Leviticus 13:57

KJV

And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it [is] a spreading [plague]: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague [is] with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if it appear {H7200} still {H5750} in the garment {H899}, either in the warp {H8359}, or in the woof {H6154}, or in any thing {H3627} of skin {H5785}; it is a spreading {H6524} plague: thou shalt burn {H8313} that wherein the plague {H5061} is with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If it appears again in the garment, threads, woven-in parts or leather item, it is contagious, and you are to burn up completely the article that had the stain.

Berean Standard Bible

But if it reappears in the fabric, weave, or knit, or on any leather article, it is spreading. You must burn the contaminated article.

American Standard Version

and if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is breaking out: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:57 provides the conclusive instruction for handling an incurable, persistent defilement in garments or leather items within ancient Israel. This verse mandates the radical and complete destruction of the affected material by fire, signifying the absolute necessity of eradicating pervasive impurity. It underscores the severity with which God views anything that compromises the holiness of His covenant community and the non-negotiable requirement for His people to maintain ritual and spiritual purity in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 13 is a meticulously detailed legal code outlining the identification, diagnosis, and management of various forms of *negaʿ*—a broad term encompassing skin afflictions, mold, and mildew—in individuals, garments, and houses. The chapter progresses through a series of priestly inspections, periods of isolation, and re-examinations, designed to discern the nature and severity of the defilement. Verses 47-59 specifically address *negaʿ* in woven fabrics (linen and wool) and leather. Earlier provisions allow for washing or temporary isolation if the affliction appears superficial or contained. However, [Leviticus 13:57](/leviticus/13-57 "Leviticus 13:57 - Incurable Garment Plague") marks the final, most severe verdict: if the "plague" remains after all prescribed measures and shows signs of active spreading, it is deemed incurable. This progression highlights the thoroughness of God's law and the escalating seriousness of persistent defilement, culminating in the ultimate act of destruction to prevent further contamination and preserve the sanctity of the camp.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, maintaining ritual purity (*tahor*) was foundational to their covenant relationship with a holy God who tabernacled among them. Impurity (*tumah*) was not necessarily sinful but rendered an individual or object unfit for participation in worship or proximity to the holy. The "plague" in garments and houses, often identified by scholars as various types of mold, mildew, or fungal growths, posed significant challenges in the humid climate of the ancient Near East. Beyond their practical implications for health and property, these conditions were understood as manifestations of impurity that threatened the spiritual integrity of the community. The priests, acting as divinely appointed arbiters, were crucial in discerning between clean and unclean, thereby safeguarding the people's access to God's presence and their corporate holiness, as underscored in passages like [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common"). The command to burn the item was thus not merely a hygienic measure but a profound theological statement about God's absolute intolerance for persistent, spreading defilement within His holy people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's intrinsic holiness and His demand for His people to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives, including their possessions. The concept of **Separation and Distinction** is also prominent, as the laws meticulously differentiate between clean and unclean, highlighting the necessity of separating from anything that compromises purity to maintain the integrity of the covenant community. Furthermore, the verse illustrates the theme of **Judgment and Eradication of Evil**, where persistent, incurable defilement is met with decisive, radical action—burning—to prevent its spread and protect the community from spiritual and physical corruption. This radical measure foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin and evil, aligning with the principles of divine justice seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plague (Hebrew, _negaʿ'_):** From H5061, meaning "a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)." In the context of Leviticus 13, *negaʿ* refers to a divinely sent affliction or mark, encompassing not only skin diseases but also mold or mildew on garments and houses. Its use implies a condition requiring priestly discernment, underscoring its spiritual significance beyond mere physical ailment.
* **Spreading (Hebrew, _pârach'_):** From H6524, a primitive root meaning "to break forth as a bud, i.e. bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish." In this verse, the participle derived from *pârach* describes the active, malignant, and growing nature of the defilement. It signifies that the affliction is not superficial or contained but deeply ingrained and expanding, rendering the item beyond any possibility of cleansing or repair, thus necessitating radical action.
* **Burn (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** From H8313, a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, set) on fire; (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly." This verb indicates a complete and irreversible destruction. In biblical contexts, burning often symbolizes purification, judgment, or total eradication. Here, it signifies that the affected garment or skin item is so thoroughly contaminated that it must be utterly removed from the community to prevent any further spread of impurity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;":** This initial clause emphasizes the persistence and deep-seated nature of the affliction, indicating that it has resisted previous attempts at cleansing or has reappeared after a period of observation. "Warp" and "woof" refer to the lengthwise and crosswise threads of woven fabric, highlighting that the contamination is thoroughly embedded throughout the material, not just on the surface. The inclusion of "any thing of skin" extends the scope to leather goods, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the law concerning all porous materials susceptible to such defilement.
* **"it [is] a spreading [plague]:":** This is the definitive, authoritative diagnosis delivered by the priest. The phrase "spreading plague" (Hebrew: *negaʿ pârach*) declares the affliction to be malignant, actively propagating, and incurable. It signifies that the impurity is not static but actively expanding, posing an ongoing and severe threat to the purity and health of the individual and the community. This diagnosis leaves no room for further attempts at containment or cleansing.
* **"thou shalt burn that wherein the plague [is] with fire.":** This is the divine command for the prescribed, radical action. The instruction to "burn" signifies total destruction and complete eradication. Fire, in this context, serves as an agent of ultimate purification and judgment, ensuring that no trace of the incurable defilement remains to contaminate others or to compromise the holiness of the Israelite camp. This severe measure underscores the gravity with which God views persistent and pervasive impurity within His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, with the "spreading plague" serving as a powerful symbol of pervasive, incurable sin or corruption that threatens the spiritual integrity of an individual or community. The very act of "burning with fire" functions as a symbol of radical judgment, complete eradication, and ultimate purification, underscoring God's absolute intolerance for persistent defilement. Furthermore, the detailed enumeration of "warp, or woof, or any thing of skin" utilizes **merism** to emphasize the comprehensive reach of the defilement—it affects every part of the item, leaving no area untouched. This thoroughness highlights the pervasive nature of the "plague" and the necessity of equally thorough measures for its removal. The prescriptive, declarative tone of the verse also lends it an air of **divine authority** and finality, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of God's commands regarding holiness and the severe consequences of its compromise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:57, though rooted in ancient ceremonial law, carries profound and enduring theological implications for understanding God's nature and His relationship with His people. It powerfully reveals God's absolute holiness and His unyielding demand for purity within His covenant community. The "spreading plague" serves as a potent metaphor for the insidious and destructive nature of sin, which, if left unchecked, will inevitably corrupt and defile everything it touches. The command for radical destruction by fire illustrates God's zero-tolerance policy for persistent, incurable impurity. This principle teaches that there are some forms of defilement—whether physical, moral, or spiritual—that are so deeply ingrained and actively destructive that they cannot be merely cleansed or contained; they require complete eradication. This divine imperative for radical removal serves as a stark reminder that true holiness often demands painful, decisive action to cut off anything that threatens our walk with God and the purity of the community.

* [1 Corinthians 5:6-7](/1-corinthians/5-6-7 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - Purging the Old Leaven")
* [Matthew 5:29-30](/matthew/5-29-30 "Matthew 5:29-30 - Radical Measures Against Sin")
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Laying Aside Every Weight and Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws of Leviticus 13 are not literally binding on New Testament believers, the underlying spiritual principles of Leviticus 13:57 remain profoundly relevant. The "spreading plague" serves as a powerful metaphor for persistent, deeply ingrained sins, destructive habits, toxic relationships, or corrupting influences that, if left unaddressed, will spread and defile our spiritual lives and the community around us. Just as the ancient Israelite was commanded to radically destroy the contaminated garment, we are called to identify and decisively "burn" away anything that threatens our purity and hinders our walk with God. This often requires painful, uncompromising measures—cutting off harmful behaviors, ending ungodly associations, repenting of deeply rooted attitudes, or severing ties with corrupting influences. The thoroughness of God's command reminds us that superficial cleansing is insufficient for pervasive corruption; true spiritual health demands radical surgery. This commitment to holiness, even when costly, reflects our desire to honor a holy God and to live in a manner worthy of His presence, safeguarding our own spiritual well-being and contributing to the purity of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "spreading plagues" (persistent sins, destructive habits, or ungodly influences) might be present in my life or community today that require radical eradication?**
* **Am I willing to take decisive, "burning" measures to remove these impurities, even if it involves pain, sacrifice, or discomfort?**
* **How does the thoroughness of God's law in Leviticus 13:57 deepen my understanding of His holiness and His desire for my complete purity and the purity of His church?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command burning instead of other forms of cleansing for this "plague"?**

Answer: The command to burn the item signifies the ultimate and complete destruction of the defilement. For a "spreading plague" (*negaʿ pârach*), which was incurable and actively malignant, lesser forms of cleansing (like washing or isolation) were insufficient. Burning ensured that the impurity was utterly eradicated, preventing any further spread and serving as a stark visual lesson about the consequences of persistent defilement. It highlights God's absolute intolerance for anything that compromises the holiness of His people and their dwelling place. This radical measure underscores that some forms of sin or corruption are so pervasive that they demand total removal, leaving no trace behind, much like the radical measures Jesus called for in [Matthew 5:29-30](/matthew/5-29-30 "Matthew 5:29-30 - Radical Measures Against Sin").

**Is this "plague" literally leprosy?**

Answer: While the King James Version often translates *negaʿ* as "leprosy," the Hebrew term is much broader. In the context of garments and houses (as in [Leviticus 13:47-59](/leviticus/13-47-59 "Leviticus 13:47-59 - Law Concerning Garments and Houses")), *negaʿ* refers to mold, mildew, or fungal growths that could infest fabrics and walls. These conditions were not merely health hazards but were considered ritual impurities that required priestly inspection and specific protocols for management or eradication. The laws in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases and Mildew") highlight the danger of any persistent, spreading defilement, whether physical or spiritual, to the community's holiness, rather than exclusively referring to Hansen's disease.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:57, with its radical command to burn the incurably defiled garment, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's pervasive "spreading plague"—sin. The Old Covenant laws, including those concerning *negaʿ*, served to highlight the depth and incurability of human sinfulness, demonstrating that no human effort, ritual, or ceremonial washing could truly cleanse the heart or eradicate the root of corruption. The burning of the garment symbolizes the fiery judgment that sin deserves, a judgment that humanity, in its defiled state, could not bear. However, in Christ, this judgment was fully absorbed. He became the ultimate sacrifice, bearing the "spreading plague" of our sin upon Himself on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His shed blood provides the complete and perfect purification that no ceremonial washing or burning could ever achieve, cleansing us from all defilement and making us pure before a holy God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Purification by Christ's Blood")). 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"), not merely managing it but utterly eradicating its power and guilt for those who believe. Through Christ, we are not merely cleansed but made new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), fulfilling the profound desire for holiness that the Levitical laws could only foreshadow.

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

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Matthew 22:7

But when the king heard [thereof], he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Isaiah 33:14

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

Matthew 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.