Topical Bible: Leprosy: Infected: Garments

◄ Leprosy: Infected: Garments ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, leprosy extends beyond the physical affliction of individuals to include the contamination of garments. This concept is primarily addressed in the Old Testament, specifically within the Levitical laws, which provide detailed instructions on identifying and dealing with leprous garments. The term "leprosy" in the Bible often refers to a variety of skin diseases and conditions, and similarly, when applied to garments, it denotes a form of mold or mildew that affects clothing and other materials.

Biblical Instructions and Procedures

The primary scriptural reference for leprous garments is found in Leviticus 13:47-59. According to these verses, if a garment shows signs of mold or mildew, it is considered to be infected with leprosy. The passage provides a comprehensive procedure for the examination and treatment of such garments:

1. Identification: The priest is responsible for examining the garment. Leviticus 13:49 states, "If the mark in the garment, in the leather, in the warp or woof, or in any article of leather is greenish or reddish, it is a mark of leprosy and shall be shown to the priest."

2. Isolation: If the priest determines that the garment is indeed infected, it must be isolated for seven days. This period allows for observation to see if the infection spreads.

3. Re-examination: After the initial seven days, the priest examines the garment again. If the infection has spread, the garment is declared unclean. Leviticus 13:51 notes, "He shall examine the mark on the seventh day. If the mark has spread in the garment, in the warp or woof, or in the leather, whatever the purpose for which the leather is used, the mark is a leprous malignancy; it is unclean."

4. Destruction: A garment that is confirmed to be infected and has shown signs of spreading must be burned. Leviticus 13:52 instructs, "He shall therefore burn the garment, whether the warp or woof, in wool or in linen, or any article of leather in which the mark occurs, for it is a leprous malignancy. It shall be burned in the fire."

5. Cleansing: If the infection has not spread, the garment is washed and isolated for another seven days. If, after washing, the mark has not changed, the garment is unclean and must be burned. However, if the mark has faded, the garment is washed again and declared clean.

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications

The laws concerning leprous garments underscore the importance of purity and holiness in the community of Israel. Just as physical leprosy required separation and purification, so too did the contamination of garments. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God's people are called to be separate from impurity and sin.

The meticulous process of examination and cleansing highlights the seriousness with which God views purity. It serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual cleanliness. The destruction of infected garments symbolizes the eradication of sin and impurity from the community, ensuring that nothing unclean remains among God's people.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, garments were valuable possessions, often representing one's status and identity. The presence of leprosy in garments would not only render them unusable but also pose a threat to the community's health and spiritual well-being. The Levitical laws provided a means to protect the community from physical and spiritual contamination, reflecting the holistic approach to health and holiness in the biblical narrative.

The treatment of leprous garments, therefore, is not merely a matter of hygiene but a profound expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the call to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 13:47
The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woolen garment, or a linen garment;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

As in a Race Saw I the Disputers, the Children of Strife, [Trying] ...
... the pure wheat was mildewed, and devoured were the garments of glory! ... He infected
the flock, and the leprosy broke out, and the sheep became hired servants ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vii as in a.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... it was unfitting for certain special garments to be ... heretical doctrine is contagious
just as leprosy is, and ... the healthy parts from those that are infected. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

The First Book
... The many who are still somewhat infected by pagan ... themselves was even sufficient
to dignify their mean garments. ... of her sentence, and in her leprosy she paid ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... various and slippery, and as it were infected with the ... ourselves or be superclothed
with the garments of the ... also shall be delivered from the leprosy of its ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... The great delusion which like a deadly leprosy, has involved ... saying, Take away the
filthy garments from him ... hearts are also still filthy infected"'Though thou ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

part ii
My Life in Christ. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... in the mire at home.' The immoral taint infected the young ... it spreads over the soul,
as the leprosy does over ... 8:13) Where is Dorcas, with her garments she used ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm