And if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a plague of leprosy, and shall be shewed unto the priest:

LEVITICUS 13:49KJV
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Leviticus 13:49 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:49 mean?

Leviticus 13:49 explains that if a greenish or reddish spot appears in a garment, leather, or woven material, it is considered a plague of leprosy and must be shown to a priest for inspection. This verse sets out a process for identifying and handling suspicious discolorations in clothing or leather, treating them as potentially serious issues.

In this section of Leviticus, God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites about how to recognize and deal with various skin diseases and contaminations, not only on people but also on objects. The verse highlights the seriousness with which these signs were treated, as even garments could be considered ritually unclean and needed to be examined by a priest, who acted as the community's health and purity authority.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:49

  • "plague" (נֶגַע, nega‘): This word means an affliction or mark and is used here for any suspicious spot that could indicate ritual impurity.
  • "greenish" (יְרַקְרַק, yerakraq) and "reddish" (אָדְמָּם, adamdam): These words describe the specific colors that would raise concern. The unusual green or red hues in fabric or leather were seen as signs of contamination.
  • "leprosy" (צָרַעַת, tsara‘at): In this context, this word does not refer only to modern leprosy (Hansen’s disease), but to a range of skin and surface afflictions that caused impurity, including mold or mildew on objects.
  • "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): The priest was responsible for examining and making decisions about ritual purity, acting as both a spiritual and practical health official.

Why Leviticus 13:49 matters

  • This verse clarifies that ritual impurity in ancient Israel was not limited to people but could also affect clothing and objects, showing the broad concern for holiness and cleanliness.
  • It emphasizes the role of the priest as the community’s authority on health and ritual matters, not just religious ceremonies.
  • The verse helps explain the detailed and practical nature of Leviticus, which covers everyday life and not just worship practices, reflecting the close connection between physical and spiritual health in the Israelite community.

Where else these words appear

“greenish” Hebrew H3422 · used in 3 verses

  • Leviticus 14:37 And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall;
  • Psalms 68:13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

“reddish” Hebrew H125 · used in 6 verses

  • Leviticus 13:19 And in the place of the boil there be a white rising, or a bright spot, white, and somewhat reddish, and it be shewed to the priest;
  • Leviticus 13:24 Or if there be any flesh, in the skin whereof there is a hot burning, and the quick flesh that burneth have a white bright spot, somewhat reddish, or white;
  • Leviticus 13:43 Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, if the rising of the sore be white reddish in his bald head, or in his bald forehead, as the leprosy appeareth in the skin of the flesh;

“warp” Hebrew H8359 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 13:48 Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;
  • Leviticus 13:52 He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.
  • Leviticus 13:57 And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.

“woof” Hebrew H6154 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
  • Leviticus 13:52 He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.
  • Leviticus 13:57 And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.