Leviticus 13:48

Whether [it be] in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;

Whether it be in the warp {H8359}, or woof {H6154}; of linen {H6593}, or of woollen {H6785}; whether in a skin {H5785}, or in any thing made {H4399} of skin {H5785};

on the threads or the woven-in parts of either linen or wool, or on a hide or item made of leather;

any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any article of leather—

whether it be in warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in anything made of skin;

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 13:48 (KJV)

Leviticus 13:48 is part of the extensive Mosaic Law concerning ritual purity and defilement, specifically addressing the detection and handling of a spreading mildew or mold (often translated as "leprosy" or tzara'at) not on human skin, but on various materials. This verse meticulously lists the types of fabrics and animal products that could be affected, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's instructions for ancient Israel.

Context

This verse falls within Leviticus chapter 13, which is primarily dedicated to the diagnosis and management of tzara'at. While commonly rendered "leprosy" in English translations, tzara'at is a broader term encompassing a range of skin afflictions, as well as fungal or mold growths on garments and houses. Verses 47-59 specifically detail the procedures for identifying and dealing with such defilement in clothing and other items. This particular verse, Leviticus 13:48, specifies the materials susceptible to this impurity, following the general introduction in Leviticus 13:47.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The overarching theme of Leviticus is God's call for His people to be holy, just as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44). This extended beyond personal conduct to their possessions, ensuring the sanctity of the camp where God dwelt.
  • Ritual Defilement: The laws defined what made a person, place, or object ritually impure, necessitating specific actions for cleansing or removal. This was crucial for maintaining the community's relationship with a holy God.
  • Divine Order and Meticulousness: God's detailed instructions demonstrate His concern for order, health, and the spiritual well-being of His people, leaving no aspect of life untouched by His covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The verse lists specific components and materials:

  • "Warp" (Hebrew: sheti) and "Woof" (Hebrew: ereb): These terms refer to the longitudinal and transverse threads in woven fabric. Mentioning both emphasizes that the entire textile, regardless of its construction, could be affected by the spreading mold.
  • "Linen" (Hebrew: pishteh) and "Woollen" (Hebrew: tsemer): These were the two primary fibers used for clothing and textiles in ancient Israel. The inclusion of both indicates the widespread applicability of the law.
  • "Skin" (Hebrew: 'or) and "any thing made of skin": This extends the scope of potential defilement beyond woven goods to leather items, such as garments, bags, or other utensils made from animal hides. This comprehensive list ensured that all common materials used in daily life were covered under the purity laws.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 13:48, though dealing with ancient purity laws, offers several enduring insights:

  • God's Attention to Detail: The meticulous nature of these laws reveals God's comprehensive concern for every aspect of His people's lives, underscoring that true holiness impacts even the seemingly mundane.
  • Symbolism of Purity: The physical defilement of garments and items served as a tangible reminder of the need for spiritual purity. Just as external impurities needed to be removed, so too did sin and moral defilement need to be addressed.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: The Old Testament laws concerning ritual purity and cleansing rituals ultimately point to the perfect and final cleansing provided by Jesus Christ. Unlike temporary physical remedies, Christ offers true inner cleansing from sin, making believers spiritually pure before God, not through external washings or material removal, but through His atoning sacrifice.
  • Modern Relevance: While we are not under the ceremonial law today, the underlying principle of seeking purity and separating ourselves from defilement remains relevant for believers. This calls us to examine our lives for anything that compromises our spiritual walk and hinders our relationship with a holy God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 3:4 (2 votes)

    Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

  • Leviticus 13:51 (2 votes)

    And he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, [or] in any work that is made of skin; the plague [is] a fretting leprosy; it [is] unclean.

  • Deuteronomy 8:11 (2 votes)

    Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

  • Jude 1:23 (2 votes)

    And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.