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.

LEVITICUS 13:57KJV
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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.

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 13:56 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:

“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 13:56 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:

“still” Hebrew H5750 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
  • Genesis 46:30 And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
  • Judges 2:14 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

“spreading” Hebrew H6524 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Numbers 17:8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
  • Isaiah 27:6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.