And he shall look on the plague on the seventh day: if the plague be spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a skin, or in any work that is made of skin; the plague is a fretting leprosy; it is unclean.

LEVITICUS 13:51KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 13:51 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:51 mean?

Leviticus 13:51 explains that after seven days, a priest must inspect a garment or leather item suspected of having a spreading disease. If the infection has spread in the fabric or leather, it is considered a destructive form of leprosy and is declared unclean.

This verse is part of instructions given by God to Moses for the priests of Israel, teaching them how to identify and handle cases of ritual impurity, not just in people but also in clothing and leather goods. The focus here is on careful observation and the seriousness of any spreading contamination, which would make the item unsuitable for use in the community.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:51

  • "Plague" (נֶגַע, nega‘): This word refers to a mark, spot, or affliction, often understood as a sign of disease or impurity. In this context, it highlights that the concern is not just about health but also about ritual cleanliness.
  • "Fretting" (מָרֵט, maret): This word carries the sense of something corroding, eating away, or causing decay. It emphasizes that the disease is not superficial but actively damaging the material.
  • "Leprosy" (צָרַעַת, tsara‘at): In the Old Testament, this term covers a range of skin diseases and even mildew or mold on objects, not just what modern medicine calls leprosy. Here, it refers to a spreading, destructive condition in garments or leather.

Why Leviticus 13:51 matters

  • Leviticus 13:51 shows that ritual impurity in ancient Israel extended beyond people to objects, underlining the community’s concern for holiness and health in every aspect of life.
  • The verse clarifies that the priest’s role included careful inspection and decision-making, not just automatic condemnation, reflecting a process of discernment.
  • By calling the spreading disease "unclean," the verse connects to the broader theme of separation between clean and unclean in Leviticus, which shaped daily life and worship for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“fretting” Hebrew H3992 · used in 4 verses

  • 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 14:44 Then the priest shall come and look, and, behold, if the plague be spread in the house, it is a fretting leprosy in the house: it is unclean.
  • Ezekiel 28:24 And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

“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.

“spread” Hebrew H6581 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 13:5 And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:
  • Leviticus 13:23 But if the bright spot stay in his place, and spread not, it is a burning boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
  • Leviticus 13:36 Then the priest shall look on him: and, behold, if the scall be spread in the skin, the priest shall not seek for yellow hair; he is unclean.