Leviticus 13 50

Leviticus 13:50 kjv

And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up it that hath the plague seven days:

Leviticus 13:50 nkjv

The priest shall examine the plague and isolate that which has the plague seven days.

Leviticus 13:50 niv

The priest is to examine the affected area and isolate the article for seven days.

Leviticus 13:50 esv

And the priest shall examine the disease and shut up that which has the disease for seven days.

Leviticus 13:50 nlt

After examining the affected spot, the priest will put the article in quarantine for seven days.

Leviticus 13 verses

Leviticus 13 50 Meaning

Leviticus 13:50 details the initial steps a priest must take when encountering a suspected "plague" or mold affliction on a garment. Upon initial inspection, the priest is mandated to quarantine the afflicted item by "shutting it up" for a specific period of seven days. This temporary isolation allows for further observation to accurately determine the nature and progression of the affliction before a definitive judgment of purity or impurity is rendered, thereby protecting the holy community from potential defilement.

Leviticus 13 50 Context

Leviticus Chapter 13 focuses extensively on the laws concerning tzara'at, a severe skin condition in humans, or what we would identify as mold and mildew in garments and houses. This verse, Leviticus 13:50, specifically addresses the initial process when a "plague" or discoloration, suspected to be tzara'at, is found on a piece of clothing (whether linen, wool, or leather). In the ancient Israelite context, these detailed purity laws were crucial for maintaining the holiness of the camp and its people, as impurity could jeopardize God's dwelling presence among them. The priest served a vital function, not only as a religious figure but also as the appointed discerning authority to apply these divinely revealed statutes, distinguishing clean from unclean and ensuring the communal welfare. The procedures were systematic, reflecting God's orderliness, and stood in stark contrast to any haphazard or superstitious approaches to affliction.

Leviticus 13 50 Word analysis

• And the priest: Hebrew kohen (כֹּהֵן). The "priest" is the divinely authorized intermediary and interpreter of God's Law for Israel. This highlights that discerning spiritual and ritual impurity is not a subjective matter but requires a trained and consecrated individual applying specific divine criteria. Their authority stems from their covenant role and specific instructions.

• shall examine: Hebrew v'ra'ah (וְרָאָה) from the root ra'ah (רָאָה), which means "to see," "to look," but also implies a deeper "to discern," "to perceive," or "to inspect thoroughly." It signifies a careful, objective, and precise visual assessment, indicative of a formal, almost judicial, process required before any action is taken. This emphasizes divine order over human assumption.

• the plague: Hebrew hanega (הַנֶּגַע), from nega (נֶגַע), meaning "stroke," "mark," or "affliction." In Leviticus 13, it refers to the visible manifestation of tzara'at—a distinct mark indicating defilement. While often translated as "leprosy," in garments, it refers to mildew or mold. It signifies an external sign of impurity that impacts ritual status and communal holiness, possibly reflecting the defiling nature of sin.

• and shut it up: Hebrew v'hisgir (וְהִסְגִּיר), from the root sagar (סָגַר), "to shut," "to close," or "to confine." This indicates mandatory quarantine or isolation. It's an act of containment, separating the potentially defiled item to prevent the spread of impurity to the community and to allow for further observation without external influence.

• for seven days: Hebrew shiv'at yamim (שִׁבְעַת יָמִים). The number "seven" in biblical thought frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine purpose. Here, it denotes a full, divinely ordained period of observation. It is not an arbitrary duration but a prescribed time for thoroughness and definitive manifestation of the "plague" before a conclusive priestly verdict.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "the priest shall examine the plague": This phrase underscores the critical role of priestly discernment according to God's instruction. The detection of "the plague" is not left to common observation but requires authorized, skilled assessment to ensure the maintenance of divine standards within the camp.
  • "and shut it up for seven days": This grouping highlights the prescribed protocol for dealing with potential impurity: initial assessment followed by a temporary, measured period of isolation. This action embodies patience, prudence, and an emphasis on preventing premature judgment or hasty reactions, ensuring an accurate diagnosis aligned with God's law.

Leviticus 13 50 Bonus section

• The type of "examination" prescribed was primarily visual, relying on the priest's knowledge of the specified signs rather than invasive diagnostic techniques, emphasizing adherence to revealed law.
• The ritual handling of garments afflicted with tzara'at serves as a tangible reminder of the insidious, defiling nature of sin, which, if not identified and properly dealt with (often through fire or separation), can spread and contaminate the wider community.
• This verse illustrates a core concept of God's covenant with Israel: divine law permeated every aspect of life, even seemingly mundane ones like garment care, linking daily existence directly to the principles of holiness and God's presence.

Leviticus 13 50 Commentary

Leviticus 13:50 presents the initial protocol for dealing with a suspected defilement on clothing within Israel's elaborate purity system. This verse showcases the priest's critical role as God's designated observer and judge of ritual cleanliness. The command to "examine" emphasizes a thorough, objective assessment rather than a cursory glance, reflecting God's meticulous nature and His demand for precision in handling matters of holiness. The subsequent instruction to "shut it up for seven days" underlines a core principle of divine procedure: prudence and a period of observation before making a final judgment. This quarantine served practical purposes—to prevent the spread of the affliction—but also theological ones—to patiently await God's revealing of the full extent of the impurity, teaching reliance on His timeline and processes. This careful method guarded the physical health of the community while primarily emphasizing their spiritual integrity and separation for God. It models a discerning approach to anything that could compromise one's state before a Holy God.