And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;

LEVITICUS 13:53KJV
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Leviticus 13:53 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:53 mean?

Leviticus 13:53 says that if the priest examines a garment suspected of having a spreading disease and sees that the affected area has not spread in the fabric or leather, this is an important observation in the process of determining ritual cleanliness. The verse is part of instructions for priests to carefully inspect clothing for signs of a specific kind of contamination.

In this setting, God is giving Moses and Aaron detailed rules for identifying and handling "plagues" (mildew, mold, or some skin disease) in garments. The priest (a religious leader, not just a medical examiner) is responsible for looking closely at the garment, whether it is woven (warp or woof) or made of leather, to see if the problem is getting worse. This careful inspection is part of a larger process to protect the community from impurity.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:53

  • "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the religious official responsible for making judgments about ritual purity, showing that these matters were handled with spiritual as well as practical concern.
  • "look" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This verb means to examine or inspect carefully, highlighting the priest’s active role in observing changes rather than making assumptions.
  • "plague" (נֶגַע, nega'): This word often means a mark, spot, or affliction, and here it refers to a visible contamination in the garment, not a disease in the modern sense.
  • "spread" (פָּרַח, parakh): This verb means to spread or grow, so the priest is checking whether the contamination is staying put or getting worse.

Why Leviticus 13:53 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priest’s decision is based on careful observation over time, not just a one-time glance, which emphasizes fairness and thoroughness in matters of ritual purity.
  • The verse shows that the laws about "plagues" in garments are not just about health, but about maintaining the community’s spiritual cleanliness and order.
  • Understanding the specific terms for "warp," "woof," and "skin" helps modern readers see how detailed and practical these ancient instructions were, covering all types of materials people used daily.

Where else these words appear

“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 13:51 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 13:57 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 13:51 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 13:57 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.

“either” Hebrew H176 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 24:49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.
  • Exodus 21:31 Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
  • 2 Samuel 18:13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.