Lexical Summary pechetheth: Pit, trap, snare Original Word: פְחֶתֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fret inward From the same as pachath; a hole (by mildew in a garment) -- fret inward. see HEBREW pachath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as pachath Definition a boring or eating out NASB Translation eating away (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְּחֶ֫תֶת noun feminine a boring or eating out; — Leviticus 13:55, of leprous decay in garment. Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe single appearance of פְחֶתֶת occurs within the regulations for examining mildew or mold in garments (Leviticus 13:55). The priest’s declaration that such fabric is “unclean” underscores that holiness in Israel embraced not only personal conduct but also the objects that surrounded covenant life. Contaminated cloth, much like diseased flesh, served as a living parable of impurity that must not coexist with the divine presence among the people. Historical Background Mold carried serious social and economic implications in the ancient Near East. Textiles were costly, and woven fibers were difficult to replace. Yet the Mosaic law commanded that even valuable garments be destroyed if the corruption remained after washing. By placing purity above material loss, the legislation taught Israel that worship of Yahweh demanded radical separation from decay, however inconvenient or costly (cf. Exodus 19:6). Symbolic Significance of Corrosive Decay The Hebrew term evokes inward erosion—a hidden rot that eventually surfaces. In Leviticus 13, the spreading stain mirrors the effect of sin: subtle at first, relentless if unchecked. “A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough” (1 Corinthians 5:6), and mildew in cloth graphically illustrated how moral and spiritual corruption defiles the entire community. The burning of the garment foreshadows the ultimate judgment reserved for unrepentant impurity (Isaiah 66:24; Revelation 21:8). Priestly Ministry and the Call to Discernment Priests were charged to inspect garments carefully after washing. The meticulous process exhibits two crucial ministry principles: (1) cleansing must be tested, not assumed; and (2) final decisions rest on objective evidence, not sentiment. Modern pastoral care similarly requires patient, discerning examination (Galatians 6:1), ensuring that apparent reform is genuine and that spiritual contagion is not allowed to linger among God’s people. Foreshadowing New-Covenant Cleansing While Leviticus commands the destruction of the defiled fabric, the New Testament proclaims a more comprehensive remedy. “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 5:25–26). What fire accomplished for stained garments, the cross accomplishes for sinners—yet with restoration rather than mere removal. The imagery invites believers to seek continual sanctification so that they may “be found spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). Contemporary Application 1. Vigilance against hidden decay: Private compromise, like unseen mildew, spreads until it disfigures the whole life (James 1:15). Summary פְחֶתֶת, though mentioned only once, powerfully reinforces the biblical theme that holiness requires decisive action against corruption. The priestly judgment of Leviticus 13:55 reminds every generation that God’s people must detect, confront, and eradicate moral decay, while trusting the perfect cleansing provided through Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations פְּחֶ֣תֶת פחתת pə·ḥe·ṯeṯ peChetet pəḥeṯeṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 13:55 HEB: בָּאֵ֖שׁ תִּשְׂרְפֶ֑נּוּ פְּחֶ֣תֶת הִ֔וא בְּקָרַחְתּ֖וֹ NAS: it in the fire, whether an eating away has produced bareness KJV: it in the fire; it [is] fret inward, [whether] it [be] bare within INT: the fire shall burn an eating he the top 1 Occurrence |
    |