Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, leprosy was a term used to describe a variety of skin diseases, not limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease. The condition held significant social and religious implications, as those afflicted were often isolated from the community and considered ceremonially unclean.Old Testament Context Leprosy is first mentioned in the context of the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 13 and 14, detailed instructions are given for diagnosing and managing leprosy. The priests were responsible for examining individuals and determining their status. If a person was found to have leprosy, they were declared unclean and required to live outside the camp, away from others, to prevent the spread of the disease and maintain the purity of the community. Leviticus 13:45-46 states, "A diseased person must wear torn clothes, let his hair hang loose, cover his mouth, and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp." The cleansing process for a healed leper is described in Leviticus 14, involving sacrifices and rituals to restore the individual to the community and religious life. This process underscores the importance of ritual purity and the role of the priesthood in maintaining the holiness of the people. Notable Old Testament Accounts One of the most notable accounts of leprosy in the Old Testament is the account of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy through the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5). Naaman's healing demonstrated God's power and the importance of obedience and faith. Another significant account is that of Miriam, the sister of Moses, who was struck with leprosy as a punishment for speaking against Moses. Her leprosy was a temporary affliction, and she was healed after Moses interceded on her behalf (Numbers 12:10-15). New Testament Context In the New Testament, leprosy continues to be a significant issue, with Jesus Christ performing several healings of lepers, demonstrating His compassion and divine authority. In Matthew 8:2-3 , a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I am willing," and heals him with a touch, saying, "Be clean!" This act not only restores the man's health but also reintegrates him into society and religious life. The healing of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 is another notable account. Jesus heals ten men afflicted with leprosy, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him, highlighting themes of gratitude and faith. Symbolism and Theological Implications Leprosy in the Bible often symbolizes sin and its effects. Just as leprosy isolates and defiles, sin separates individuals from God and the community. The healing of lepers by Jesus is seen as a sign of the coming of the Kingdom of God, where restoration and reconciliation are possible through Christ. The biblical treatment of lepers reflects the broader themes of purity, holiness, and the transformative power of God's grace. The laws and narratives surrounding leprosy emphasize the need for both physical and spiritual cleansing, pointing to the ultimate healing found in Jesus Christ. Greek 2390. iaomai -- to heal ... Is 53:4,5). : Lk 17:15: "Now one of them [ie the ten lepers], when he saw that he had been (2390 ), turned back, God with .". [2390 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2390.htm - 8k 3015. lepros -- scaly, leprous Strong's Hebrew 6879. tsara -- to be struck with leprosy, to be leprous... Origin denominative verb from tsaraath Definition to be struck with leprosy, to be leprous NASB Word Usage being a leper (1), leper (12), lepers (1), leprous (6 ... /hebrew/6879.htm - 6k Library The Ten Lepers One of Ten Lepers Cured is Grateful The Healing of the Ten Lepers Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom. The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ... On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ... Journey Continued through Samaria. (Luke, xvii. , 11, Seq. ) ... Where are the Nine? Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement. The Bishop at Work Thesaurus Lepers (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Lepers (8 Occurrences). Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. ... /l/lepers.htm - 9k Leprosy (51 Occurrences) Cleansed (76 Occurrences) Leper (34 Occurrences) Clean (298 Occurrences) Walking (189 Occurrences) Deaf (22 Occurrences) Preached (75 Occurrences) Proclaimed (114 Occurrences) Receive (350 Occurrences) Resources What is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of impurity in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why is leprosy talked about so much in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lepers (8 Occurrences)Matthew 10:8 Matthew 11:5 Luke 4:27 Luke 7:22 Luke 17:12 2 Samuel 3:29 2 Kings 7:3 2 Kings 7:8 Subtopics Patriotism: The Lepers of Samaria Related Terms |