Leviticus 13:57 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:57 mean?

Leviticus 13:57 explains that if a sign of disease still appears in a piece of clothing, whether in the threads running lengthwise (warp), crosswise (woof), or in any leather item, it is considered a spreading infection, and the affected item must be completely burned with fire. This instruction is part of the laws given to the Israelites about how to handle contagious skin diseases and mildew.

In this verse, God is giving Moses and Aaron specific instructions for the priests to follow when inspecting garments for signs of contamination. The focus is on preventing the spread of disease by destroying anything that cannot be cleansed. The verse uses practical language to address a real concern in ancient community life: keeping people safe from infectious conditions by removing contaminated materials.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:57

• "appear" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means "to be seen" or "to become visible." Here, it stresses the importance of careful inspection by the priest to determine if the problem persists.
• "spreading" (פָּרַח, parach): This word means "to spread" or "to break out." It highlights that the issue is not contained but is actively growing, which is why drastic action is required.
• "burn" (שָׂרַף, saraph): This means "to burn" or "to destroy with fire." The command to burn the item shows the seriousness of stopping the spread of disease, leaving no chance for it to infect others.
• "plague" (נֶגַע, nega'): This word refers to a mark, spot, or affliction, often used for diseases or conditions that require special attention in Leviticus.

Why Leviticus 13:57 matters

• Leviticus 13:57 clarifies that the concern is not just with people but also with objects that could carry and spread disease, showing a practical approach to public health in ancient Israel.
• The verse emphasizes the thoroughness required in dealing with contamination—if the problem remains after attempts to clean, the only solution is complete destruction.
• This instruction connects to the wider passage by showing the priest’s role as both a spiritual and practical guardian for the community, responsible for making decisions that protect everyone’s well-being.