Lexical Summary yallepheth: Scab, Scaly eruption Original Word: יַלֶּפֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance scabbed From an unused root apparently meaning to stick or scrape; scurf or tetter -- scabbed. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition scab, scurf (an eruptive disease) NASB Translation scabs (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַלֶּ֫פֶת noun feminine scab, scurf, an eruptive disease, Leviticus 21:20; Leviticus 22:22 (in both "" גָּרָב). ילק (√ of following; meaning dubious; Thes and others compare לקק lick; Arabic Topical Lexicon Definition and Occurrences יַלֶּפֶת (yallepheth) designates an eruptive skin disorder that produces crusted lesions—rendered “scabs” in the Berean Standard Bible. The term appears only twice, both in the holiness legislation of Leviticus (Leviticus 21:20; Leviticus 22:22). Context within Levitical Law 1. Priestly Qualifications (Leviticus 21:17-23) “No man who has any defect may come near… or who has festering sores or scabs” (Leviticus 21:18-20). Priests with yallepheth were barred from entering the sanctuary to offer the bread of God. The restriction does not diminish personal worth; rather, it preserves the symbolic integrity of the sacrificial system. As mediators, priests embodied the wholeness God requires, foreshadowing the perfect High Priest. 2. Acceptable Offerings (Leviticus 22:17-25) “You are not to present to the LORD an animal that is… maimed, or has a running sore, festering rash or scabs” (Leviticus 22:22). Sacrificial animals had to be without blemish, reflecting the unblemished character of the God they represented and prefiguring the flawless sacrifice of Christ (1 Peter 1:19). Medical and Historical Background Ancient physicians used similar Semitic roots for scurvy-like skin eruptions and chronic eczema. In the arid Near-Eastern environment, nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, and poor hygiene could foster such lesions. The visible, crusted nature of yallepheth made it a potent symbol of impurity in a culture that taught holiness through tangible categories of clean and unclean. Theological Implications • Holiness and Wholeness: The exclusion of yallepheth underscores the biblical link between physical integrity and ritual purity. Wholeness in the body teaches wholeness of heart (Psalm 24:3-4). Typological Significance in Christology Yallepheth’s presence in both priestly and sacrificial regulations weaves a single thread: God requires an undefiled minister and an undefiled offering. Jesus alone satisfies both demands—our High Priest without spot and the Lamb without blemish (Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19). The Levitical prohibitions therefore magnify the sufficiency of His atoning work. Practical and Pastoral Applications • Call to Personal Purity: Though modern believers are not bound by ceremonial statutes, the moral principle endures: those who serve should pursue integrity (1 Timothy 3:2). Intertextual Connections Isaiah likens Israel’s sin to untreated sores (Isaiah 1:6), employing imagery akin to yallepheth to expose covenant infidelity. Conversely, prophetic promises of healing (Isaiah 53:5) and the New Testament ministry of cleansing (Luke 17:14) reveal God’s redemptive answer to humanity’s deeper defilement. Through the brief but pointed appearances of יַלֶּפֶת, Scripture weaves together themes of holiness, atonement, and restoration, preparing hearts to recognize and receive the ultimate scar-bearing yet unblemished Savior. Forms and Transliterations יַלֶּ֔פֶת ילפת yal·le·p̄eṯ yalLefet yallep̄eṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 21:20 HEB: גָרָב֙ א֣וֹ יַלֶּ֔פֶת א֖וֹ מְר֥וֹחַ NAS: eczema or scabs or crushed KJV: or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones INT: eczema or scabs or crushed Leviticus 22:22 2 Occurrences |
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