Leviticus 13 59

Leviticus 13:59 kjv

This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woolen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

Leviticus 13:59 nkjv

"This is the law of the leprous plague in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp or woof, or in anything made of leather, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean."

Leviticus 13:59 niv

These are the regulations concerning defiling molds in woolen or linen clothing, woven or knitted material, or any leather article, for pronouncing them clean or unclean.

Leviticus 13:59 esv

This is the law for a case of leprous disease in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp or the woof, or in any article made of skin, to determine whether it is clean or unclean.

Leviticus 13:59 nlt

"These are the instructions for dealing with mildew that contaminates woolen or linen clothing or fabric or anything made of leather. This is how the priest will determine whether these items are ceremonially clean or unclean."

Leviticus 13 verses

Leviticus 13 59 Meaning

Leviticus 13:59 serves as the concluding summary statement for the comprehensive regulations detailed throughout the chapter concerning "leprous" afflictions in garments and articles made of skin. It defines the scope and purpose of these intricate laws, affirming that the preceding instructions—covering various types of fabric, warp and woof (interwoven threads), and leather items—are the prescribed divine ordinances for determining whether such affected objects are ritually clean or unclean. This declaration underscores the importance of priestly discernment and adherence to God's standards of purity within the Israelite community.

Leviticus 13 59 Context

Leviticus 13 primarily addresses various manifestations of nega, often translated "plague" or "spot," in human skin, garments, and house walls, often generically rendered as "leprosy." The chapter details an elaborate diagnostic protocol for identifying such conditions, outlining procedures for examination, quarantine, re-examination, and final pronouncement of "clean" or "unclean" by the priest. This specific verse, 13:59, functions as the concluding legal summary for the rules pertaining to infected fabrics and leather, which span from verse 47 to 58. It re-emphasizes that these aren't merely hygienic recommendations but binding "law" (torah), originating from Yahweh Himself. The broader historical and cultural context underscores Israel's call to be a holy nation, separated from the pagan practices and potential ritual impurities of surrounding peoples. These laws were integral to maintaining the purity of the camp, symbolizing God's presence, and were handled by priests, the designated intermediaries for discerning holiness.

Leviticus 13 59 Word analysis

• This is the law (`tôrâ`):
  • `Tôrâ` (תּוֹרָה): Beyond a simple "law" or "regulation," Torah fundamentally means "instruction," "direction," or "teaching." It is divinely revealed guidance from God, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial precepts. Its usage here signifies that the elaborate diagnostic and purification procedures for garments are not arbitrary but direct divine commandments for holy living within the Israelite community, intended for their spiritual well-being and maintenance of God's holy presence. It indicates an authoritative and foundational instruction, critical for covenantal life.
• of the plague (`nega` ) of leprosy (`tsāraʿat`):
  • `Nega` (נֶגַע): Means "a touch," "stroke," or "plague." In Leviticus, it refers to a distinct affliction, often implying a divinely-sent mark or a severe, pervasive infection. It's not just a superficial spot but something that "touches" or permeates, suggesting an inherent defilement.
  • `Tsāraʿat` (צָרַעַת): Often translated as "leprosy," this term is far broader than modern Hansen's disease. In the context of textiles and houses (Lev 14), it almost certainly refers to persistent and destructive molds, fungi, or mildew, particularly problematic in a hot, humid climate and potentially symbolizing spiritual decay. When applied to humans, it could encompass various skin afflictions beyond Hansen's disease. The presence of tsāraʿat in a garment rendered it ritually unclean and potentially physically destructive, requiring careful handling or destruction. The "plague" suggests its invasive and damaging nature.
• in a garment of wool or linen:
  • These are the two primary fabrics used for clothing and household textiles in ancient Israel. The specification indicates that the laws apply to both, suggesting the pervasiveness of the "plague."
  • The detailed instructions for both common materials underscore the thoroughness of God's holiness demands, which extended even to everyday items.
• either in the warp or woof:
  • These are the two sets of threads in weaving: warp (lengthwise, usually fixed on a loom) and woof or weft (crosswise, woven through the warp). Specifying both implies that the "plague" could be deeply embedded within the very structure of the fabric, not just superficially. This emphasizes the thoroughness of the contamination and the requirement for precise examination. It ensures no part of the garment could be exempt from scrutiny, pointing to the comprehensiveness of the divine standards.
• or in any article of skin (`ʾōr`):
  • `ʾōr` (עוֹר): Refers to animal hides or leather, which were used for various items like footwear, belts, pouches, and containers. The inclusion of leather items broadens the scope of potential defilement beyond woven goods, encompassing a wide range of common necessities. This highlights the all-encompassing nature of purity laws, affecting almost every aspect of daily life.
• for declaring it clean or for declaring it unclean:
  • This phrase succinctly states the overarching purpose of all the preceding intricate regulations: to enable the priest to make a definitive judgment regarding the ritual status of the afflicted item.
  • Declaring clean (`tâhôr` - טָהוֹר): Means ceremonially pure, acceptable before God, fit for use.
  • Declaring unclean (`ṭâmê` - טָמֵא): Means ceremonially impure, defiled, unfit for sacred use or presence, often requiring separation or destruction.
  • The power to declare rested solely with the priest, acting as God's representative. This highlights the priest's critical role as a discerning arbiter of divine law and the purity of the community.

Leviticus 13 59 Bonus section

• Symbolic Significance: The tsāraʿat in garments and houses, much like that on skin, likely carried a spiritual symbolic meaning alongside any physical one. It suggested an invading defilement or decay, potentially pointing to the insidious nature of sin which permeates and corrupts, spreading silently until diagnosed and dealt with. Just as mildew can ruin a garment from within, sin corrupts a person's life or a community's fabric.
• Priestly Authority: The reiteration of the priest's role in this final verse highlights the specific spiritual authority invested in the Aaronic priesthood. They were the appointed interpreters and enforcers of God's purity standards, acting as intermediaries who guided the people in discerning the holy from the common and the clean from the unclean, a vital function in a covenant community living in close proximity to God's presence.
• Preparation for Canaan: These meticulous laws also served a practical purpose in preparing Israel for life in the promised land. A humid environment like parts of Canaan would have been prone to mold and mildew. Beyond hygiene, the regulations instilled discipline and reliance on God's directives for navigating both the physical and spiritual landscapes, preventing physical decay that could symbolize moral decay.

Leviticus 13 59 Commentary

Leviticus 13:59 functions as a comprehensive capstone, underscoring that the detailed instructions on diagnosing and managing fabric and leather tsāraʿat (often mold or mildew) were divinely ordained laws. These regulations weren't mere ancient hygiene practices but vital components of Israel's ritual purity system, designed to reflect God's absolute holiness. The thoroughness of the law—from distinguishing wool from linen to examining warp and woof—symbolized the meticulous attention to purity required by a holy God. The priest's role in discerning "clean" from "unclean" was central, signifying divine authority in communal well-being and sacred order. Ultimately, these laws, though external, served to teach Israel about the serious, pervasive nature of defilement and the importance of a spotless existence before God, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual cleansing found in Christ.