The Hebrew word tsâraʻ, represented by H6879, is a primitive root meaning to be stricken with leprosy. It appears 20 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible. The term describes not just a physical affliction but a state of being scourged or smitten, which results in ritual uncleanness and separation from the community.
In biblical narratives, H6879 is used to identify individuals afflicted with a serious skin disease. Naaman, a Syrian captain, was a valiant man but also a leper 2 Kings 5:1. As a result of divine judgment, Miriam became leprous, as white as snow Numbers 12:10, and King Uzziah was smitten by the LORD, remaining a leper until his death 2 Kings 15:5. The Levitical law established strict rules for those identified as leprous, requiring them to be put out of the camp Numbers 5:2 and to cry out, "Unclean, unclean," to warn others of their condition Leviticus 13:45. The laws also detail the process for the cleansing of a leper Leviticus 14:2.
Several related words provide deeper context for the condition of being leprous:
- H6883 tsâraʻath (leprosy): This noun is derived directly from H6879 and refers to the disease itself, the leprosy that afflicts a person or even a house Leviticus 14:34.
- H5061 negaʻ (a blow... plague, sore, stricken): This word describes the mark or plague of the disease. The law required a priest to examine the plague of leprosy to determine if it was healed in the leper Leviticus 14:3.
- H2931 ṭâmêʼ (foul in a religious sense; ... unclean): A person who is leprous is declared ritually unclean. A leper had to cry out, "Unclean, unclean" to warn others Leviticus 13:45.
- H2891 ṭâhêr (to be pure... be (make, make self, pronounce) clean): This is the opposite state of being leprous. A priest with leprosy could not eat of the holy things until he was clean Leviticus 22:4.
- H2893 ṭohŏrâh (ceremonial purification): This term describes the ritual process for a former leper, as seen in "the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing" Leviticus 14:2.
The theological weight of H6879 is significant, highlighting several key themes:
- Mark of Divine Action: Leprosy is often portrayed as a direct affliction from God. The LORD smote King Uzziah, making him a leper 2 Chronicles 26:20, struck Miriam with the condition Numbers 12:10, and made Moses's hand leprous as a temporary sign Exodus 4:6.
- Ritual Uncleanness and Separation: Being leprous rendered a person ceremonially unclean Leviticus 13:44. This state demanded physical separation, as seen in the command to put every leper out of the camp Numbers 5:2 and King Uzziah's being "cut off from the house of the LORD" 2 Chronicles 26:21.
- Symbol of a Curse: The condition is invoked as a severe curse. In a curse against Joab's family, it is wished that his house never be without someone who is a leper 2 Samuel 3:29.
In summary, H6879 is much more than a term for a physical disease. It signifies a condition of being "scourged" or "smitten," often by a divine hand. This state resulted in ritual uncleanness, leading to profound social and religious isolation. The word illustrates the deep connection in the Old Testament between physical affliction, spiritual purity, and one's standing within the covenant community.
TRV