Leviticus 13:55 - Then the priest shall examine it, after the plague is washed; and behold, if the plague hasn’t changed its color, and the plague hasn’t spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in the fire. It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside.
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What does "Leviticus 13:55" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 13:55 describes a procedure for dealing with suspected mildew or mold on clothing. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the priest shall examine it, after the plague is washed...": This refers to a garment that was initially suspected of having a "plague" (translated as mildew, mold, or a similar discoloration). The priest, acting as an inspector, has already quarantined the garment (as outlined in previous verses). The first step is to wash the affected area.
"...and behold, if the plague hasn’t changed its color, and the plague hasn’t spread, it is unclean...": After washing, the priest re-examines the garment. If the discolored area (the "plague") remains the same color and hasn't spread to other parts of the garment, it is declared "unclean." This doesn't necessarily mean physically dirty, but rather ritually impure.
"...you shall burn it in the fire.": If the garment is deemed unclean, it must be destroyed by burning. This is a serious measure, indicating the perceived severity of the issue.
"It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside.": This explains the reason for the judgment. The issue is identified as a "mildewed spot" (a sign of fungus/mold). The "bareness" refers to whether the mildew has penetrated through the layers of the fabric (inside) or is only on the surface (outside). Regardless of the depth of the penetration, if the mildew persists after washing and hasn't changed, it is considered a persistent and serious problem.
In essence, the verse outlines a process for dealing with persistent mold or mildew on clothing:
1. Suspicion: A garment shows signs of discoloration or a "plague."
2. Quarantine and Washing: The garment is isolated and the affected area is washed.
3. Re-examination: The priest examines the washed garment.
4. Judgment:
If the discoloration disappears or changes significantly after washing, the garment is likely considered clean (though other verses detail further steps).
If the discoloration remains unchanged and hasn't spread, the garment is declared unclean.
5. Destruction: The unclean garment is burned.
Context and Significance:
Ritual Purity: The laws in Leviticus regarding skin diseases, mildew, and other similar conditions were concerned with maintaining ritual purity within the community. These laws were not necessarily based on modern medical or scientific understandings.
Public Health: While not based on modern germ theory, these practices may have had the practical effect of preventing the spread of certain infections or contaminants. Destroying affected items could have limited exposure to mold, bacteria, or other potential health hazards.
Symbolic Cleansing: Fire often symbolizes purification. Burning the affected garment could represent a symbolic cleansing of the community from impurity.
The Role of the Priest: The priest's role was not only religious but also involved public health and social order. They were responsible for identifying and managing conditions that could affect the community's well-being.
The verse reflects a time when the causes and treatment of diseases and infections were not well understood. The laws in Leviticus, while seemingly harsh to modern sensibilities, provided a framework for dealing with potential health threats and maintaining a sense of order and purity in the community.
Leviticus 13:55 - Then the priest shall examine it, after the plague is washed; and behold, if the plague hasn’t changed its color, and the plague hasn’t spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in the fire. It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside.
What does "Leviticus 13:55" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 13:55 describes a procedure for dealing with suspected mildew or mold on clothing. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the priest shall examine it, after the plague is washed...": This refers to a garment that was initially suspected of having a "plague" (translated as mildew, mold, or a similar discoloration). The priest, acting as an inspector, has already quarantined the garment (as outlined in previous verses). The first step is to wash the affected area.
"...and behold, if the plague hasn’t changed its color, and the plague hasn’t spread, it is unclean...": After washing, the priest re-examines the garment. If the discolored area (the "plague") remains the same color and hasn't spread to other parts of the garment, it is declared "unclean." This doesn't necessarily mean physically dirty, but rather ritually impure.
"...you shall burn it in the fire.": If the garment is deemed unclean, it must be destroyed by burning. This is a serious measure, indicating the perceived severity of the issue.
"It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside.": This explains the reason for the judgment. The issue is identified as a "mildewed spot" (a sign of fungus/mold). The "bareness" refers to whether the mildew has penetrated through the layers of the fabric (inside) or is only on the surface (outside). Regardless of the depth of the penetration, if the mildew persists after washing and hasn't changed, it is considered a persistent and serious problem.
In essence, the verse outlines a process for dealing with persistent mold or mildew on clothing:
1. Suspicion: A garment shows signs of discoloration or a "plague."
2. Quarantine and Washing: The garment is isolated and the affected area is washed.
3. Re-examination: The priest examines the washed garment.
4. Judgment:
If the discoloration disappears or changes significantly after washing, the garment is likely considered clean (though other verses detail further steps).
If the discoloration remains unchanged and hasn't spread, the garment is declared unclean.
5. Destruction: The unclean garment is burned.
Context and Significance:
Ritual Purity: The laws in Leviticus regarding skin diseases, mildew, and other similar conditions were concerned with maintaining ritual purity within the community. These laws were not necessarily based on modern medical or scientific understandings.
Public Health: While not based on modern germ theory, these practices may have had the practical effect of preventing the spread of certain infections or contaminants. Destroying affected items could have limited exposure to mold, bacteria, or other potential health hazards.
Symbolic Cleansing: Fire often symbolizes purification. Burning the affected garment could represent a symbolic cleansing of the community from impurity.
The Role of the Priest: The priest's role was not only religious but also involved public health and social order. They were responsible for identifying and managing conditions that could affect the community's well-being.
The verse reflects a time when the causes and treatment of diseases and infections were not well understood. The laws in Leviticus, while seemingly harsh to modern sensibilities, provided a framework for dealing with potential health threats and maintaining a sense of order and purity in the community.