Leviticus 13:57 - and if it appears again in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is spreading. You shall burn with fire that in which the plague is.
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What does "Leviticus 13:57" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 13:57 is part of a longer passage (Leviticus 13:47-59) dealing with skin diseases or "plagues" that appear on clothing or leather goods. It's important to understand that these "plagues" weren't necessarily the same as modern-day infections; they were likely various forms of mildew, mold, or other blemishes that could render the material ritually unclean.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"and if it appears again in the garment...": This refers back to the previous verses, which describe the process of examining a garment or leather item suspected of being infected with a "plague." If the affected area was washed and quarantined for seven days, and the "plague" seemed to disappear, it still wasn't considered clean. This verse addresses what happens if, after that washing and quarantine period, the "plague" reappears.
"...either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin...": This identifies where the "plague" is located:
Warp: The lengthwise threads in a woven fabric.
Woof: The threads woven across the warp to create the fabric.
Anything of skin: Leather or animal hide products. This broadens the scope beyond just woven garments.
"...it is spreading.": The reappearance of the "plague" indicates that it is indeed spreading or recurring, confirming its severity. The implication is that washing and quarantine were not effective in eradicating it.
"You shall burn with fire that in which the plague is.": This is the prescribed action. Because the "plague" is persistent and deemed unclean, the affected garment or leather item must be destroyed by fire. This was likely done for several reasons:
Ritual Purity: To maintain the ritual purity of the community. Contact with unclean objects could defile a person.
Preventing Spread: To prevent the potential spread of whatever was causing the "plague," whether it was a contagious infection (unlikely) or simply mold/mildew that could damage other possessions.
Finality: To ensure the "plague" was definitively eliminated and not simply hidden or dormant.
In summary:
The verse outlines a specific procedure for dealing with persistent "plagues" found on clothing or leather items. If the "plague" reappears after washing and quarantine, it's deemed to be spreading and the affected item must be burned to maintain ritual purity and prevent further contamination.
Important Considerations:
Historical Context: It's crucial to interpret this verse within its historical and cultural context. The ancient Israelites had a complex system of ritual purity, and these laws were meant to maintain that purity and order within their society.
Modern Application: This verse is not meant to be taken literally in modern society. We have different understandings of disease and different methods of hygiene and sanitation.
Symbolic Meaning: Some religious scholars interpret these laws as having symbolic meaning beyond the literal instructions, relating to moral or spiritual purity.
It's important to consult with religious authorities or biblical scholars for deeper interpretations of this verse.
Leviticus 13:57 - and if it appears again in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is spreading. You shall burn with fire that in which the plague is.
What does "Leviticus 13:57" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 13:57 is part of a longer passage (Leviticus 13:47-59) dealing with skin diseases or "plagues" that appear on clothing or leather goods. It's important to understand that these "plagues" weren't necessarily the same as modern-day infections; they were likely various forms of mildew, mold, or other blemishes that could render the material ritually unclean.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"and if it appears again in the garment...": This refers back to the previous verses, which describe the process of examining a garment or leather item suspected of being infected with a "plague." If the affected area was washed and quarantined for seven days, and the "plague" seemed to disappear, it still wasn't considered clean. This verse addresses what happens if, after that washing and quarantine period, the "plague" reappears.
"...either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin...": This identifies where the "plague" is located:
Warp: The lengthwise threads in a woven fabric.
Woof: The threads woven across the warp to create the fabric.
Anything of skin: Leather or animal hide products. This broadens the scope beyond just woven garments.
"...it is spreading.": The reappearance of the "plague" indicates that it is indeed spreading or recurring, confirming its severity. The implication is that washing and quarantine were not effective in eradicating it.
"You shall burn with fire that in which the plague is.": This is the prescribed action. Because the "plague" is persistent and deemed unclean, the affected garment or leather item must be destroyed by fire. This was likely done for several reasons:
Ritual Purity: To maintain the ritual purity of the community. Contact with unclean objects could defile a person.
Preventing Spread: To prevent the potential spread of whatever was causing the "plague," whether it was a contagious infection (unlikely) or simply mold/mildew that could damage other possessions.
Finality: To ensure the "plague" was definitively eliminated and not simply hidden or dormant.
In summary:
The verse outlines a specific procedure for dealing with persistent "plagues" found on clothing or leather items. If the "plague" reappears after washing and quarantine, it's deemed to be spreading and the affected item must be burned to maintain ritual purity and prevent further contamination.
Important Considerations:
Historical Context: It's crucial to interpret this verse within its historical and cultural context. The ancient Israelites had a complex system of ritual purity, and these laws were meant to maintain that purity and order within their society.
Modern Application: This verse is not meant to be taken literally in modern society. We have different understandings of disease and different methods of hygiene and sanitation.
Symbolic Meaning: Some religious scholars interpret these laws as having symbolic meaning beyond the literal instructions, relating to moral or spiritual purity.
It's important to consult with religious authorities or biblical scholars for deeper interpretations of this verse.