Leviticus 14:54

KJV

¶ This [is] the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the law {H8451} for all manner of plague {H5061} of leprosy {H6883}, and scall {H5424},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Such is the law for all kinds of tzara'at sores, for a crusted area,

Berean Standard Bible

This is the law for any infectious skin disease, for a scaly outbreak,

American Standard Version

This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and for a scall,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 14:54 serves as a definitive concluding statement to the detailed regulations concerning ritual purity related to severe skin diseases, collectively termed *tsara'at* (often translated "leprosy"), and specifically including "scall." This verse functions as a comprehensive summary, affirming that the extensive laws outlined in the preceding chapters—which cover the diagnosis, isolation, and intricate purification processes for individuals, garments, and houses—are universally applicable to all such afflictions. It powerfully underscores God's meticulous concern for the holiness, order, and holistic well-being of the Israelite community, ensuring ritual purity within the sacred camp where His presence dwelt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 14:54 marks the definitive conclusion of a lengthy and intricate legal section spanning [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Purification Rites for Skin Diseases"). These chapters meticulously detail the identification, management, and purification processes for various skin conditions, collectively termed *tsara'at*, which rendered individuals ritually impure and necessitated their temporary exclusion from the community. Following the elaborate instructions for the priest's diagnosis in [Leviticus 13:1-59](/leviticus/13-1-59 "Leviticus 13:1-59 - Diagnosis of Tsara'at") and the intricate purification rituals involving birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, hyssop, and sacrifices in [Leviticus 14:1-32](/leviticus/14-1-32 "Leviticus 14:1-32 - Purification Rituals for Tsara'at"), and even the specific laws for *tsara'at* in houses in [Leviticus 14:33-53](/leviticus/14-33-53 "Leviticus 14:33-53 - Tsara'at in Houses"), verse 54 acts as a definitive summary statement. It asserts the exhaustive nature of these divine statutes, signaling the end of this specific legislative unit within the broader framework of the Holiness Code and emphasizing the totality of God's instructions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, physical ailments, particularly severe skin conditions, were often viewed through a lens of ritual purity and divine judgment, rather than purely medical understanding. *Tsara'at* (often translated "leprosy") was not solely Hansen's disease but a broader category encompassing various severe, visible skin afflictions, and even mold or mildew on garments and houses, all of which rendered an individual ritually unclean. This impurity prevented participation in communal worship and social interaction, necessitating isolation from the camp, as seen in [Numbers 5:2-3](/numbers/5-2-3 "Numbers 5:2-3 - Exclusion of the Unclean"). The detailed laws in Leviticus provided a structured system for priests, who functioned as both spiritual and public health authorities, to manage these conditions, maintain the sanctity of the camp, and facilitate the reintegration of the healed. This system reflected God's desire for a holy people set apart for Him, where physical purity mirrored spiritual purity, essential for dwelling in His holy presence.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 14:54 contributes significantly to the overarching themes of **holiness** and **purity** that permeate the book of Leviticus. The meticulous regulations underscore God's absolute holiness and His demand for a holy people who can dwell in His presence. The concept of **separation from defilement** is paramount, as *tsara'at* rendered individuals ritually unclean, necessitating their temporary exclusion from the community to preserve the sanctity of the camp. This verse also highlights the **divine authority** and **comprehensive nature of God's law**, demonstrating that His instructions extend to every facet of life, including public health and personal well-being. Furthermore, the entire *tsara'at* narrative, culminating in this summary, serves as a powerful **symbolism of sin**, where physical defilement and separation from the community parallel the spiritual defilement and separation from God caused by human transgression, emphasizing the need for divine cleansing and restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** This term (H8451), widely translated as "law," signifies divine instruction, teaching, or direction. In this context, it refers to the comprehensive body of statutes and ordinances revealed by God through Moses, specifically pertaining to the *tsara'at* regulations. The use of "this is the law" at the conclusion highlights the divine origin, completeness, and binding nature of the preceding detailed instructions, emphasizing their authoritative rather than merely advisory status for the Israelite community.
* **Leprosy (Hebrew, _tsâraʻath'_):** This crucial term (H6883) refers to a range of severe, often chronic, skin afflictions that caused ritual impurity. As noted, it is broader than modern Hansen's disease. The emphasis is on the *ritual* defilement, not just the medical condition. It could manifest as white spots, scabs, boils, or even discolored patches on clothing and walls. The KJV's "leprosy" is a traditional translation but can be misleading; "severe skin disease" or "a defiling skin affliction" might be more accurate for the biblical context, as the focus was on its impact on ritual status and the need for priestly assessment and purification.
* **Scall (Hebrew, _netheq'_):** This term (H5424) refers to a specific type of skin affliction, often described as a persistent, itchy, scaly eruption, possibly a fungal infection of the scalp or beard. [Leviticus 13:30-37](/leviticus/13-30-37 "Leviticus 13:30-37 - Diagnosis of Scall") provides specific diagnostic criteria for *netheq*. Its explicit inclusion alongside the broader *tsara'at* in this summary verse confirms that the regulations apply to this particular manifestation of skin disease as well, underscoring the comprehensive scope of the law and God's meticulous attention to every detail of purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the law":** This introductory phrase functions as a concluding summary statement, signaling the culmination of a specific legal section within the book of Leviticus. It asserts the divine origin and authoritative nature of the preceding detailed instructions concerning *tsara'at*. The use of "this" points back to the entirety of the regulations in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws for Tsara'at") and [Leviticus 14](/leviticus/14 "Leviticus 14 - Purification for Tsara'at"), emphasizing their comprehensive nature and binding force upon the Israelite community, indicating that these are God's definitive instructions.
* **"for all manner of plague of leprosy":** This phrase specifies the primary subject of the law. "Plague" (Hebrew: *negaʻ*, H5061) refers to a blow or affliction, often implying a divine visitation or a severe, contagious condition. "Leprosy" (Hebrew: *tsâraʻath*, H6883) here is used in its broadest sense, encompassing all the various manifestations of severe, defiling skin diseases described in the preceding chapters. The phrase "all manner of" underscores the exhaustive scope of the law, indicating that no form of *tsara'at*, however minor or severe, is excluded from these meticulous regulations, ensuring complete coverage.
* **"and scall":** The explicit inclusion of "scall" (Hebrew: *netheq*, H5424) serves to further clarify and emphasize the comprehensive nature of the law. While *netheq* is a specific type of *tsara'at* already detailed in [Leviticus 13:30-37](/leviticus/13-30-37 "Leviticus 13:30-37 - Diagnosis of Scall"), its specific mention here ensures that this particular manifestation, often characterized by a persistent, scaly eruption, is unequivocally covered by the preceding laws. This reinforces the meticulousness of God's instructions, leaving no ambiguity regarding the application of the purity laws to even specific variations of skin afflictions, demonstrating divine thoroughness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 14:54 employs several literary devices to achieve its purpose as a concluding summary. The most prominent is **Repetition** and **Inclusio**, as the phrase "This is the law" (or similar formulations) frequently marks the beginning and end of legal sections throughout Leviticus, creating a literary bracket around the detailed instructions. This serves to emphasize the divine origin and comprehensive nature of the statutes, signaling a complete legislative unit. The specific mention of "leprosy" (*tsara'at*) and "scall" (*netheq*) functions as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but related terms are used to represent the whole category of defiling skin diseases, thereby underscoring the exhaustive application of the law to *all* such conditions. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of the preceding chapters, summarized by this verse, exemplifies **Legal Precision**, reflecting the divine attribute of order and thoroughness in establishing boundaries for a holy community. The entire section on *tsara'at* also functions as a powerful **Symbolism** for sin, where physical defilement and separation from the community parallel the spiritual defilement and separation from God caused by sin, highlighting humanity's inherent need for cleansing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 14:54, in its role as a concluding statement, powerfully reinforces several core theological themes pervasive throughout the book of Leviticus. Foremost among these is God's unwavering demand for **holiness and purity** within His covenant community. The meticulous laws concerning *tsara'at* highlight that physical and ritual purity were essential for maintaining the sanctity of the Israelite camp, which was the dwelling place of a holy God. Any impurity, whether from skin disease or other sources, created a barrier to full participation in worship and community life, underscoring the defiling nature of anything contrary to God's perfect order. This verse also emphasizes **divine authority and meticulousness**, demonstrating that God's law extends to every facet of life, including public health and personal well-being, all designed for the flourishing and sanctification of His people. The system of diagnosis, exclusion, and reintegration also speaks to God's ordered approach to managing defilement, providing a pathway back to community and worship upon cleansing.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Called to Be Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual laws of Leviticus 14:54 are no longer observed by believers today, the timeless principles embedded within them offer profound insights for contemporary life. This verse reminds us of God's profound attention to detail and His desire for the holistic well-being of His people, encompassing physical, social, and spiritual dimensions. The ancient laws for *tsara'at*, which caused separation and required cleansing, serve as a powerful Old Testament **type** or **symbol** for the defiling nature of sin. Just as *tsara'at* isolated an individual from the holy community and God's presence, so too does sin create a barrier between us and a holy God, and can lead to isolation from others. This passage thus calls us to a deeper awareness of the pervasive nature of sin and our constant need for spiritual cleansing and reconciliation. It also highlights the importance of order, hygiene, and compassionate care within our communities, reflecting God's concern for public health and the well-being of all, and prompting us to consider how our actions impact the spiritual and physical health of those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in these ancient laws reflect His character and His concern for our lives today?**
* **In what ways does sin act like *tsara'at*, separating us from God and others, and what is our pathway to cleansing?**
* **What practical steps can we take to pursue holiness and purity in our daily lives, reflecting God's desire for His people?**

### FAQ
**What is "leprosy" (*tsara'at*) in the biblical context, and how does it differ from modern medical leprosy?**

Answer: In the biblical context, "leprosy" translates the Hebrew word *tsara'at* (צָרַעַת, H6883), which is a much broader category than modern Hansen's disease. *Tsara'at* encompassed a range of severe, often chronic, skin conditions (such as boils, rashes, or persistent sores), and even mildew or mold on garments and houses. The primary focus of the Levitical laws was not on medical diagnosis in the modern sense, but on the *ritual impurity* caused by these afflictions. An individual with *tsara'at* was considered ritually unclean and temporarily separated from the community and worship, as described in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws for Tsara'at"). Modern medical leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a specific bacterial infection, which may or may not have been among the conditions covered by *tsara'at*. The biblical term emphasizes the ceremonial defilement and the need for priestly assessment and purification, rather than a clinical diagnosis.

**Why is "scall" specifically mentioned alongside "leprosy" in this summary verse?**

Answer: "Scall" translates the Hebrew word *netheq* (נֶתֶק, H5424), which refers to a specific type of persistent skin eruption, possibly a fungal infection, particularly of the scalp or beard, as detailed in [Leviticus 13:30-37](/leviticus/13-30-37 "Leviticus 13:30-37 - Diagnosis of Scall"). Its explicit mention in [Leviticus 14:54](/leviticus/14-54 "Leviticus 14:54 - Summary of Tsara'at Laws") serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the *tsara'at* laws. While *netheq* falls under the broader umbrella of *tsara'at*, its specific inclusion ensures that this particular, often distinct, manifestation of skin disease is unequivocally covered by the preceding regulations. It reinforces the meticulousness and thoroughness of God's divine instructions, leaving no ambiguity regarding the application of the purity laws to all forms of defiling skin afflictions.

**How do these ancient laws relate to Christian faith and practice today?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, the principles underlying the *tsara'at* regulations remain profoundly relevant. The laws highlight God's holiness and His demand for purity, serving as a powerful **symbol** for the defiling nature of sin. Just as *tsara'at* separated individuals from the holy community, sin separates us from a holy God and from one another. The elaborate purification rituals point to humanity's universal need for cleansing. For believers, this cleansing is found not in animal sacrifices or ritual baths, but in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate High Priest who cleanses us from all sin, allowing us to draw near to God. These laws also remind us of God's concern for holistic well-being, including physical health and community order, encouraging us to care for our bodies and our communities as temples of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 14:54, in its summary of the laws concerning *tsara'at*, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the Great Physician and High Priest. The defiling nature of *tsara'at*, which separated individuals from the community and God's presence, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual defilement of sin that separates humanity from a holy God. Unlike the Levitical priest who could only diagnose and declare a leper clean *after* healing, Jesus possessed the divine power to actually *cleanse* the leper, as demonstrated in [Matthew 8:1-3](/matthew/8-1-3 "Matthew 8:1-3 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper"). With a touch and a word, "I am willing; be cleansed," Jesus not only healed the physical disease but also removed the ritual impurity, restoring the individual to community and worship. His willingness to touch the untouchable transcended the old law's limitations, signifying His role as the one who breaks down barriers of sin and impurity. Furthermore, the elaborate purification rituals, involving sacrifice and cleansing, point to Jesus' singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, which provides true and eternal cleansing from all sin, as affirmed in [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - The Blood of Christ Cleanses"). 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"), making us truly clean and enabling us to draw near to God with confidence, no longer separated by our spiritual *tsara'at*. Through Him, we are not merely declared clean, but made new creations, fully integrated into God's holy family, as described in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

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

Leviticus 15:32

This [is] the law of him that hath an issue, and [of him] whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith;

Leviticus 14:32

This [is] the law [of him] in whom [is] the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get [that which pertaineth] to his cleansing.

Numbers 6:13

And this [is] the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

Leviticus 7:1

¶ Likewise this [is] the law of the trespass offering: it [is] most holy.

Leviticus 6:9

Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the burnt offering: It [is] the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it.

Leviticus 11:46

This [is] the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:

Numbers 19:14

This [is] the law, when a man dieth in a tent: all that come into the tent, and all that [is] in the tent, shall be unclean seven days.