An abscess is a localized collection of pus that occurs in tissues, organs, or confined spaces in the body, usually due to an infection. While the Bible does not specifically mention abscesses by name, it does address various skin diseases and conditions that could encompass abscesses, given the medical understanding of ancient times.

In the Old Testament, the laws concerning skin diseases are detailed extensively in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 13 provides instructions for the priests on how to examine and diagnose various skin conditions, which could include abscesses. The priests were responsible for determining whether a person was ceremonially clean or unclean based on the appearance and progression of the skin condition.

Leviticus 13:18-23 describes a situation that could be interpreted as an abscess: "When a boil appears on someone's skin and it heals, and in the place of the boil there is a white swelling or a reddish-white spot, it must be shown to the priest. The priest is to examine it, and if it appears to be more than skin deep and the hair in it has turned white, the priest shall pronounce the person unclean. It is a defiling skin disease that has broken out where the boil was. But if, when the priest examines it, there is no white hair in it and it is not more than skin deep and has faded, then the priest is to isolate them for seven days. If it is spreading in the skin, the priest shall pronounce them unclean; it is a defiling disease. But if the spot is unchanged and has not spread, it is only a scar from the boil, and the priest shall pronounce them clean."

The biblical approach to skin diseases, including conditions that might resemble abscesses, was both practical and spiritual. The isolation and examination procedures served to prevent the spread of infection and to maintain the purity of the community. The role of the priest as both a spiritual leader and a health inspector underscores the integration of physical and spiritual well-being in the biblical worldview.

In the New Testament, while abscesses are not directly mentioned, the healing ministry of Jesus Christ often involved curing various diseases and ailments, which could have included abscesses. Jesus' healing acts were signs of His divine authority and compassion. For instance, in Matthew 8:16-17 , it is recorded: "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Him, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took on our infirmities and carried our diseases.'"

The Bible's treatment of diseases, including those that might be identified as abscesses today, reflects a holistic view of health that encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions. The emphasis on cleanliness, community responsibility, and divine healing highlights the importance of addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of disease.2 Kings 20:7
And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That Maximian, Brought Low by a Fistulous Ulcer with Worms, Issued ...
... For suddenly an abscess appeared in the secret parts of his person, followed by
a deeply seated fistulous ulcer; and these diseases fastened with incurable ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lvii that maximian brought low.htm

The Misery of Man Without God
... We have another source of error in diseases. ... many think they are well when they are
near death, unconscious of approaching fever, or of the abscess ready to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ii the misery of.htm

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