Leviticus 13:47 - “The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment;
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What does "Leviticus 13:47" mean?
Leviticus 13:47 is part of a detailed set of instructions regarding the identification and treatment of skin diseases and mildew-like growths, collectively referred to as "leprosy" (Hebrew: tsara'at) in the Old Testament. However, it's important to understand that tsara'at in Leviticus isn't limited to what we now know as Hansen's disease (leprosy caused by Mycobacterium leprae). It encompasses a broader range of conditions affecting skin, clothing, and even buildings.
This specific verse, Leviticus 13:47, focuses on tsara'at appearing on clothing:
"The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in...": This refers to a piece of clothing showing signs that fit the criteria established in the preceding verses for tsara'at.
"...whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment...": This indicates that the type of fabric (wool or linen, two common materials at the time) doesn't affect whether it's susceptible to tsara'at. Both are subject to the same regulations and potential contamination.
In essence, the verse is simply stating that the following regulations about dealing with the "plague of leprosy" also apply to clothing, whether that clothing is made of wool or linen.
Why is this important in the context of Leviticus?
Holistic Purity: The laws in Leviticus concern not only physical health but also ritual purity. Tsara'at was seen as a defiling condition, and its presence required specific rituals of purification. Extending these regulations to clothing demonstrates the comprehensive nature of purity laws.
Preventing Contamination: The regulations surrounding tsara'at were aimed at preventing the spread of contamination, both real and perceived. Identifying and dealing with affected garments was part of this effort.
Priestly Authority: The diagnosis and treatment of tsara'at were entrusted to the priests. These verses outline the priest's responsibility to examine clothing and determine whether it was infected.
Understanding the broader context of tsara'at:
As mentioned earlier, tsara'at in Leviticus is a broader term than modern-day leprosy. It could refer to various skin diseases, fungal growths, or mildew-like appearances on clothing and buildings.
The priest's role was to diagnose and pronounce whether something was tsara'at. If so, specific steps were to be taken to quarantine, cleanse, or destroy the affected item.
The purpose of these laws was likely a combination of public health measures and religious concepts of purity and defilement.
In conclusion, Leviticus 13:47 is a seemingly simple statement within a complex set of laws regarding tsara'at. It signifies that the regulations applied equally to wool and linen garments, emphasizing the importance of identifying and dealing with potential sources of contamination to maintain ritual purity and public health within the community.
Leviticus 13:47 - “The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment;
What does "Leviticus 13:47" mean?
Leviticus 13:47 is part of a detailed set of instructions regarding the identification and treatment of skin diseases and mildew-like growths, collectively referred to as "leprosy" (Hebrew: tsara'at) in the Old Testament. However, it's important to understand that tsara'at in Leviticus isn't limited to what we now know as Hansen's disease (leprosy caused by Mycobacterium leprae). It encompasses a broader range of conditions affecting skin, clothing, and even buildings.
This specific verse, Leviticus 13:47, focuses on tsara'at appearing on clothing:
"The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in...": This refers to a piece of clothing showing signs that fit the criteria established in the preceding verses for tsara'at.
"...whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment...": This indicates that the type of fabric (wool or linen, two common materials at the time) doesn't affect whether it's susceptible to tsara'at. Both are subject to the same regulations and potential contamination.
In essence, the verse is simply stating that the following regulations about dealing with the "plague of leprosy" also apply to clothing, whether that clothing is made of wool or linen.
Why is this important in the context of Leviticus?
Holistic Purity: The laws in Leviticus concern not only physical health but also ritual purity. Tsara'at was seen as a defiling condition, and its presence required specific rituals of purification. Extending these regulations to clothing demonstrates the comprehensive nature of purity laws.
Preventing Contamination: The regulations surrounding tsara'at were aimed at preventing the spread of contamination, both real and perceived. Identifying and dealing with affected garments was part of this effort.
Priestly Authority: The diagnosis and treatment of tsara'at were entrusted to the priests. These verses outline the priest's responsibility to examine clothing and determine whether it was infected.
Understanding the broader context of tsara'at:
As mentioned earlier, tsara'at in Leviticus is a broader term than modern-day leprosy. It could refer to various skin diseases, fungal growths, or mildew-like appearances on clothing and buildings.
The priest's role was to diagnose and pronounce whether something was tsara'at. If so, specific steps were to be taken to quarantine, cleanse, or destroy the affected item.
The purpose of these laws was likely a combination of public health measures and religious concepts of purity and defilement.
In conclusion, Leviticus 13:47 is a seemingly simple statement within a complex set of laws regarding tsara'at. It signifies that the regulations applied equally to wool and linen garments, emphasizing the importance of identifying and dealing with potential sources of contamination to maintain ritual purity and public health within the community.