And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

LEVITICUS 13:56KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 13:56 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:56 mean?

Leviticus 13:56 describes a priest inspecting a garment or item that had a suspected infection after it has been washed. If the mark looks darker but is still present, the priest is to tear out the affected part from the garment, leather, or woven material.

This instruction is part of a larger set of laws given to the Israelites about how to handle cases of "plague" or contamination, especially those that might spread disease. The priest acts as an inspector, deciding if the item can be saved by removing the infected section, rather than destroying the whole thing.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:56

  • "Plague" (נֶגַע, negaʿ): This word refers to a mark, spot, or infection—often understood as a sign of disease or impurity. Here, it means a suspicious spot on clothing or leather.
  • "Dark" (כֵּהֶה, keheh): This word means "dim" or "faded." The verse uses it to describe a mark that has changed appearance after washing, possibly indicating the infection is less severe but not gone.
  • "Rend" (קָרַע, qaraʿ): This word means "to tear out" or "cut away." The instruction is to physically remove the contaminated section, showing a practical approach to stopping the spread.

Why Leviticus 13:56 matters

  • Leviticus 13:56 shows that the priest’s role was not only spiritual but also practical, acting almost like a health inspector to protect the community.
  • The verse emphasizes that not every contaminated item had to be destroyed; there was room for careful examination and possible restoration, which balanced purity with resourcefulness.
  • This verse fits into a broader passage about ritual cleanliness, showing the detailed care given to prevent the spread of disease in everyday life, not just in people but in their belongings.

Where else these words appear

“dark” Hebrew H3544 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 13:6 And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dark, and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
  • Leviticus 13:26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:
  • 1 Samuel 3:2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

“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.

“washing” Hebrew H3526 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:
  • Leviticus 15:5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • Numbers 8:21 And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.