Leviticus 13:55

KJV

And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed: and, behold, [if] the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it [is] unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire; it [is] fret inward, [whether] it [be] bare within or without.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200} on the plague {H5061}, after {H310} that it is washed {H3526}: and, behold, if the plague {H5061} have not changed {H2015} his colour {H5869}, and the plague {H5061} be not spread {H6581}; it is unclean {H2931}; thou shalt burn {H8313} it in the fire {H784}; it is fret {H6356} inward, whether it be bare within {H7146} or without {H1372}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to examine it after the stain has been washed, and if he sees that the stain has not changed color, then, even though the stain has not spread, it is unclean; you are to burn it up completely - it is rotten, no matter whether the spot is on the outside or on the inside.

Berean Standard Bible

After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildewed article has not changed in appearance, it is unclean. Even though the mildew has not spread, you must burn it, whether the rot is on the front or back.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall look, after that the plague is washed; and, behold, if the plague have not changed its color, and the plague be not spread, it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire: it is a fret, whether the bareness be within or without.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:55 concludes a specific diagnostic process for a "plague" (likely mold or mildew) on garments or household items, following a period of washing and quarantine. It dictates that if, after this attempted cleansing, the contamination remains unchanged in color or has not spread, it signifies a deep-seated, incurable defilement. Such an item is declared ritually unclean and must be completely destroyed by fire, indicating that the affliction has "fret inward," consuming the material from within, rendering it beyond repair or purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13-14 constitutes a comprehensive legal code concerning ritual purity, specifically addressing skin diseases (often referred to as "leprosy" but encompassing various dermatological conditions) and destructive contaminations like mold or mildew on fabrics, leather, and even houses. This specific verse, Leviticus 13:55, falls within the section dealing with garments and articles (Leviticus 13:47-59). It follows a detailed protocol involving initial inspection by the priest, a seven-day quarantine period, and a washing of the affected item (as seen in [Leviticus 13:54](/leviticus/13-54 "Leviticus 13:54 - Second Inspection and Washing")). Verse 55 outlines the final, severe verdict for an item that proves incurably contaminated, even after these purification attempts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levitical laws were paramount for maintaining the holiness and ritual purity of the Israelite community, particularly in the presence of God's tabernacle, which symbolized His dwelling among them. The priest served not only as a spiritual leader but also as a public health official, tasked with diagnosing and managing conditions that could spread defilement throughout the camp. These "plagues" were not merely physical ailments but also carried significant ritual implications, symbolizing spiritual impurity or the disruptive presence of sin. The meticulousness of these laws, including the detailed procedures for inspection, quarantine, and destruction, underscored the gravity of defilement and God's demand for a holy people (as emphasized in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The burning of the item in fire was a common method of complete eradication and purification in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying the absolute removal of that which was deemed irredeemably corrupted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plague (Hebrew, _nega'_):** This term broadly means a "stroke," "mark," or "affliction." While often used for skin diseases in Leviticus, in the context of garments and items (Leviticus 13:47-59), it refers to a spreading, destructive contamination, most likely a virulent mold or fungus. It signifies a visible manifestation of defilement that requires priestly discernment.
* **Fret inward (Hebrew, _balah'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to decay," "to wear out," or "to consume," this phrase vividly describes how the contamination had eaten into the very fabric or material. It indicates that the "plague" was not merely superficial but deeply embedded, destructive, and had compromised the integrity of the item from within, rendering it irreparable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed":** This clause highlights the priest's essential role as the diagnostician and arbiter of purity. The inspection is not a first look but a re-evaluation after the item has undergone a prescribed washing, indicating that initial attempts at cleansing have been made.
* **"and, behold, [if] the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread":** This specifies the criteria for a negative diagnosis. If, despite washing, the visible signs of the "plague" (its color, indicating its nature or severity) remain unaltered, and it has not expanded its reach, it signifies a stubborn, ingrained problem. The lack of change is the decisive factor.
* **"it [is] unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire":** This is the definitive verdict and the prescribed action. The item is declared ritually "unclean" (Hebrew, _tameh_), meaning it is unfit for use in the holy community and would transmit defilement. The command to "burn it in the fire" indicates radical, irreversible destruction, as no other method could purify it.
* **"it [is] fret inward, [whether] it [be] bare within or without."** This clause provides the rationale for the severe judgment. The phrase "fret inward" explains that the contamination has deeply permeated the material, consuming it from its core. The final phrase, "whether it be bare within or without," emphasizes the pervasive nature of the defilement, implying that even if the surface appears clear or worn, the internal corruption remains, making it fundamentally compromised.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:55 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the physical "plague" on the garment serves as a powerful symbol for spiritual defilement or sin. Just as the mold deeply permeates the fabric, sin can deeply "fret inward" into the human heart and life, becoming ingrained and destructive. The act of "burning in the fire" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Radical Metaphor**, emphasizing the absolute necessity of eradicating deep-seated impurity. It underscores that for certain forms of defilement, superficial cleansing is insufficient; only complete destruction can remove the contamination. The meticulous detail in the diagnostic process and the stark, uncompromising judgment also contribute to a sense of **Legal Precision**, highlighting the unwavering nature of God's standards for holiness and purity within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:55 powerfully illustrates God's uncompromising standard of holiness and His insistence on thorough, not superficial, purity for His people. The persistence of the "plague" despite washing reveals that some defilement is so deeply ingrained that it cannot be cleansed by outward rituals alone; it requires radical eradication. This principle extends beyond physical contamination to spiritual realities, teaching that sin, when deeply rooted and unrepented of, is fundamentally destructive and renders one unfit for fellowship with a holy God. The command to burn the item signifies that God's holiness demands absolute separation from that which is irredeemably corrupted, pointing to the need for a complete transformation rather than mere outward conformity.

* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Cleanse Me with Hyssop")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 13:55, though part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It challenges us to examine the depth of our own spiritual condition. Are we content with superficial cleansing, or do we allow God to address the "fret inward" issues of our hearts? Just as the mold consumed the fabric from within, unconfessed and unaddressed sin can corrupt our spiritual vitality, relationships, and witness. This verse calls us to a radical commitment to purity, recognizing that some habits, attitudes, or influences are so deeply intertwined with sin that they require complete eradication from our lives—a "burning" away, so to speak. It reminds us that true holiness is not merely outward conformity but an inner transformation that aligns our hearts with God's perfect standard, recognizing that only His grace can truly purify us from the deepest stains of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "plagues" in my life (habits, attitudes, relationships) might be "fret inward," requiring more than superficial change?**
* **Am I willing to take radical steps, like "burning" away certain influences, to pursue deeper purity and holiness?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's standard of holiness and my own pursuit of it?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "plague" not changing color or spreading after washing?**

Answer: The significance lies in its diagnostic value. In the Levitical context, the washing was an attempt at purification or a test to see if the "plague" was superficial. If, after washing, the "plague" remained unchanged in color and did not spread, it indicated that the contamination was not merely on the surface but was deeply ingrained within the very fibers or material of the item. This suggested an incurable or persistent defilement, signifying that the item was fundamentally compromised and beyond ritual cleansing. It was a sign of an internal, rather than external, problem, leading to the verdict of "unclean" and the command for destruction by fire, as seen in [Leviticus 13:55](/leviticus/13-55 "Leviticus 13:55 - The Incurable Plague").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:55, with its stark declaration of an item being "unclean" and requiring destruction due to an incurable, "fret inward" defilement, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Humanity, by nature, is not merely superficially stained by sin but is "fret inward" with a spiritual corruption that permeates every aspect of our being ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). No amount of ritual washing, self-effort, or external religious observance could truly cleanse this deep-seated defilement, as the law itself was a shadow, not the substance ([Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Shadow of Things to Come")). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, did not merely provide a superficial cleansing but offered His own body as the ultimate sacrifice, "burning" away the power and penalty of sin on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice to Put Away Sin")). Through His shed blood, He provides a radical, internal purification that reaches the deepest recesses of our hearts, transforming us from within and making us truly clean before a holy God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Thus, what was impossible under the old covenant—the complete eradication of deep-seated defilement—is fully accomplished in Christ, who makes us new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and presents us spotless before the Father ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church Spotless")).

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.