Tetter is a term historically used to describe various skin diseases characterized by itching and eruptions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or ringworm. In biblical times, skin conditions were often viewed with significant concern due to their potential for contagion and ritual impurity. The Bible addresses skin diseases in several passages, particularly in the context of the laws given to the Israelites.

Biblical Context

In the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. Leviticus 13 and 14 are dedicated to laws concerning "leprosy," a term that encompassed a range of skin conditions, not limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease. The priests were responsible for examining individuals with skin issues and determining their cleanliness or uncleanliness.

Leviticus 13:2-3 states: "When a person has a swelling or rash or bright spot on his skin that could become an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest. The priest is to examine the sore on his skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is an infectious skin disease. When the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean."

The term "tetter" would likely fall under the broader category of skin diseases described in these chapters. The meticulous process outlined in Leviticus underscores the importance of maintaining ritual purity and preventing the spread of disease within the community.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In ancient Israel, skin diseases carried not only physical implications but also social and religious ones. Those pronounced unclean were often isolated from the community to prevent contamination, as seen in Leviticus 13:45-46 : "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."

This separation served as a protective measure for the community and a period of reflection and potential healing for the afflicted individual. The process of cleansing and reintegration into the community, once healed, is detailed in Leviticus 14, emphasizing the restoration of both physical health and spiritual purity.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not specifically mention "tetter," it does address skin diseases in the context of Jesus' healing ministry. Jesus' interactions with lepers highlight His compassion and authority over physical ailments. 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, demonstrating His power to cleanse and restore.

These accounts reflect the broader biblical theme of healing and redemption, where physical healing often symbolizes spiritual restoration. Jesus' willingness to touch and heal those considered unclean underscores the transformative power of His ministry and the breaking down of barriers between the clean and unclean.

Conclusion

The biblical treatment of skin diseases, including conditions like tetter, reveals a deep concern for community health, ritual purity, and the compassionate nature of God's laws. Through both the Old and New Testaments, the handling of such diseases illustrates the intersection of physical and spiritual well-being, highlighting the importance of purity, healing, and restoration in the biblical narrative.1. (n.) A vesicular disease of the skin; herpes. See Herpes.

2. (v. t.) To affect with tetter.

TETTER

tet'-er (bohaq; alphos): The term "freckled spot" in the King James Version is thus rendered in the Revised Version (British and American). The eruption referred to in Leviticus 13:39 is a pale white spot on the skin. This is described by Gorraeus as an eruption arising from a diseased state of the system without roughness of skin, scales or ulceration. It did not render the sufferer unclean, although it is difficult of cure. The disease is commonly known by its Latin name vitiligo. Pliny recommended the use of capers and lupins to remove it.

See FRECKLED SPOT; LEPROSY.

933. bohaq -- tetter
... 932, 933. bohaq. 934 . tetter. Transliteration: bohaq Phonetic Spelling:
(bo'-hak) Short Definition: eczema. Word Origin from an ...
/hebrew/933.htm - 5k

3217. yallepheth -- scab, scurf (an eruptive disease)
... scabbed. From an unused root apparently meaning to stick or scrape; scurf or tetter --
scabbed. 3216, 3217. yallepheth. 3218 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3217.htm - 6k

Tetter (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A vesicular disease of the skin; herpes. See Herpes.
2. (vt) To affect with tetter. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TETTER. ...
/t/tetter.htm - 7k

Spot (42 Occurrences)
... frek'-'-ld, (bohaq; Septuagint alphos, called in the Revised Version (British and
American) "a tetter," and described as a bright shining spot (beharoth ...
/s/spot.htm - 24k

Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)

/t/tetrarch.htm - 9k

Fret (9 Occurrences)
... irritation; as, he keeps his mind in a continual fret. 13. (n.) Herpes;
tetter. 14. (n.) The worn sides of river banks, where ores ...
/f/fret.htm - 13k

Freckled (1 Occurrence)
... frek'-'-ld, (bohaq; Septuagint alphos, called in the Revised Version (British and
American) "a tetter," and described as a bright shining spot (beharoth ...
/f/freckled.htm - 7k

Eczema (3 Occurrences)
... of small vesicles, and the discharge of a watery exudation, which often dries up,
leaving the skin covered with crusts; -- called also tetter, milk crust, and ...
/e/eczema.htm - 7k

Spotted (9 Occurrences)
... iii.298), and are so rendered in the Revised Version (British and American). "Spot"
in Leviticus 13 is referred to under FRECKLED SPOT; LEPROSY; TETTER. ...
/s/spotted.htm - 12k

Leper (34 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) reads for freckled spot "tetter," an
old English word from a root implying itchiness (see Hamlet, I, v, 71). ...
/l/leper.htm - 28k

Leprosy (51 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) reads for freckled spot "tetter," an
old English word from a root implying itchiness (see Hamlet, I, v, 71). ...
/l/leprosy.htm - 37k

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