Leviticus 13:56

And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague [be] somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

And if the priest {H3548} look {H7200}, and, behold, the plague {H5061} be somewhat dark {H3544} after {H310} the washing {H3526} of it; then he shall rend {H7167} it out of the garment {H899}, or out of the skin {H5785}, or out of the warp {H8359}, or out of the woof {H6154}:

If the cohen examines it and sees that the stain has faded after being washed, then he is to tear the stain out of the garment, leather, threads or woven-in parts.

If the priest examines it and the mildew has faded after it has been washed, he must cut the contaminated section out of the fabric, leather, weave, or knit.

And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be dim after the washing thereof, then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 13:56

Leviticus 13 provides detailed instructions for the Israelite priests regarding the diagnosis and management of various ritual impurities, primarily focusing on skin diseases (often translated as "leprosy," though encompassing a range of afflictions known as tsara'at) and mold or mildew ("plague") in garments and houses. These laws were crucial for maintaining the holiness of the community and the purity of the camp, reflecting God's desire for His people to be set apart. This specific verse, Leviticus 13:56, falls within the section addressing mildew or mold on fabrics and leather items, outlining the procedures when an initial attempt at cleansing fails.

Meaning and Application of the Verse

This verse describes a scenario where a "plague" (likely mold or mildew) on a garment or item of skin (leather) persists or reappears after being washed and inspected by the priest. The phrase "somewhat dark after the washing of it" indicates that the discoloration or contamination remains stubbornly present, signifying that the defilement has not been removed through superficial means. The priest's duty is then to "rend it out" โ€“ to tear away and remove the affected portion.

  • Persistent Contamination: The verse highlights the problem of deep-seated or recurring impurity. A simple wash was not enough; the problem was inherent or persistent.
  • Radical Removal: The command to "rend it out" underscores the necessity of a decisive and sometimes drastic action to deal with pervasive defilement. Partial measures are insufficient when the contamination is deeply ingrained. This principle echoes throughout scripture, particularly in dealing with sin, as seen in Jesus' teachings on radical self-denial for the sake of purity.
  • Priestly Discernment: The priest's role was vital in discerning the nature of the "plague" and prescribing the appropriate action, demonstrating the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the community towards purity. For more on priestly duties, see Leviticus 14.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague" here is ื ึถื’ึทืข (*nega*), which broadly refers to a "stroke" or "affliction." In Leviticus 13, it's used for both skin diseases and outbreaks of mold/mildew in materials or houses. The term "dark" is ื›ึตึผื”ึธื” (*kehah*), meaning dim, dull, or faint, implying a lingering or persistent mark that isn't easily removed. This signifies a deeper problem than a mere surface stain.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: At its core, this law, like all purity laws in Leviticus, emphasizes God's demand for a holy people and a clean environment. God's presence among His people necessitated their separation from all forms of defilement, whether physical or spiritual. The call to holiness is foundational to God's covenant with Israel (Leviticus 11:44-45).
  • Separation from Defilement: The law illustrates the principle that anything that persistently defiles must be completely removed. This applies not only to physical objects but also serves as a spiritual metaphor for dealing with sin and unholiness in our lives.
  • Thoroughness in Cleansing: Superficial solutions are inadequate for deep-seated problems. True cleansing requires addressing the root cause and, if necessary, radical removal of the offending element.

Practical Application

While these laws might seem remote to modern life, they offer profound spiritual lessons. Just as a persistent "plague" on a garment required radical removal, so too must believers be diligent in identifying and eradicating persistent sin or unholy influences in their lives. This can involve radical repentance, cutting off harmful relationships, or removing tempting situations. It speaks to the need for thorough self-examination and a willingness to take decisive action to maintain spiritual purity and a walk pleasing to God. The New Testament similarly calls believers to be separate from the world's defilements (2 Corinthians 6:17) and to pursue holiness, for "without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.