And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.

LEVITICUS 13:58KJV
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Leviticus 13:58 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:58 mean?

Leviticus 13:58 explains that if a garment made of fabric or leather has been washed and the disease or stain is gone, the garment should be washed a second time and will then be considered clean. This verse gives a specific step for making sure clothing is free from ritual impurity after a suspected infection.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses instructions for the priests about how to handle garments that might have a kind of mold or mildew, which the text calls a "plague." The priests are told how to inspect, wash, and re-examine these items to decide if they are safe to use again. The verse shows the careful process for restoring something to a clean state in the community.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:58

  • "garment" (בֶּגֶד, beged): This word means any kind of clothing or fabric, showing that the rule applies broadly to what people wear or use.
  • "plague" (נֶגַע, negaʿ): This term refers to a mark, spot, or infection, not just a disease but any visible sign of impurity.
  • "wash" (כָּבַס, kavas): This verb means to wash or launder, pointing to a thorough cleaning process, not just a light rinse.
  • "clean" (טָהֵר, taher): This word means ritually pure, making clear the concern is not just physical cleanliness but also readiness for religious life.

Why Leviticus 13:58 matters

  • Leviticus 13:58 clarifies that ritual purity for garments required not just removal of visible stains but a repeated washing, emphasizing thoroughness and care.
  • The verse shows the priests’ role as inspectors and guardians of community health, not just leaders in worship.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section about purity laws, helping the reader see how everyday objects could affect spiritual and communal life in ancient Israel.

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:

“wash” 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.

“plague” Hebrew H5061 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 12:17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.
  • Leviticus 13:43 Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, if the rising of the sore be white reddish in his bald head, or in his bald forehead, as the leprosy appeareth in the skin of the flesh;
  • Leviticus 14:37 And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall;