Leviticus 13:56 - If the priest looks, and behold, the plague has faded after it is washed, then he shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:
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What does "Leviticus 13:56" mean?
This verse, Leviticus 13:56, describes the process for dealing with a suspected skin disease or mold in clothing or fabric. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"If the priest looks, and behold, the plague has faded after it is washed...": This follows a previous process of isolation and observation (explained earlier in Leviticus 13). If the priest, who is acting as a religious and societal health inspector, inspects the affected garment or material after it has been washed and finds that the discoloration or "plague" (likely referring to a spreading stain or mold) has faded, it indicates improvement.
"...then he shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:": However, despite the fading, the priest doesn't declare the item completely clean. Instead, he must remove the affected portion.
"Tear it out": This implies that the affected area is still considered a potential source of contamination, even though it has faded.
"Garment, or out of the skin": This refers to a piece of clothing or leather (animal skin used for clothing or other purposes).
"Warp, or out of the woof": If the "plague" is in woven fabric, the priest removes the affected threads. The "warp" are the lengthwise threads held stationary on a loom, and the "woof" (or weft) are the threads woven across the warp.
In essence, this verse describes a partial cleansing ritual. While the initial washing shows promise, the priest is instructed to excise the affected portion to ensure the "plague" doesn't return or spread. The fading suggests the cleaning process is working, but the removal acts as a safeguard.
Significance and Context:
Hygiene and Purity: The book of Leviticus emphasizes ritual purity and cleanliness. These laws were about maintaining physical and spiritual health within the community.
Public Health: These laws are also seen as early forms of public health practices. Isolating, washing, and removing affected items were ways to prevent the spread of skin diseases or mold.
Symbolism: Some scholars also interpret these rituals as symbolic, representing the removal of sin and impurity from the community.
Not Necessarily Specific Diseases: It's important to note that the exact nature of the "plagues" described in Leviticus is debated. They might include various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or even mold and mildew. The text doesn't provide modern medical diagnoses.
Leviticus 13:56 - If the priest looks, and behold, the plague has faded after it is washed, then he shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:
What does "Leviticus 13:56" mean?
This verse, Leviticus 13:56, describes the process for dealing with a suspected skin disease or mold in clothing or fabric. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"If the priest looks, and behold, the plague has faded after it is washed...": This follows a previous process of isolation and observation (explained earlier in Leviticus 13). If the priest, who is acting as a religious and societal health inspector, inspects the affected garment or material after it has been washed and finds that the discoloration or "plague" (likely referring to a spreading stain or mold) has faded, it indicates improvement.
"...then he shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:": However, despite the fading, the priest doesn't declare the item completely clean. Instead, he must remove the affected portion.
"Tear it out": This implies that the affected area is still considered a potential source of contamination, even though it has faded.
"Garment, or out of the skin": This refers to a piece of clothing or leather (animal skin used for clothing or other purposes).
"Warp, or out of the woof": If the "plague" is in woven fabric, the priest removes the affected threads. The "warp" are the lengthwise threads held stationary on a loom, and the "woof" (or weft) are the threads woven across the warp.
In essence, this verse describes a partial cleansing ritual. While the initial washing shows promise, the priest is instructed to excise the affected portion to ensure the "plague" doesn't return or spread. The fading suggests the cleaning process is working, but the removal acts as a safeguard.
Significance and Context:
Hygiene and Purity: The book of Leviticus emphasizes ritual purity and cleanliness. These laws were about maintaining physical and spiritual health within the community.
Public Health: These laws are also seen as early forms of public health practices. Isolating, washing, and removing affected items were ways to prevent the spread of skin diseases or mold.
Symbolism: Some scholars also interpret these rituals as symbolic, representing the removal of sin and impurity from the community.
Not Necessarily Specific Diseases: It's important to note that the exact nature of the "plagues" described in Leviticus is debated. They might include various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or even mold and mildew. The text doesn't provide modern medical diagnoses.