eret_) specifically describes a malignant, spreading, and corrosive form of this contamination. For a garment, it means a persistent and destructive growth of mold or mildew that has eaten into the fabric or skin, indicating a deep-seated and incurable defilement. It's not merely a superficial stain but something that actively spreads and destroys the material, rendering it ritually unclean and a potential source of further contamination within the community, as detailed in the preceding verses [Leviticus 13:47-51](/leviticus/13-47-51 "Leviticus 13:47-51 - Laws for Garments with Leprosy"). This "fretting" quality signifies its incurable and pervasive nature.

**Why was it necessary to burn the garment completely, rather than just washing or repairing it?**

Answer: The command to burn the garment completely was necessitated by the "fretting" or malignant nature of the "plague." Unlike a minor defilement that could be cleansed through washing or other rituals, the _tsara'at mam'eret_ indicated an incurable and deeply ingrained contamination that had eaten into the very "warp or woof" of the fabric. Burning served several crucial purposes: it prevented the further physical and ritual spread of the defilement, ensured its complete eradication, and restored ritual purity to the community by eliminating the source of uncleanness. This radical action underscored the severity of the defilement in God's eyes and the absolute necessity of thoroughness in dealing with anything that threatened the holiness of His people. It was a definitive act of separation from impurity, symbolizing that some forms of defilement are so pervasive that they require total destruction rather than mere remediation or superficial cleansing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:52, with its stark command to burn the defiled garment, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and decisive action taken by Christ to deal with the "fretting leprosy" of sin. Humanity's sin is not merely a superficial blemish but a malignant, spreading defilement that corrupts the very fabric of our being and separates us from a holy God, much like the incurable plague on the garment. Just as the garment was utterly consumed by fire to remove its defilement, Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowed Himself to be consumed by the fire of divine judgment on the cross. He "became sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), bearing the full weight and destructive power of our spiritual "plague." His sacrifice was the ultimate and complete "burning," not of a garment, but of sin's power and defilement itself, making possible a radical and irreversible cleansing. Through His shed blood, we are not merely washed but purified completely, made truly clean and holy in God's sight, allowing us to draw near to God with a clear conscience, as illuminated in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood"). This divine act of eradication empowers believers to "purge out therefore the old leaven" of sin from their lives and communities ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Purge Out the Old Leaven")), living in the newness of life that Christ's complete work has provided.

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

Isaiah 30:22

Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Leviticus 11:33

And every earthen vessel, whereinto [any] of them falleth, whatsoever [is] in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.

Leviticus 11:35

And every [thing] whereupon [any part] of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; [whether it be] oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: [for] they [are] unclean, and shall be unclean unto you.

Acts 19:19

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver.

Acts 19:20

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Leviticus 14:44

Then the priest shall come and look, and, behold, [if] the plague be spread in the house, it [is] a fretting leprosy in the house: it [is] unclean.

Leviticus 14:45

And he shall break down the house, the stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the morter of the house; and he shall carry [them] forth out of the city into an unclean place.