Leviticus 13:51

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.

And he shall look {H7200} on the plague {H5061} on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117}: if the plague {H5061} be spread {H6581} in the garment {H899}, either in the warp {H8359}, or in the woof {H6154}, or in a skin {H5785}, or in any work {H4399} that is made {H6213} of skin {H5785}; the plague {H5061} is a fretting {H3992} leprosy {H6883}; it is unclean {H2931}.

On the seventh day he is to examine the stain; if the stain has spread on the garment, threads, woven-in parts or leather, whatever its use, the infection is a contagious tzara'at; the garment is unclean.

On the seventh day the priest shall reexamine it, and if the mildew has spread in the fabric, weave, knit, or leather, then regardless of how it is used, it is a harmful mildew; the article is unclean.

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 the skin, whatever service skin is used for; the plague is a fretting leprosy; it is unclean.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 13:51

Leviticus Chapter 13 details extensive laws concerning tzara'ath, a broad term often translated as "leprosy" but encompassing various skin conditions, mildew, and mold affecting garments and houses. These regulations were crucial for maintaining the ceremonial purity and health of the Israelite community, distinguishing between different types of afflictions and prescribing specific procedures for priests to diagnose and manage them. Verse 51 specifically refers to the re-inspection of a garment or skin item after an initial seven-day quarantine period, following the instructions found earlier in the chapter, such as the initial examination mentioned in Leviticus 13:4.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Thorough Inspection and Discernment: The verse highlights the priest's diligent role in re-examining the affected item on the seventh day. This meticulous process underscores the importance of careful observation and discernment in addressing potential sources of defilement within the community. God's law required a precise and repeated assessment to ensure a correct diagnosis.
  • The Destructive Nature of "Fretting Leprosy": The spreading of the "plague" in the garment or skin signifies a severe and persistent condition. The term "fretting leprosy" indicates a corrosive, destructive, and deeply embedded affliction that is not easily removed. It represents something that actively eats away at its host.
  • Definitive Uncleanness: The declaration "it is unclean" is a definitive judgment. Once confirmed as "fretting leprosy," the item was irrevocably defiled, requiring specific actions (often destruction, as seen in subsequent verses like Leviticus 13:52) to prevent further contamination and maintain the camp's holiness.
  • Purity and Holiness: These laws, though focused on physical manifestations, served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity in all aspects of their lives. Physical uncleanness was a tangible representation of spiritual separation from God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fretting leprosy" translates the Hebrew `tsara'ath mam'eret` (ืฆึธืจึทืขึทืช ืžึทืžึฐืึถืจึถืช). The word `mam'eret` comes from a root meaning "to be malignant," "to be virulent," or "to be inflamed." It describes a condition that is active, spreading, and deeply destructive, rather than superficial or temporary. This emphasizes the severity and persistence of the affliction, indicating that it has taken root and is actively consuming the material.

Practical Application and Reflection

While these laws pertain to ancient ceremonial purity, they offer enduring spiritual principles:

  • Vigilance Against Sin's Spread: Just as "fretting leprosy" spread in a garment, sin can spread subtly and destructively in our lives or communities if left unchecked. This verse encourages us to be diligent in examining our hearts and actions, and to address sin decisively before it takes root and consumes us. Galatians 5:9 warns that "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
  • God's Concern for Purity: The meticulousness of these laws reveals God's profound concern for purity, both physical and spiritual. He desires His people to live in a way that reflects His holiness. This call to holiness is echoed in the New Testament, urging believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.
  • Discernment and Decisive Action: The priest's role in discerning and declaring uncleanness highlights the need for spiritual discernment within the church. When destructive spiritual "plagues" or sinful patterns are identified, decisive action is often required to protect the purity of the individual and the community.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 14:44 (4 votes)

    Then the priest shall come and look, and, behold, [if] the plague be spread in the house, it [is] a fretting leprosy in the house: it [is] unclean.