Leviticus 13:51 - He shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for, the plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean.
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What does "Leviticus 13:51" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 13:51 describes a process for identifying and declaring a "plague" (often translated as "mildew" or "mold") on clothing, fabric, or leather as unclean. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"He shall examine the plague on the seventh day": This refers to a priest examining the affected item. The initial examination likely happened earlier (as detailed in previous verses), and this is a follow-up inspection seven days later to see if the condition has worsened. This waiting period likely allowed for observation and the potential for the "plague" to spread.
"If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for": This specifies what the priest should look for during the examination.
"Warp" and "woof" are the two basic components used in weaving cloth. The warp are the lengthwise (vertical) threads that are held taut, while the woof is woven horizontally through the warp. This means the inspection concerns the fabric itself.
"Skin, whatever use the skin is used for": This indicates that the same principles apply to leather or hides, regardless of what they are used for (clothing, containers, etc.).
"Spread": The key point is whether the discoloration, mold, or "plague" has expanded since the initial examination.
"The plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean.": If the priest determines that the "plague" has spread, it's declared a "destructive mildew" (or a "malignant mold"). This means it's not just a superficial issue, but something that is actively degrading the material. Because it is considered "unclean", the item could not be used and required disposal or a specific purification process (described in subsequent verses).
Symbolic and Practical Interpretations
Practical: The regulations likely had a practical basis in public health. Mold, mildew, and other forms of decay can damage materials, harbor bacteria, and cause skin irritation or other health problems. Declaring such items "unclean" and removing them from use would have helped prevent the spread of disease and maintain a level of hygiene.
Symbolic: In the context of Leviticus, ritual purity was crucial. "Uncleanliness" was not necessarily about physical dirt, but about a state of being unfit for sacred practices. This passage could be interpreted as a metaphor for moral or spiritual corruption, which, like a spreading plague, can contaminate and degrade.
In summary, Leviticus 13:51 outlines a procedure for identifying and declaring items with spreading mildew or mold as "unclean," reflecting a concern for both physical health and ritual purity in ancient Israel.
Leviticus 13:51 - He shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for, the plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean.
What does "Leviticus 13:51" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 13:51 describes a process for identifying and declaring a "plague" (often translated as "mildew" or "mold") on clothing, fabric, or leather as unclean. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"He shall examine the plague on the seventh day": This refers to a priest examining the affected item. The initial examination likely happened earlier (as detailed in previous verses), and this is a follow-up inspection seven days later to see if the condition has worsened. This waiting period likely allowed for observation and the potential for the "plague" to spread.
"If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for": This specifies what the priest should look for during the examination.
"Warp" and "woof" are the two basic components used in weaving cloth. The warp are the lengthwise (vertical) threads that are held taut, while the woof is woven horizontally through the warp. This means the inspection concerns the fabric itself.
"Skin, whatever use the skin is used for": This indicates that the same principles apply to leather or hides, regardless of what they are used for (clothing, containers, etc.).
"Spread": The key point is whether the discoloration, mold, or "plague" has expanded since the initial examination.
"The plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean.": If the priest determines that the "plague" has spread, it's declared a "destructive mildew" (or a "malignant mold"). This means it's not just a superficial issue, but something that is actively degrading the material. Because it is considered "unclean", the item could not be used and required disposal or a specific purification process (described in subsequent verses).
Symbolic and Practical Interpretations
Practical: The regulations likely had a practical basis in public health. Mold, mildew, and other forms of decay can damage materials, harbor bacteria, and cause skin irritation or other health problems. Declaring such items "unclean" and removing them from use would have helped prevent the spread of disease and maintain a level of hygiene.
Symbolic: In the context of Leviticus, ritual purity was crucial. "Uncleanliness" was not necessarily about physical dirt, but about a state of being unfit for sacred practices. This passage could be interpreted as a metaphor for moral or spiritual corruption, which, like a spreading plague, can contaminate and degrade.
In summary, Leviticus 13:51 outlines a procedure for identifying and declaring items with spreading mildew or mold as "unclean," reflecting a concern for both physical health and ritual purity in ancient Israel.