Leviticus 13:55

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
Then the priest shall examine it, after the plague is washed; and behold, if the plague hasn’t changed its color, and the plague hasn’t spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in the fire. It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Againe ye Priest shall looke on the plague, after it is washed: and if the plague haue not changed his colour, though the plague haue spred no further, it is vncleane: thou shalt burne it in the fire, for it is a fret inwarde, whether the spot bee in the bare place of the whole, or in part thereof.
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Young's Literal Translation
And the priest hath seen that which hath the plague after it hath been washed, and lo, the plague hath not changed its aspect, and the plague hath not spread, --it is unclean; with fire thou dost burn it; it is a fretting in its back-part or in its front-part.
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See also
2 Peter 1:9Ezekiel 24:132 Peter 2:202 Peter 2:22Hebrews 6:4Hebrews 6:8
In the KJVVerse 3,108 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 13:55 concludes a critical diagnostic process within the Mosaic Law concerning a "plague" (likely a virulent mold or mildew) on garments or household items. Following a period of washing and quarantine, this verse dictates that if the contamination remains unaltered in color and 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 and rendering it beyond any possibility of repair or purification. This final verdict underscores the uncompromising nature of God's holiness and the absolute necessity of eradicating pervasive impurity from the community.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus 13-14 forms a comprehensive legal and ceremonial code detailing the diagnosis, management, and purification rites for various forms of ritual impurity, primarily skin diseases (often broadly translated as "leprosy") and destructive contaminations like mold or mildew on fabrics, leather, and even houses. Leviticus 13:55 is situated within the specific section addressing "plagues" on garments and articles (Leviticus 13:47-59). It follows a meticulous protocol that includes an initial priestly inspection, a seven-day quarantine period, and a prescribed washing of the affected item, as outlined in Leviticus 13:54. This verse delivers the ultimate, severe judgment for an item that, despite these attempts at cleansing, proves to be incurably contaminated, signifying a final and irreversible state of defilement.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Levitical laws were foundational for maintaining the holiness and ritual purity of the Israelite community, particularly given the tangible presence of God's Tabernacle among them. The priest functioned as a vital mediator, not only in spiritual matters but also as a public health and sanitation official, responsible for diagnosing and managing conditions that could spread defilement throughout the camp. These "plagues" were understood not merely as physical ailments or deterioration but as having profound ritual implications, symbolizing spiritual impurity, the disruptive presence of sin, or even divine judgment. The meticulousness of these laws, including detailed procedures for inspection, quarantine, and complete destruction, profoundly underscored the gravity of defilement and God's unwavering demand for a holy people, echoing the divine imperative found in Leviticus 11:44. The act of burning the item in fire was a universally recognized method of complete eradication and purification in the ancient Near East, signifying the absolute removal of that which was deemed irredeemably corrupted.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness and Purity, emphasizing God's absolute standard and the necessity for His people to reflect His character by maintaining ritual and moral purity. The detailed regulations highlight the pervasive nature of defilement and the meticulous measures required to contain and remove it from the community. Another key theme is the Role of the Priesthood, as the priest is the divinely appointed arbiter of purity, tasked with discerning between clean and unclean, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the camp and the integrity of the covenant relationship. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of Radical Eradication of Sin/Defilement, demonstrating that some forms of impurity are so deeply ingrained that they cannot be merely cleansed but require complete destruction, foreshadowing the ultimate, decisive judgment against sin and the need for a profound transformation, as seen in the New Testament's call to put off the old self (Ephesians 4:22).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Plague (Hebrew, negaʻ', H5061): This term (H5061) broadly signifies a "stroke," "mark," or "affliction." While frequently used for skin diseases in Leviticus, in the context of garments and household items (Leviticus 13:47-59), it refers to a spreading, destructive contamination, most likely a virulent mold, mildew, or fungus. It denotes a visible manifestation of defilement that necessitates priestly discernment and judgment.
  • Unclean (Hebrew, ṭâmêʼ', H2931): This word (H2931) describes something that is "foul in a religious sense," "defiled," or "polluted." In the Levitical system, to be declared ṭâmêʼ meant an item or person was ritually unfit for participation in the holy community and could transmit defilement to others. This declaration was not merely a physical assessment but a theological judgment, signifying separation from God's presence and the sacred.
  • Fret inward (Hebrew, pᵉchetheth', H6356): This phrase (H6356) describes a "hole (by mildew in a garment)" or a deep-seated corruption. It vividly portrays how the contamination had eaten into the very fabric or material, indicating that the "plague" was not merely superficial but deeply embedded, destructive, and had compromised the integrity of the item from within, rendering it irreparable and fundamentally corrupted.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed": This clause emphasizes the priest's indispensable role as the diagnostician and arbiter of ritual purity. The inspection is not an initial assessment but a re-evaluation following a prescribed washing, indicating that a preliminary attempt at purification has already been made, and the item is being re-examined for its true condition.
  • "and, behold, [if] the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread": This specifies the decisive criteria for a negative diagnosis. If, despite the washing, the visible characteristics of the "plague" (its color, indicating its nature or severity) remain unaltered, and it has not expanded its reach, it signifies a stubborn, ingrained, and persistent problem. The lack of change is the critical factor determining the item's incurable state.
  • "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," meaning it is unfit for use within the holy community and would transmit defilement. The command to "burn it in the fire" signifies radical, irreversible destruction, as no other method could purify or redeem the item from its deep-seated corruption.
  • "it [is] fret inward, [whether] it [be] bare within or without." This concluding 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 the item fundamentally and irredeemably compromised.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 13:55 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound 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, destructive, and difficult to remove. The command to "burn it in the fire" functions as a form of Radical Metaphor or Hyperbole, underscoring the absolute necessity of eradicating deep-seated impurity. It conveys that for certain forms of defilement, superficial cleansing or outward rituals are insufficient; only complete destruction can remove the contamination. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in the diagnostic process and the stark, uncompromising judgment contribute to a sense of Legal Precision and divine authority, 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 profound 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. This highlights the insufficiency of human efforts to truly cleanse deep-seated sin and foreshadows the need for a divine, ultimate solution.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Leviticus 13:55, though rooted in the Old Covenant ceremonial law, offers profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It challenges us to deeply examine the condition of our own spiritual lives. Are we content with superficial cleansing, or do we allow God to address the "fret inward" issues of our hearts—the hidden attitudes, persistent temptations, or ingrained patterns of sin that subtly corrupt our inner being? Just as the mold consumed the fabric from within, unconfessed and unaddressed sin can insidiously corrupt our spiritual vitality, relationships, and witness, rendering us functionally "unclean" in God's sight. 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 decisive "burning" away, so to speak. It reminds us that true holiness is not merely outward conformity or a facade of righteousness but an inner transformation that aligns our hearts with God's perfect standard, acknowledging that only His grace can truly purify us from the deepest stains of sin and make us genuinely fit for His presence.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "plagues" in my life—whether habits, attitudes, or relationships—might be "fret inward," requiring more than superficial change or outward adjustment?
  • Am I willing to take radical steps, even "burning" away certain influences or patterns, to pursue deeper purity and holiness in my life?
  • How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's absolute standard of holiness and my own ongoing 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 within the Levitical purity system. The washing was not just a cleansing attempt but also a crucial test to determine the nature and depth of the "plague." If, after washing, the "plague" remained unchanged in color and did not spread, it indicated that the contamination was not merely superficial or external. Instead, it was deeply ingrained within the very fibers or material of the item, signifying an incurable or persistent defilement. This suggested that the item was fundamentally compromised and beyond ritual cleansing, pointing to an internal, rather than external, problem. This irreversible state led to the definitive verdict of "unclean" and the command for its complete destruction by fire, as explicitly stated in Leviticus 13:55.

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 redemptive work of Jesus. Humanity, by nature, is not merely superficially stained by sin but is profoundly "fret inward" with a spiritual corruption that permeates every aspect of our being, rendering us truly unclean before a holy God (Romans 3:23). No amount of ritual washing, self-effort, or external religious observance could truly cleanse this deep-seated defilement, for the law itself, with its detailed regulations, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality, not the substance itself (Colossians 2:17). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, did not merely provide a superficial cleansing but offered His own body as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, effectively "burning" away the power and penalty of sin on the cross (Hebrews 9:26). 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). 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) and will ultimately present His church spotless and blameless before the Father (Ephesians 5:27).

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Commentary on Leviticus 13 verses 47–59

This is the law concerning the plague of leprosy in a garment, whether linen or woollen. A leprosy in a garment, with discernible indications of it, the colour changed by it, the garment fretted, the nap worn off, and this in some one particular part of the garment, and increasing when it was shut up, and not to be got out by washing is a thing which to us now is altogether unaccountable. The learned confess that it was a sign and a miracle in Israel, an extraordinary punishment inflicted by the divine power, as a token of great displeasure against a person or family. 1. The process was much the same with that concerning a leprous person. The garment suspected to be tainted was not to be burnt immediately, though, it may be, there would have been no great loss of it; for in no case must sentence be given merely upon a surmise, but it must be shown to the priest. If, upon search, it was found that there was a leprous spot (the Jews say no bigger than a bean), it must be burnt, or at least that part of the garment in which the spot was, Lev 13:52, Lev 13:57. If the cause of the suspicion was gone, it must be washed, and then might be used, Lev 13:58. 2. The signification also was much the same, to intimate the great malignity there is in sin: it not only defiles the sinner's conscience, but it brings a stain upon all his employments and enjoyments, all he has and all he does. To those that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, Tit 1:15. And we are taught hereby to hate even the garments spotted with the flesh, Jde 1:23. Those that make their clothes servants to their pride and lust may see them thereby tainted with a leprosy, and doomed to the fire, Isa 3:18-24. But the ornament of the hidden man of the heart is incorruptible, Pe1 3:4. The robes of righteousness never fret nor are moth-eaten.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 47–59. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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