### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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