Leviticus 13:14 - But whenever raw flesh appears in him, he shall be unclean.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 13:14

What does "Leviticus 13:14" mean?


Leviticus 13 deals with the identification and treatment of skin diseases, primarily what we might understand today as leprosy (though it likely covered a broader range of conditions). Leviticus 13:14, "But whenever raw flesh appears in him, he shall be unclean," refers to a specific diagnostic criterion for determining if someone had a severe, contagious skin disease.

Here's a breakdown:

"Raw flesh": This refers to exposed, ulcerated skin without any healed or dried-over surface. It indicates a deep and active infection or lesion.

"He shall be unclean": This is a state of ritual impurity under the laws of Leviticus. Being declared "unclean" carried significant social and religious consequences. It meant the person was separated from the community, forbidden from participating in religious rituals, and had to live outside the camp. This was primarily for the purpose of preventing the potential spread of the disease.

In essence, the verse means that if a person suspected of having a skin disease shows exposed, raw flesh, it is a clear sign of a serious and contagious condition. This confirmed their diagnosis as "unclean" and triggered the prescribed purification rituals and isolation procedures outlined in Leviticus.

It's important to remember that:

This is an ancient text: Our understanding of disease and contagion has evolved significantly since the time of Leviticus.
Ritual impurity is not the same as moral sin: Being "unclean" was a temporary state related to physical conditions, not a judgment of a person's character or behavior.
Context is crucial: This verse should be understood within the broader context of Leviticus 13 and the overall legal and religious framework of the Old Testament.

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