Leviticus 13 48

Leviticus 13:48 kjv

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

Leviticus 13:48 nkjv

whether it is in the warp or woof of linen or wool, whether in leather or in anything made of leather,

Leviticus 13:48 niv

any woven or knitted material of linen or wool, any leather or anything made of leather?

Leviticus 13:48 esv

in warp or woof of linen or wool, or in a skin or in anything made of skin,

Leviticus 13:48 nlt

woolen or linen fabric, the hide of an animal, or anything made of leather.

Leviticus 13 verses

Leviticus 13 48 Meaning

Leviticus 13:48 details specific materials that can be affected by the ceremonial defilement known as tzara'at, which could manifest as mold or mildew on objects. The verse explicitly states that this impurity can occur "in a linen or woolen garment, whether in leather or in anything made of leather." This demonstrates the pervasive nature of impurity within the Israelite camp and highlights that ritual purity extended beyond the human body to include everyday objects and materials.

Leviticus 13 48 Context

Leviticus 13 primarily details the intricate laws concerning tzara'at, a broad term that refers not only to specific skin diseases in humans but also to mildew, mold, or fungal infections found in garments and on the walls of houses. The preceding verses (Lev 13:1-46) focus on human tzara'at, providing elaborate diagnostic procedures and instructions for the priests to determine uncleanness. Verses 47-59 specifically shift focus to tzara'at found in clothing and other textile items, illustrating that the reach of ritual defilement was comprehensive, affecting not just people but their possessions and living spaces. This reflects the intense concern for ceremonial purity and holiness central to the Old Covenant. Historically, ancient Israelites lived in an environment where textile production was common, and materials like linen and wool were primary components of daily life, including clothing, tents, and household items. The precise identification and handling of such defilements were crucial for maintaining a pure community that could appropriately worship a holy God. These laws served to teach Israel about the pervasive nature of impurity, whether physical or spiritual, and God's demand for thorough removal or cleansing.

Leviticus 13 48 Word analysis

• whether ('o - אוֹ): A disjunctive particle, meaning "or." It functions here to list distinct categories of materials that can be affected, indicating comprehensive coverage.
• in a linen (b’pishtim - בְפִשְׁתִּים): From pishtim (פִּשְׁתִּים), meaning "flax" or "linen." Linen was a common and valuable fabric in ancient Israel, often associated with purity in its appearance, contrasting sharply with its defilement here.
• or woolen ('o vetsemer - אוֹ בְצֶמֶר): From tsemer (צֶמֶר), meaning "wool." Wool was another staple fabric derived from sheep, essential for clothing and other uses. The inclusion of both linen and wool covers the two most prevalent plant-based and animal-based fabrics.
• garment (beged - בֶּגֶד): A general term for "clothing" or "covering." In this context, it refers to an item of apparel made from linen or wool. The defilement could literally contaminate the clothes people wore daily.
• whether in leather ('o ve'or - אוֹ בְעוֹר): From 'or (עוֹר), meaning "skin" or "hide," here referring to prepared animal skin used as leather. Leather was crucial for sandals, belts, bags, and certain coverings or specialized garments, demonstrating that tzara'at could affect animal products as well as plant fibers.
• or in anything made of leather ('o vekhol-melekhet 'or - אוֹ בְכָל־מְלֶאכֶת עוֹר):
  • khol (כָּל): meaning "all" or "any."
  • melekhet (מְלֶאכֶת): From melakhah (מְלָאכָה), meaning "work," "labor," "article," or "product." Here, it signifies an object or item that is a result of work or craft.
  • 'or (עוֹר): Meaning "leather" or "hide."
  • Combined, khol-melekhet 'or means "any article of leather" or "any work made of leather." This broadens the scope from raw leather to any finished product derived from it, emphasizing that impurity could affect anything constructed from leather. This broadens the reach beyond just clothes to potentially include leather bags, straps, or household items.
• Phrase Group Analysis:
• "linen or woolen garment": This pairing covers the most common textile materials for clothing in ancient Israel. It highlights that no primary clothing material was exempt from potential defilement. The distinction ensures comprehensive coverage for purification rites related to clothing.
• "leather or in anything made of leather": This pairing extends the concern from raw or basic leather materials to manufactured leather goods. It demonstrates the meticulous detail of the law, indicating that all aspects of Israelite life, including accessories and utilitarian items made from leather, were subject to purity standards. The repetition of 'leather' (עוֹר) underscores its significance.
• The structure of the verse, "whether...or...whether...or...", lists exhaustive categories of materials. This legislative pattern emphasizes the broad scope of God's purity requirements, touching every part of their material life.

Leviticus 13 48 Bonus section

The type of tzara'at affecting garments and houses (Lev 14) is understood by many scholars to be some form of corrosive mildew, mold, or fungus. The "reddish or greenish" colors mentioned in verse 49 are consistent with such biological growths. This detail points to God's attention even to what might be seen as minor, mundane issues, integrating physical health and well-being with ritual and spiritual purity within the communal framework. The thorough process for examination, isolation, and destruction of affected materials not only addressed the physical problem of potential infestation but also served as a constant object lesson to Israel about the dangers of contamination – both literally and spiritually. The severity of the tzara'at laws, even for materials, underscored the seriousness of maintaining an unblemished relationship with a Holy God.

Leviticus 13 48 Commentary

Leviticus 13:48 forms part of a meticulously detailed set of laws intended to regulate the ritual purity of the Israelite community, paramount for their ability to live in God's presence. By specifying "linen or woolen garment, whether in leather or in anything made of leather," the verse emphasizes that ceremonial defilement (tzara'at, often mildew or mold) was not restricted to the human body but could pervade everyday objects and materials. This detailed listing serves multiple purposes: it provided clear guidelines for priests to identify affected items, underscored the omnipresent nature of potential defilement in a fallen world, and ingrained in the Israelites the comprehensive demand for holiness from a holy God. The implication is profound: impurity, like sin, is contagious and infiltrates various aspects of life, making the community unsuitable for divine presence if left unchecked. These physical laws were shadows, teaching about a deeper spiritual reality where true defilement originates from within (Mark 7:20-23) and impacts our "garments" (our actions, righteousness) (Isa 64:6). Ultimately, the burning of persistently defiled items signifies radical separation from impurity and its devastating effects, a prefigurement of the spiritual cleansing offered through Christ, who alone can cleanse and make "without spot or wrinkle" (Eph 5:27).