This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

LEVITICUS 13:59KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 13:59 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:59 mean?

Leviticus 13:59 sets out the official rule for deciding whether a piece of clothing made from wool, linen, or animal skin is clean or unclean if it shows signs of a disease called leprosy. The verse explains that this law helps the priests determine if such garments should be declared clean or unclean.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites about handling suspected cases of leprosy (a broad term for skin diseases) not just in people, but also in garments. The verse wraps up a section describing how priests should inspect clothing for signs of contamination and make a final decision about its status. This law was important for keeping the community safe from disease and maintaining ritual purity.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:59

  • "law" (תּוֹרָה, torah): This word means instruction or teaching, not just a legal rule. Here, it emphasizes that these are God-given guidelines for the priests to follow, not just human regulations.
  • "plague" (נֶגַע, nega‘): This term refers to a mark, spot, or affliction. In this context, it means any suspicious spot or growth on clothing, not just what we think of as leprosy today.
  • "leprosy" (צָרַעַת, tsara‘at): In biblical times, this word covered a range of skin diseases and even mildew or mold in garments and houses, not just the disease known as leprosy now.
  • "clean" (טָהֵר, taher) and "unclean" (טָמֵא, tame): These words are about ritual status, not hygiene. A garment declared "unclean" had to be destroyed, while a "clean" one could be used safely.

Why Leviticus 13:59 matters

  • Leviticus 13:59 clarifies that the laws about leprosy applied not only to people but also to objects like clothing, showing how seriously ritual purity was taken in ancient Israel.
  • The verse highlights the priest’s role as both a spiritual and practical authority, responsible for protecting the community’s health and holiness.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the broader context in Leviticus, where purity laws are not just about personal health but about maintaining the community’s relationship with God.

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:

“linen” Hebrew H6593 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 13:47 The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
  • Joshua 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
  • Ezekiel 40:3 And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

“woollen” Hebrew H6785 · used in 16 verses

  • Leviticus 13:47 The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
  • 2 Kings 3:4 And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
  • Ezekiel 27:18 Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.