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 13:56KJVWhat 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.