Leviticus 13:57

And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it [is] a spreading [plague]: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague [is] with fire.

And if it appear {H7200} still {H5750} in the garment {H899}, either in the warp {H8359}, or in the woof {H6154}, or in any thing {H3627} of skin {H5785}; it is a spreading {H6524} plague: thou shalt burn {H8313} that wherein the plague {H5061} is with fire {H784}.

If it appears again in the garment, threads, woven-in parts or leather item, it is contagious, and you are to burn up completely the article that had the stain.

But if it reappears in the fabric, weave, or knit, or on any leather article, it is spreading. You must burn the contaminated article.

and if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is breaking out: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.

Commentary

Leviticus 13:57 concludes a detailed section of Israelite law concerning the inspection and handling of defiling afflictions, often translated as "leprosy," not only on human skin but also on garments and houses. This specific verse addresses the most severe and persistent form of contamination found in clothing or leather items.

Context of Leviticus 13

Chapter 13 of Leviticus meticulously outlines the procedures for identifying and dealing with various forms of "plague" or "affliction" (Hebrew: nega, ื ึถื’ึทืข). These regulations were crucial for maintaining the ritual purity and health of the Israelite camp, reflecting God's desire for a holy people set apart for Him. The priests served as designated inspectors, tasked with discerning between clean and unclean, a vital role in Israel's covenant relationship with God (see Leviticus 10:10). Earlier verses in the chapter describe initial inspection, isolation, and re-inspection. Verse 57 deals with the final, irreversible stage of defilement in fabric or skin.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Severity of Defilement: The phrase "a spreading plague" indicates that the contamination is active, deeply ingrained, and growing. It's not a superficial stain but a destructive force that threatens the entire item and potentially beyond. This highlights the pervasive nature of certain impurities under the Old Covenant law.
  • Radical Eradication: The command to "burn that wherein the plague is with fire" illustrates the necessity of complete and utter destruction when defilement is pervasive and incurable. There is no remedy or cleansing ritual for this level of infection; only total removal will suffice. This underscores God's zero-tolerance policy for persistent impurity that threatens the holiness of His people.
  • Holiness and Separation: These laws underscore the paramount importance of holiness in the presence of a holy God. Anything that could defile the individual or the community had to be dealt with decisively, reflecting the sanctity required for God's dwelling among them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague" or "affliction" is nega (ื ึถื’ึทืข). While often translated as "leprosy," it's a broader term referring to a "stroke," "blow," or "mark" of divine judgment or affliction. In the context of garments and houses, it describes a persistent, often mold-like or fungal growth, whose presence indicated a severe state of defilement. The detailed instructions in Leviticus 13 show the gravity with which such conditions were viewed, not merely as health hazards but as spiritual impurities that needed strict management to protect the purity of the community.

Practical Application and Reflection

While these laws are part of the Old Covenant's ceremonial code and are not literally binding on New Testament believers, their underlying principles offer profound spiritual lessons. The "spreading plague" can be a powerful metaphor for persistent sin or destructive influences in our lives or within the community. Just as the Israelites had to radically remove anything that threatened their physical and ritual purity, believers are called to deal decisively with sin that corrupts and spreads (see 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 regarding purging out the old leaven). This may involve radical measures, like cutting off harmful habits or relationships, to protect one's spiritual health and maintain a walk of holiness before God. The ultimate cleansing from sin's defilement is found through faith in Jesus Christ, who purifies us completely (compare with Hebrews 9:14 for purification through Christ's blood).

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 25:41 (2 votes)

    Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

  • Matthew 22:7 (2 votes)

    But when the king heard [thereof], he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

  • Revelation 21:27 (2 votes)

    And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

  • Revelation 21:8 (2 votes)

    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

  • Isaiah 33:14 (2 votes)

    The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

  • Matthew 3:12 (2 votes)

    Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.