Leviticus 13:58

And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatsoever thing of skin [it be], which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.

And the garment {H899}, either warp {H8359}, or woof {H6154}, or whatsoever thing {H3627} of skin {H5785} it be, which thou shalt wash {H3526}, if the plague {H5061} be departed {H5493} from them, then it shall be washed {H3526} the second {H8145} time, and shall be clean {H2891}.

But if the infection is gone from the garment, threads, woven-in parts or leather item that you washed, then it is to be washed a second time, and it will be clean.

If the mildew disappears from the fabric, weave, or knit, or any leather article after washing, then it is to be washed again, and it will be clean.

And the garment, either the warp, or the woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus Chapter 13 is a foundational text in the Old Testament concerning the diagnosis and management of `tzara'at`, a broad Hebrew term often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing various skin diseases and mildew-like growths affecting garments and houses. This specific verse, Leviticus 13:58, marks the final stage of purification for a garment or item made of skin that had been afflicted. Following an initial priestly inspection and a period of quarantine, as detailed in earlier verses like Leviticus 13:4, if the "plague" (the visible affliction) was no longer present after an initial washing, a second, thorough washing was required. This meticulous process ensured the item was declared completely clean and could be safely reintroduced for use within the Israelite community.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Cleanliness: The detailed regulations in Leviticus underscore God's profound emphasis on separation from defilement. This was not merely about physical hygiene but also about maintaining Israel's ceremonial purity as a holy nation, set apart for God, a principle reiterated throughout the Law (e.g., Leviticus 11:44).
  • Thoroughness in Purification: The requirement for a "second time" washing highlights the divine standard for complete and absolute cleansing once an affliction had passed. This ensured that no trace of the contamination remained, symbolizing a full and irreversible restoration.
  • Restoration and Reintegration: Once declared clean, the garment or item could be used again, signifying the restoration of what was previously defiled. This principle extended beyond physical objects to people, as seen in the broader laws concerning `tzara'at` in humans.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "plague" translates the Hebrew word nega (ื ึถื’ึทืข), which means a "stroke," "mark," or "affliction," specifically referring to the manifestation of `tzara'at`. The terms "warp" (ื”ึทืฉึถึผืืชึดื™ - hasheti) and "woof" (ื”ึธืขึตืจึถื‘ - ha'erev) are ancient textile terms referring to the lengthwise and crosswise threads of woven fabric, respectively. Their inclusion here demonstrates that the instructions applied to all parts and types of woven materials, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Practical Application

While specific to the ancient Israelite ceremonial law, this verse offers timeless principles relevant to spiritual life:

  • God's Concern for Order and Purity: It reveals God's meticulous care for the well-being and spiritual integrity of His people, emphasizing that He desires purity in all aspects of life.
  • The Need for Thorough Cleansing: Just as a physical item needed complete cleansing, believers are called to seek thorough spiritual purification from sin. This often involves a process of confession and repentance, leading to a renewed state of grace, similar to the promise found in 1 John 1:9.
  • Diligence in Restoration: When we overcome a spiritual struggle or a negative habit, the principle of a "second washing" reminds us to be diligent in maintaining our spiritual health, ensuring that the "plague" of sin has truly departed and we remain consecrated to God.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 1:5

    And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    ยถ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • 2 Kings 5:14

    Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

  • 2 Kings 5:10

    And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:8

    For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

  • Hebrews 9:10

    [Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

  • Psalms 51:2

    Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
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