Leviticus 13 53

Leviticus 13:53 kjv

And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;

Leviticus 13:53 nkjv

"But if the priest examines it, and indeed the plague has not spread in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof, or in anything made of leather,

Leviticus 13:53 niv

"But if, when the priest examines it, the mold has not spread in the fabric, the woven or knitted material, or the leather article,

Leviticus 13:53 esv

"And if the priest examines, and if the disease has not spread in the garment, in the warp or the woof or in any article made of skin,

Leviticus 13:53 nlt

"But if the priest examines it and finds that the contaminated area has not spread in the clothing, the fabric, or the leather,

Leviticus 13 verses

Leviticus 13 53 Meaning

Leviticus 13:53 describes a specific phase in the priestly inspection process for a leprosy-like affliction (tsara'at) in garments or leather items. This verse states that if the priest, upon re-examination, determines that the visible "plague" or discoloration has not spread in the fabric (neither warp nor woof threads) or in any leather item, then the affected item does not require immediate destruction by fire as would be necessary if the contamination were spreading. This outcome suggests a controlled, localized, or dormant condition of the plague, allowing for further prescribed actions to determine its ultimate status.

Leviticus 13 53 Context

Leviticus Chapter 13 primarily details the extensive laws concerning tsara'at (often translated "leprosy"), a term that encompasses not only human skin afflictions but also specific kinds of mold or mildew found in garments, fabric, and leather, as well as in houses. The chapter provides instructions for the priests on how to diagnose, quarantine, and manage these conditions, which were understood as matters of ritual defilement impacting the entire community's holiness before God. This particular verse, 13:53, comes after an initial period of quarantine (typically seven days, per Lev 13:50) where the affected garment or leather item was set aside. It describes the crucial re-inspection phase, where the absence of spreading indicates a less severe or contained "plague," dictating a different, less destructive outcome than if it had continued to spread (Lev 13:52). These regulations reinforced the holiness expected of the Israelites and highlighted the seriousness of any defilement that might threaten the purity of their dwelling place and worship.

Leviticus 13 53 Word analysis

• But if the priest looks, and indeed: The phrase emphasizes the role and direct visual inspection of the kohen (Hebrew: כֹּהֵן - priest). The priest acts as God's appointed diagnostician, discerning sacred boundaries between clean and unclean, not a medical doctor. His "looking" (וְרָאָה, v'ra'ah, from רָאָה, ra'ah - to see, perceive) implies careful observation and divine discernment rather than merely sight. "Indeed" (וְהִנֵּה, v'hinneh) signals an important finding, directing attention to the state of the item.
• the plague (הַנֶּגַע, ha'nega): From the Hebrew word נֶגַע, nega', meaning a "stroke," "blow," or "affliction." It's a general term for the visible manifestation of the "disease" or "contamination" sent by God. It implies something inflicted, underscoring its divine origin and significance beyond mere physical decay. It's not simply an infection but an "outbreak" or "blemish."
• has not spread (לֹא־פָשָׂה, lo-phasah): Crucial for the verse's meaning. Pāśâ (פָשָׂה) means "to spread," "to break out," or "to extend." The negation lo (לֹא) indicates that the "plague" has remained localized or has stopped progressing. This lack of proliferation is the key diagnostic criterion here, contrasting with situations where spreading would lead to total defilement and destruction (Lev 13:52). It signifies a potentially contained issue.
• in the garment (בַּבֶּגֶד, ba'beged): Beged (בֶּגֶד) is a general term for a piece of clothing, a covering, or cloth fabric. It implies any woven material that people wear or use.
• either in the warp or in the woof (בַּשְׁתִי אוֹ בָאֵרֶב, basheṭi o va'erev): These are specific technical terms for the structure of woven fabric. Sheti (שְׁתִי) refers to the warp threads (the longitudinal threads stretched on the loom), and erev (אֶרֶב) refers to the woof/weft threads (the transverse threads woven across the warp). This specificity highlights the meticulousness of the inspection required of the priest. It demonstrates that every part of the fabric must be scrutinized for the plague's presence or spread.
• or in anything of leather (אוֹ בְכָל־כְּלִי־עוֹר, o b'chol-k'li-or): This expands the scope beyond woven fabrics to include all articles made of animal skin. K'li (כְּלִי) means a vessel, article, or utensil, indicating any item made of material. 'Or (עוֹר) is "skin" or "leather." This shows that God's laws concerning tsara'at applied to a wide range of everyday materials that could harbor such destructive contaminations, reflecting a holistic concern for purity in the camp.

Leviticus 13 53 Bonus Section

The concept of nega' (plague/affliction) in the Old Testament often carried theological implications, signifying a divine intervention, either as judgment or a sign of God's power. Its presence in objects as seemingly mundane as clothes underscores God's sovereignty over all creation, even down to the material possessions of His people, thereby maintaining the pervasive standard of holiness for the covenant community. The specific reference to "warp" and "woof" suggests a level of detail that points not just to surface contamination but to a deep-seated issue within the very structure of the material. However, the non-spreading nature of the plague mentioned in this verse indicates that not all defilement led to immediate irreversible destruction; there was a pathway for resolution, usually involving a further period of cleansing or treatment as seen in the subsequent verses (13:54-58). This offers a theological glimpse of divine mercy – that while God abhors impurity, there can be a way for restoration and a return to "cleanliness" for that which is affected, provided it has not overwhelmed the entire structure.

Leviticus 13 53 Commentary

Leviticus 13:53 presents a nuanced outcome in the priestly diagnosis of tsara'at in fabrics and leather. Unlike the immediate condemnation to burning that follows a spreading affliction (v. 52), the discovery that the "plague" has not expanded grants the affected item a potential reprieve. This verse underlines the priest's pivotal role not as a mere observer, but as a consecrated authority figure divinely appointed to render judgments concerning holiness and defilement within the community. His "looking" is an act of discerning, guided by specific divine instructions. The meticulous detail in mentioning "warp" and "woof" emphasizes the thoroughness required, demonstrating that the sacred nature of the camp demanded that no potential source of defilement be overlooked. Spiritually, these laws provided a tangible framework for understanding the nature and seriousness of sin. Just as the spreading nega' rendered an item completely unclean, unchecked sin leads to spiritual corruption and defilement. Conversely, the containment of the "plague" in this verse could signify a confined problem, allowing for a prescribed process of cleansing. This mirrors the spiritual journey where acknowledging and arresting sin's spread, often through priestly (Christ's) intercession, is the first step towards purification and restoration rather than utter condemnation. The physical laws were object lessons, pointing to the need for thorough examination of spiritual blemishes and the absolute requirement for divine cleansing to maintain a right standing before a holy God.