What is the meaning of Leviticus 13:58?

If the mildew disappears

• The process starts with evidence of change: “the mildew disappears.” This matches the earlier stipulation, “the priest is to inspect the mark” (Leviticus 13:50).

• God required visible proof before declaring anything clean, underscoring that holiness is measured, not assumed (cf. Leviticus 13:17, 14:48).

• Spiritually, repentance has to be observable—“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).

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from the fabric, weave, or knit

• “Fabric, weave, or knit” covers every kind of cloth (Leviticus 13:48). Nothing is exempt; God’s standard touches every texture of life.

• The detail reminds us that sin’s reach is comprehensive, so cleansing must be equally thorough (James 2:10; 1 Corinthians 5:6).

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or any leather article

• Leather often symbolized durability. Even the sturdiest items could harbor impurity (Leviticus 13:49, 59).

• No possession, tradition, or personal strength is immune; all must submit to God’s inspection (Isaiah 64:6; Philippians 3:7-8).

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after washing

• The initial washing (Leviticus 13:54-55) illustrates that cleansing begins with obedience to God’s revealed means.

• Water consistently pictures purification—“wash yourselves, make yourselves clean” (Isaiah 1:16) and “let us draw near… having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

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then it is to be washed again

• A second washing stresses perseverance. One rinse was not enough; holiness is maintained, not momentary (Numbers 19:19; 2 Kings 5:14).

• Believers keep returning to the Word—our soul’s continual laver (Ephesians 5:26; John 15:3).

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and it will be clean

• After the prescribed steps, God Himself declares the article clean (Leviticus 13:17). Assurance follows obedience.

• This foreshadows the gospel promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

• When God pronounces “clean,” no stain remains—“What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean” (Acts 10:15).

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summary

Leviticus 13:58 teaches that genuine cleansing is observable, thorough, and confirmed by God. Every kind of material—no matter how common or durable—must undergo repeated washing until the Lord Himself pronounces it clean. In Christ, that same pattern is fulfilled: visible repentance, continual reliance on His Word, and the final, authoritative verdict—clean.